It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken.” … You will be called, “My delight is in her”… for the Lord delights in you. —ISAIAH 62:4 NASB
When we commit to caring for a family member or friend in times of physical and/or mental illness, we often don’t realize that we may feel forsaken by other family members or friends. Sometimes the care demands so much of us that we no longer have time to connect with those who are closest to us. We are totally wrapped up in the needs of the one we are caring for.
We do need to learn to pace ourselves, to make time to find renewal emotionally and physically. But sometimes that’s not possible. When others seem to forget we exist outside of our “patients,” we need to remember we have One who is always with us.
God says He continues to delight in us. He never forsakes us, even when we are too busy to spend time with Him. He rejoices over us, gives us strength to continue on, and cares for us.
Friends and family may fail us, but God never does. He is the “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NASB).
Father, please help me to take the time to be with a friend or family member today, to restore relationships, to strengthen my support group. But most of all, help me remember that You are always near to strengthen and encourage me—because You love me, because You delight in me.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”—Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.—1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.—1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NLT)
