Do you need a Moses basket?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2

That is one of my go-to scriptures whenever I am stressed and anxious.

Stress: An emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension.

When thoughts of a pending crisis take over, my anxiety tells my body it’s time to stand at attention for the next stressful thing I will have to deal with. My neck and shoulders carry knots of worry.

Anxiety: Nervousness about an anticipated crisis.

Can you relate to ever feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious?

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22.

Has your spirit ever felt crushed? Mine has. The more I thought about what had happened, the more I anticipated that things “might” get worse, and the crushing continued until I felt like my nerves were worn to a frazzle. Can you relate?

Can I be honest and transparent for a moment? I’ve always struggled with the scripture:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT

I’ve tried so hard to do that, but worrying is just part of my inner design. That’s my point.

I tell myself not to worry, but I still struggle. I’ve often said that somewhere along the course of my life, I signed up for the crisis-of-the-month club. How do I unsubscribe?

I’ve thought about the scripture in Romans 12:2 about transforming our minds.

If only renewing my mind were like flipping a switch. I’m truly working on it. I’ve learned to pray honest prayers. “God, I don’t understand what I’m going through, but I trust you will be with me. Thank you for your presence, which helps to calm my anxious mind and heart. Amen.” It’s a simple but honest prayer.

A few years ago, I read a social media post that helped transform my mind. It was written by a mother who was struggling with her adult child’s decisions. In the article, she wrote how she had learned to put her child in a Moses basket (Read Exodus 2) and cast him into the unknown waters and say to God, “You love him more than I do, please protect and care for him and bring him to safety.” You see, we are called to be parents, but our children were God’s first.

That article has stayed with me over the years in so many situations, not just for my children but in any major crisis. Anything that overwhelms me, I hand over to God, putting my worries in that basket and casting it upon the unknown waters of life. I’d say my basket has become worn over the years, but it can still hold a lot of worries.

Does worrying make me any less of a woman of Faith? I think not. It drives me to trust God and stay close to His Word. Scripture is truly my foundation. Add an old hymn like “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and I can feel my body start to relax. I take deep breaths, and as I breathe in, I pray, “Lord, I trust you.” As I let go of that breath, I pray, “Thank you for your presence in my life and for how you’ve brought me through every crisis.”

At 70, I am a work in progress when it comes to letting go of the worries I was never meant to carry. Read that again … never meant to carry.

There is a song I often turn to when I feel anxious and worried. It’s “He Will Hold Me Fast,” sung by Keith and Kristyn Getty. His promises shall last. For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.

So, I ask you: what are you holding that is not yours to bear? Who or what do you need to put into a Moses basket?

Maybe we all need a little renewing of our minds as well as a mental Moses basket.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.