Daily Devotions for Caregivers

This morning I came across a scripture in Hebrews 13:6. It is actually a quote out of Psalms. It simply says The Lord is my helper I will no be afraid, what can man do to me. I didn't so much think about what effect other people may have on me as I really am worrying about that less and less. But I focused on the first part of the verse... the Lord is my helper.  I can think of a couple of other verses about that just off the top of my head. Psalm 121 says I will look to the Lord where my help comes from. And then in Psalm 30:10 is a plea for help Lord, be my helper! It's not that I am so Bible smart - it's just that I've needed lots of help! lol! I am to the place in this walk that I really do not know how to go on without His help. A caregiver runs on overload all the time. There isn't a "break" actually. Because if you're like me, even if you sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee you feel guilty because surely there's something you need to ...

Do you ever just get up tired? And even if you got a few hours sleep (which is rare for me all in a row!) just the thoughts about the things that must be done in general caregiving can be overwhelming. There is just so much to do in a day, and it's easy to be tired just thinking about it! The thing is with being a caregiver we cannot just give ourselves a day off! It's just not an option as everything still has to be done no matter how we feel physically, mentally or emotionally. These are the days I go back to one of my favorite scriptures. We used to sing it when I was a kid: They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength They shall mount up with wings of eagles They shall run and not grow weary They shall walk and not faint The verses immediately preceding this favorite are all about how God does hear and see. He does not get tired of us getting tired and running to Him! So if you are tired today (and even if you're not) run to Him and allow Him to fill yo...

I just finished up a chat with a lady in a caregiver support group. She was so saddened that the church and friends had left her alone. She had experiences that are not unique to these types of situation. Lots of people are there when tragedy strikes but as it drags on into months and even years people drop off little by little. Many times caregiving is a walk alone. There is a loneliness when you don't have the freedom to go grab a cup of coffee at leisure, or run to the store to grab a couple of items. You have to make a list and wait for the aid to come! Really your life was somewhat lost in the caregiving. There isn't the freedom to go out with friends, or even make new friends easily...it can be a very alone place. But we have to remember that God said in Hebrews 13:5 that He would never leave or forsake us.   And actually, that is a quote from Deuteronomy 31:6! The feelings of alone-ness are real, being alone is not. However, it does help if we can occasionally talk t...

Anger can come so easily when you are consumed with caregiving. Don't let people tell you it's a sin to be angry. Paul didn't say to never be angry; he simply said don't sin when you are angry. Actually there are several references to this falsely accused emotion in the Bible. And Jesus' anger at seeing the house of prayer turning into a public marketplace where sacrifices were being bought and sold is only one such example. When I am angry, I just tell God why. It's not like He doesn't know . He knows what upset me to begin with, he knows how the emotions can rage, He understands me through and through. It's not like if I squelch it completely like it isn't there it will be unnoticeable to Him, is it? I may be totally off, but I am thinking that when I get on overload I can tell Him all about it. It's not like it surprises Him and He's going to say, "I had no idea you felt that way."! Psalm 51:6 says Behold, You desire trut...

Usually when I purchase a new Bible I make sure it has the words of Christ in red. Sometimes I like to just read the red words. I want to know what was important to Him. We tend to talk about the things that are important to us. Think about that a little. Trust me, I won't be long in a discussion on ballet, baseball or bacteria! I don't care and I won't have much to say at all. But if you start talking about football, the Bible or grandbabies  you got my attention and my input! So the red words tell us what was important to Him. One of the first scriptures I learned on purpose is John 14:27. Jesus is talking to His followers about how He is living in them and how Holy Spirit will teach them and help them remember the things He said to them. Then he makes this statement that I have held on to for years Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. I love that He gives us His peace - not the cheap or "peace with a hook...

Sometimes people forget that we are more than just a caregiver. They don't take the time to get to know us. They only see the surface, and choose to only know us on that level simply as a caregiver. But we are still real people! Some of our own dreams are even still in tact. We still like to socialize and have a cup of coffee or tea with a friend. Maybe we write, read, cry and laugh just like everyone else. There is so much more to us than just caregiving. Actually there's a whole inside structure that even caused us to be a caregiver to a loved one to begin with. We still enjoy all the finer things of life that we did before our lives changed. But people don't really always know quite what to do with us. And many times do not take the time to find out! I'm not making a negative here - it's mostly true that they are not sure quite what to do with us! And not so much don't want to.. But I am thankful that God still sees our heart. Psalm 139 says that He is...

Psalm 46 is full of all sorts of encouragement. Twice it mentions that God is with us. There is some comfort in just realizing that the Lord, the Creator of everything is walking through this fire with me. It doesn't always help me understand the purpose of the fire or why He didn't stop it from happening...but it is comforting to know that He will work His good pleasure in me even through the fire. But verse one has always been a favorite for me. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.   Today, when I am overwhelmed, I will run to Him for refuge. When I have decisions to be made, I will ask Him for wisdom. If I feel I cannot carry the load,   I will seek His strength. If I think I cannot take one more step, I'll make the next one toward Him... He is our refuge and strength, I really do not know any other place where I can find strength for the care giving journey. I have to have His wisdom to know how to make all the decisions that must ...