God Loves the Caregiver Study

In some ways some of us have found ourselves expectedly or unexpectedly caring for someone in some way or fashion. 

This can come in all forms, from caring for children, the disabled, the elderly or the sick.

This is a basic description but it entails way more for some.

It was only a few years ago that I had it pointed out that what I was doing was not only compassionate but a ministry.

For awhile I found that hard to wrap my mind around but I came to realize that we are the closest thing they have to Christ's example if they are homebound.

Our words of encouragement and support give them the means to know that God has the right prescription for what ails them either Physically or Spiritually.

This also goes for the caregiver as well especially in trying times even when the loved one you're caring for tries you. 

God understands and lends us support and hears our pleas when we make them.

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( I found these scriptures above to be particularly helpful when I have struggled.)

This life is difficult and can be very isolating which insulates you from the world and can result in making you an outcast as much as the one you care for.

The world at large unless they are in this position themselves, don't really understand the emotional and physical toll it takes on the caregiver. 

I was fortunate in the past to be connected to people who were in that position themselves and could draw on them for support and encouragement.

I strongly urge you if you are feeling alone than connect with others who are going through this and lift each other up. 

My prayer for you is that you come to know that you are not walking this alone but that Jesus is walking beside you.

Despite this circumstance, there is the promise that God makes to us:

 John 14:18 “ I will not leave you as orphans ; I will come to you.”

What an amazing promise that God has given us and can be very comforting if your heart is open to it. Sadly, however, so many don’t have a personal relationship with God or a sense of peace to know this promise.

You can find more comfort when you read the words:

 Genesis 28:15: “ I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Let’s examine the promise that He is with you and is watching you wherever you go.

How beautiful to know that He has answered that nagging question:

 “Is He is really there in my struggles?” It clearly answers to the concern that you’re not alone. He not only is there but He is with you through it.

He is such an awesome God that He cares so much that He makes us this promise:

  Psalm 147:3 “ That He heals the brokenhearted and He binds up the wounds.”.

 In this scripture He promises He will heal our broken heart and take the time to bind up our wounds. 

The very picture of Him taking His own hands and placing the “bandage” of love to our gaping wounds of pain then patiently staying by our side never leaving us in our struggle. What a beautiful picture of love that paints for us.

Reflection:

1. Think of a time when you have felt alone and wondered if you would ever heal and this scripture is something you can meditate on. ___________________________________________________________________________

Sometimes it is hard to feel like what you do matters when the person or persons you care for make you feel that what you do isn’t appreciated. 

It seems like you can never do enough and you wear a lot of hats. It’s easy to understand how the stress can build and you just want to explode sometimes.

But in this scripture it says it all:

 Philipians4: 6-7 :  “Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition(request), with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection: 

2. What is your opinion about this previous scripture and do you believe that He really does do this very thing?______________________

Let’s examine this scripture for a moment about anxiety or stress.

Point 1: He commands us not to be anxious about anything: 

This means you shouldn’t be uneasy about anything but trust that God is always is on top of things. 

There's no need to worry. Besides it doesn’t make very much sense to worry when it does nothing to affect your situation. 

 It only makes you sick and you don't resolve the problem until you calm down and think clearly.

Point 2: This talks about thanksgiving and  presenting your requests to God. 

 Translated that means you would have an attitude of gratitude when you make your needs known to God.

And immediately acknowledge what God has done for you in that moment.

Part 3: This tells you that the Peace of God transcends all understanding. 

Let’s meditate for a moment on this.

Can you see the picture this paints to us about how God’s Peace creates harmony?

It might seem beyond our grasp but His Peace will protect our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection:

After reading this scripture can you see the beautiful picture this paints and is it easier for you not to stress knowing that God is on top of this and He can provide the peace you will need to cope?

 __________________________________________________________________________

If not than pray that he will give you that understanding or seek out another believer and pray with them for encouragement and wisdom. 

I hope this helps you on your journey as you care for your loved one and that you feel a sense of peace that God is with you in your process. 

That He'll never forget you nor forsake you but be with you from the beginning to the end. 

Be of good cheer for your reward is coming not here but in eternity if you continue in obedience to Him and seek Him always. 

   God Bless 🙏♰