The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.—PSALM 118:5 ESV
Caregiving drains physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As we put forth all our effort, we may each wonder, Will I have enough strength to complete this task?
When our bodies and spirits weaken, our prayers—even the most desperate ones—often become more powerful. In our emptiness, as we ask, “Lord, how much more can I bear?” He comes immediately to our aid.
God knows every need of His overburdened people. And though we may not be able to spend much time in Bible study, church attendance, and prayer, He still watches over us, listening carefully for our most helpless communications. Then He answers powerfully, in ways He may never have responded in less-demanding times.
We don’t need to pray perfectly or read six chapters of scripture a day before caring for our loved ones. Nor do we need to give up all our sparse personal time. God knows the service we provide and He blesses us for it—perhaps well beyond what we feel we deserve.
The One whose “‘steadfast love endures forever’ ” (Psalm 118:4 ESV) never deserts those He loves. He sets us free—even in the midst of our many chores, responsibilities, and impossible days. We can call on Him and feel His freedom no matter what our days include.
Thank You, Lord, for listening and responding to all my troubles.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)