The older I get, the harder it is to put my trust in God. At the young age of 24, my life is just starting to become increasingly… real. Any young adult knows how I feel. There’s the never-ending student loans, the black hole of paying rent, and the exciting/terrifying purchase of your first home. Your work and romantic relationships become more important and friendships become harder to maintain due to differences in lifestyles. Not to mention that you actually have to consciously exercise and eat healthily.
Gone are the days of handing your parents your problems and here to stay are the years of soul-crushing reality.
Thankfully, the more reality sets in, the more rewarding it has become to put my trust in God. Yes, I have all of these new and overwhelming things entering my life, but I’ve also become better at relying on the strength that is not my own.
I have finally come to a point in my faith that I understand that as long as I trust in God, everything will be okay. I understand through consistent communication with God that His plan for me is so much greater than any plan I’ve had for myself. Yes, everything new and scary is still new and scary, but by putting my trust in God, I have the ability to have stress and peace at the same time.
Still, I am human, so having faith in God is not my initial reaction to my fears. I panic and a million works-ending scenarios run through my mind. The difference is that now when I feel myself worrying, I pray.
I no longer hand my parents my problems and walk away; I talk to them about my problems and listen to their advice. Similarly, I don’t just say, “You can take care of this one, God.” I talk to God about how to handle the situation. I ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. I listen to Jesus’ willingness to give everything to God.
My fears are nothing compared to the strength of God. So why wouldn’t I put my trust in Him? Why wouldn’t I borrow the strength that He so willingly provides?
Today’s first reading reminded me that I don’t have to shoulder the burdens of life alone. Jesus died for my sins, but he also died for my struggles. Our God does not only exist in the clouds… He has not forgotten about us. He is ever-present in each and every one of our lives.
Today, make it a point to have a conversation with God in which you voice your concerns. Tell him about your struggles. Be vulnerable. Borrow his strength. Ask for his advice.
Then, in silence, listen.
Veronica Alvarado is a born and raised Texan currently living in Michigan. Since graduating from Texas A&M University, Veronica has published various articles in the Catholic Diocese of Austin’s official newspaper, the Catholic Spirit, and other local publications. She now works as the Content Specialist in Diocesan’s Web Department.
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