By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Most of us have heard the story of “how to catch a monkey.” Find a jar with an opening large enough for a monkey’s hand to enter when the jar is empty. Yet, the opening also needs to be small enough that when the monkey’s fist is full he/she cannot pull it out. Then put something in the jar that monkeys love, a honey comb for instance.

Bottom line, here, is that a monkey becomes so fully absorbed with its need for the thing it desires that it will not let go once grasped. So the monkey is easily captured.

The story shows how our self-serving desires often capture us when we will not let go. That desire could end our freedom, or even our lives.

I am learning currently of another way we can get stuck when big uncertainties roll down on our well planned lives. We definitely feel out of control and “what if” questions can become huge, over-shadowing the totality of my comfort zone—even interrupting sleep.

Cancer is rattling around loose in our house. My once nice, little life held comfort as I had my tendency to get anxious under control. Now, I am battling in prayer for what I want! And, I don’t want to lose this battle. At times it has felt like maybe God isn’t noticing what is going on.

Anxiety can get us stuck as much as bad habits. God does not want believers to fear, but rather to trust. 

This morning I read in the Bible, “Whosever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil,” (Proverbs 1:31). I think, I am listening and trusting in most areas of my life, but with ‘this one’ my knees shake here and there. I have no control—and there is no way I can imagine losing this loved one!

What helps is realizing what is true. James 1:1-6 makes it clear that when a trial comes along that is strong enough to test our faith we can rejoice because something great can happen: Patience can grow. And patience with what life brings opens doors through which we can reach deeper into our faith, reminding ourselves that God loves us so much. He knows what is best for us when we put our trust in Him.

I am reminded of a time earlier life when I was selling real estate in Boise, Idaho, making more money than I ever dreamed of making, I stopped at the chapel of our church while on the way to the bank. As I walked in the door, I heard these words as clearly as if they had been spoken aloud, “Lay your purse on the altar.” That was a shock. Given some time to rethink things, I knelt and did exactly that.

Self-sufficiency can blind us. Life can become so easy through good management and can produce great comfort. At this point it seems clear that we do not grow at our best rate when fully comfortable.

What has become evident within my current grasping for life to be “normal again” is the fact the “faith walk” calls for laying every concern of life on the altar (symbolically). Peace of heart comes through loosening our grip . . . letting go, letting God be in control of all aspects of life.

About the author: Joy Le page Smith, MA is a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain. Visit Healing-with-Joy.com for Joy’s blog along with many helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties. Her books and blogs are read in up to 32 countries.