I Will...I Know


 I was cruising through a few psalms this morning and ended up camping in Psalm 16. One of the things I like about David is how he comes up with a declaration that is solid. He pours out his heart before God in an open, honest, raw, and real way. Then he reminds himself of all God has done or of God's power and interventions. And he finishes off with a declaration. Psalm 16 is no exception.

Verses 7 and 8 are where I camped this morning. The New Living Translation says it this way:

I will bless the Lord who guides me,

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the Lord is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.

These verses stood out to me this morning because it seems that as a caregiver I'm always in a tough spot. It's just never easy - even the "best" days are trying and difficult. Some days are a bit easier than others - but there are no easy days! I found it comforting today to make these declarations with David.

I will bless the Lord who guides me. There is no doubt that it is God who guides me and lights the difficult path I walk. I remind myself that He has already walked it for me and He is with me, guiding me each step of the way. I do not walk this caregiver path alone and I don't have to navigate it alone.

I know the Lord is always with me. To know that God did not jump ship when life took its ugly turn is very comforting. I constantly remind myself that my life didn't get too complicated, messed up, dirty, emotional, or ugly for God. He has not and will not throw in the proverbial towel. Even when I am in full-blown despair He remains. If I cannot move - He sits with me until I can move again. He will not leave me!

I am not shaken. I am certainly wind-blown, tossed, turned, upside down and more by the emotional cyclones of caregiving. But the anchor holds - the anchor holds me. God is my anchor and even though I can feel the wind, His peace, grace, and mercy keep me grounded in His goodness and I cannot lose!

Today, I'll remind myself of how strong God is. My thoughts will be on how He remains. I will probably think a lot about the statement - the anchor holds me. (Probably material for tomorrow's devotion!) I purpose to just let Him hold me today as I go about my chores and duties. I'll think about how strong an anchor is that can hold a whole ship down in the roughest storms. I'll let the Anchor hold my soul today as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?


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31 Days in Psalm 31

cover of 31 Days in Psalm 31

David was open and honest about his feelings and he tended to give everything to God, even when he was hiding in the back of a cave. What's it like to spend time in the back of a cave with God? David gives us a glimpse in Psalm 31 and that's where this devotional is taken from. Grab a paper copy or a Kindle copy from Amazon! 




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Affirmations for Caregivers

Cover of Affirmations for Caregivers
I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. Here is an example from Day 16:

Day 16: I Am Embraced
Affirmation: I will find grace to help me in my time of need today. I will bring my cares, concerns, weaknesses, and needs to the throne of grace. I have an open invitation. God will meet me there with the grace I need for today. He is not afraid of my weaknesses, He embraces them and strengthens me by His grace.

                                Write an invitation to God inviting Him into your day. Then, write an invitation
                                from God inviting you to trust His strength and grace.

                            Read Hebrews 4:14-16

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