One of my kids’ favorite books was The Berenstains Bears’ Picnic. At one point in this humorous little tale, Papa Bear, who is having trouble finding the perfect picnic spot, commands his son: “Now stop asking questions! Be quiet! Stop stewing! Your father knows what he is doing!”

Of course, he doesn’t, so it’s not a fair command, but as I read this to my kids, it hit me that my Father in heaven does know what he’s doing.

Does that mean I should never feel upset? No. After all, Jesus was in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hours before the cross, Jesus looked ahead to the suffering he would face and his separation from his Father, and he was “deeply grieved, even to death” (Mark 14:34). But there’s no hint that Jesus was afraid that somehow God’s plan would fail in the end, that he, Jesus, would endure the suffering for no reason and be left in the grave. While Jesus was in turmoil, his trust never wavered.

I find comfort in that example because when trials hit, I need to know that even though I am hurting and even though I get upset, I can sob and voice how I feel but still submit to God and put my trust in him. I might not like where I am, but God has promised victory in the end. And because his promises are sure, I can be quiet and stop stewing; my Father knows what he’s doing.

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV