By Tonya S. Swindell

“Lord, I’m a Mom, and my kids start school tomorrow. Were You really talking to me when You said, “’Be anxious for nothing?”

That was the question I asked God during the Sunday night conversation I had with Him as I loaded book bags and ironed clothes. I listened for God’s response, which was: “Yep. I was talking to Moms too when I said, ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto Me and My peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through my Son, Jesus.’” (Philippians 4:6-7). I still felt unsettled after I heard His answer so I changed the lyrics of an Erica Campbell gospel song into my personal prayer: “Help! Help! Lord, I need Your help!”

I want my kids to do well and exceed expectations. I want them to present themselves as smart children with good manners. I want them to have fun and enjoy life now and in the future. I want them to love themselves and others, and to be all that God called them to be. That’s a lot of “wanting,” so I definitely need the Lord’s help.

No matter how much I pray, I feel the need to continue praying for my husband, myself and others who have influence in my kids’ lives. I even pray for my children’s future spouses and in-laws. I have no idea who they are, but I’m praying for them, because I believe God desires to bless us all with rich, God-honoring relationships.

I’m hopeful that as my kids grow into adulthood they will appreciate the foundation their Mom and Dad laid for them with love. Our job is to start our children off on the way they should go so when they are old they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Although I still get nervous and wonder whether I’m doing enough to nurture and mold our children, I believe God sees my heart and knows my desire to do what’s best for them. He also knows the plans He has to prosper my family and give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

A very wise person said, “Do your best and God will do the rest.” As a Mom I try to do my best, but I also have a lot to learn. I believe God will help me and my husband as we pray and seek wise counsel concerning our children.

As we trust God instead of worrying, we can teach our children to trust Him and be anxious for nothing.

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.