“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
I performed my first wedding two days ago. I still can’t believe that I can now add marrying someone to my resume. Wonderful friends who honored me when they asked me to join them together in Holy Matrimony.
It was a beautiful ceremony. The sun was shining. It overlooked the James River. There was a beach and an arbor. Everyone’s hearts were full of love.
I was nervous. As I walked to my place to begin the ceremony, I had a simple prayer. “Help me Lord. Help me honor You. Help me honor them.”
He surely did. As I opened my mouth to speak, I was amazed at the words that left my mouth. They sounded sure and confident. They sounded like I had done this a million times. I even ad libbed a joke. It all felt so surreal. I wasn’t sure if it was even me.
It wasn’t me. It was all God.
He honored that prayer in such a wonderful way. I’m still reeling in amazement. Grateful for how He showed up for me. Thankful for the honor of being able to bless two dear friends in such a special way!
I cast my anxiety onto Him and He showed me how much He cared, not only for me, but for them as well.
That’s how easy it is to cast your anxieties onto Him. A simple plea for help. He’s just waiting to show us how much He cares.
This Memorial Day I can’t help but think of all the prayers our military men and women have lifted to Him. I am so humbled by the sacrifices they make every day for someone like me.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
There are men and women who are doing that for me today. There are men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that I could live in a land of freedom.
I spent this weekend free. In addition to performing my first wedding, I played cornhole and golf. I camped with my friends and family. I cooked out and even went to the batting cage. All because men and women who don’t even know me are willing to sacrifice their lives for me.
I am humbled by your sacrifice. I am thankful for your commitment. Words cannot express the deep gratitude that I have for your service. I can never repay you for giving me such a gift.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you! My prayer for you is this, the Psalm of Protection:
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Land of the Free
