It is well.
Sometimes, anxiety creeps in.
Most recently, I had a couple of nightmares about the first day of school. Believe it or not, students aren't the only ones who can become nervous about what the first day will hold. For teachers, first day of school is crucial in setting the tone for the year. In my nightmare, I was late to school, I had no lesson planned, and my students would not stop using their cellphones. It was all silly nonsense, but it was an unpleasant dream nonetheless.
In my first blog post, I mentioned how teaching is the perfect occupation for me. God has taught me so many lessons through it, and I'm confident those lessons will continue until I'm guided onto a new path. While my nightmare was specific to teaching, I know I'm not the only one who has fear or anxiety settle in unannounced. My fears and anxieties pop up when I consider the unknown future - what the next school year holds, how I will do in my grad school classes, or if I will be a good mother one day. I have no clue how each of these things will unfold, but there are two truths to which I cling.
All things are for my good.
Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Each circumstance I meet is for my good. Every trial, victory, tribulation, disappointment, and happy occasion is for my good. Whether I understand the situation or not, it is for my good.
We have a good Father, whose thoughts and ways are far above human understanding. He wants to help us think like Him and see the world like Him. When I lack understanding, I will still trust that He is for me and operates for my good. I will rejoice in the fact that He continues to renew my mind and transform me into His image.
There is nothing I lack as His child.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." Psalm 23:1
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
Our great Provider knows exactly what we need before we cry out. He is our comforter, and we do not need to fear. He delights in giving His children all good things and desires our renewed understanding of who we are in Him. He lacks nothing, and He dwells within us. Therefore, we lack nothing in Him.
When I meet a situation where I need peace, He supplies. When I begin to despair, He supplies my joy. If I am lured by hate, He supplies love. If the enemy desires to leave me hopeless, my Father supplies abundant hope. All these gifts and more are mine if I only ask.
Because of these truths, I can gladly sing to my Father, "It is well with my soul." Thus, I find it fitting to end with the words to the beautiful hymn so titled by Horatio Spafford.
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well
With my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.