I've always heard that we should never say "never." I guess that's basically because we really never know what a day may hold. But last night while I was reading, I came across this scripture in Psalm 8. Verses 9 and 10 say this: The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. (NLT) If anyone can use the term "never" it'd be Him!
Far too many times I have heard stories of caregivers who feel that their family and friends have abandoned them. On one hand, I really do understand that for the most part, people do not know what to do with us. We cannot always "get out" like others and when we do not fit the mold of the world, and sadly the church, we can be abandoned. Isn't it comforting to know that He will never abandon us?
I love the passage in Isaiah 43 which says: When you go through deep waters and great trouble I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God. (NLT) He did not say we would avoid going through difficulties - but He did say we can walk through them and He will not abandon us.
It's far too easy for people to just walk away from uncomfortable situations today. That can leave the caregiver hanging in social isolation. But today, I will turn my thoughts and meditations to how He will never abandon me. I'll meditate on how He is a present help in trouble. Not necessarily a rescuer from trouble - but one who is with me no matter how rough or smooth the road lays out before me. I'll meditate on His ever abiding presence. Will you join me?
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Hi Jeanie! Your insights on caregiving are wonderful. I'd love to have a conversation when you have a moment. Please email when you can. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading! I would love the opportunity to visit with you. Please email me at dovesfireministries@gmail.com I look forward to hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteJeanie
I am currently caregiver for my grandmother while also trying to raise my two young children. This passage and the one about looking at Facebook and comparing my and my kids' life to the lives of other families really hit home with me right now. I'm feeling very abandoned by my family and having to to watch them spend time having fun family outings while we are home caring for my grandma. Thankfully my church family hasn't abandoned me. And I know God hasn't abandoned me. Thanks so much for your blog. It has given me strength and hope.
ReplyDeleteHi Amber, thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! It is really good to have the support of your church family. It is sad, but all too common, that families just "don't get it." God has not abandoned us at all. Thanks for reading!
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