Read: Psalm 29

Adrian dragged his toe in the dirt as the swing went back and forth, back and forth. He was hardly swinging at all.

“Isn’t swinging supposed to put a smile on your face?”

Adrian looked up and cracked a grin. It was his neighbor, Mr. Snyder.

“I saw you sitting here as I walked by and noticed you seem a bit down,” Mr. Snyder said as he took a vacant swing. “What’s nagging at you?”

“Just some stuff I have going on at school.” Adrian kicked at the dirt again. “I can’t seem to stop worrying about it.”

“I see,” said Mr. Snyder. “That reminds me of something that happened to me last hunting season.”

“What was that?” Adrian asked.

“Well,” Mr. Snyder began, “I had tracked a herd of elk to the top of a hill when a thunderstorm came out of nowhere. By the time I reached the top, thunder was crashing and the elk were gone. I crouched behind a rock, wondering what I should do, when suddenly, just a few yards from me, lightning struck the ground!”

Adrian’s eyes opened wide. “Whoa! What did you do?”

Mr. Snyder laughed. “I ran down the hill like crazy! Never stopped running until I reached my truck and jumped inside. What a storm! But you know what I realized? While I was running down that hill, I was so consumed with the power of the storm that never once did I think of anything else. And that taught me a lesson.”

“I need to think about storms and then I won’t worry?” asked Adrian in surprise.

Mr. Snyder shook his head. “The more we fill our minds with thoughts about God’s awesome power and greatness and remember He is present with us, the less room we have for worry.”

“Oh,” Adrian said. “How do we do that?”

“Praying, reading the Bible, and going to church can help us focus our minds on Jesus and His promise to always be with us. He loves you so much He died for you, Adrian, and He wants you to bring your worries to Him. I think you should also talk to your parents about what’s going on so they can help too.”

Adrian hopped off the swing. “Thanks, Mr. Snyder! I’m gonna go home and do that right now!”

–Rebecca Thomas

How about you? Are there things going on at school or home that you’re worried about? Is your mind often filled with what-ifs? Whatever it is, God can handle it. He has power over everything and loves you more than you can imagine. When you’re struggling with worry, focus your mind on Jesus. Lay your worries at His feet and trust Him to help you—and share your worries with an adult who can help too.

Today's Key Verse: Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Fill your mind with God’s greatness