I think about Isaiah 43 a lot. It's where God is promising that He will be with us through fires and floods. Not only is He with us - but He carries us through and brings us out! I liken the waters to the many aspects of caregiving. It can be so easy to be swept away in the "waters" of caregiving. We can find comfort and grace just in knowing that He doesn't abandon us to our very full days. Instead, He walks (or swims) through them with us!
So, this morning, I found this verse in Psalm 18. In verse 16, David says, He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. (NKJV) I kind of pictured myself as a drowned rat being fished out of rapidly running water. Lol. I know; my imagination is on overdrive sometimes!
I began meditating on this verse and how He "drew me out" - That would mean that He didn't allow the waters to overtake me or to suck me under the violent flow. It would also mean that the flow of the waters no longer had control over my destination. Don't you love those times in your day when you know God just reaches in and pulls you right out of the overwhelming "stuff"?
In the next couple of verses, David goes on to talk about God's deliverance. He describes being delivered from things too strong for him to deal with. That would be David - you know, the warrior, king, victor David. The same dude who defeated Goliath and took off his head by the power and help of the Lord. He still felt overwhelmed sometimes, even though he had won many battles. We all know life is made up of numerous battles, some we fight over and over again. But God continues to "draw us out" and set our feet on solid ground.
He is "here" for us - wherever our "here" has us today. He will not abandon our souls or let them be overcome by the many waters of caregiving. He steps in, just in time, and rescues our souls. He fills us with peace, protects us, and carries us through everything we face every day as a caregiver. I am thankful.
Today, I will take a few minutes to look back over my own caregiving journey. I'll think about all the fears I had when it started and how unsettled I was. Then, I'll meditate on how He has carried me through the many waters of caregiving and helped me deal with the extreme as well as the day-to-days. I'll make room for lots of gratitude in my heart, and I'll embrace the spirit of thanksgiving for all that He has done so far. I'll hope for tomorrow as I trust Him with today. Will you join me?
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