Holding on to this hope, we trust God for who He is, what He has done and will continue to do as our refuge. Hopefully, we have learned by experience that God is strong and loving, regardless of our challenges. When we are in the throes of difficulties in our caretaking, it is sometimes hard to be us. It can become unmanageable at times to respect the wishes of a family member, particularly if they do not express gratitude and are childish and demanding.
Remember they were not always the way they are today. Trauma, illness, and aging all have a way of reducing a human being to negative, possibly irritating behaviors. Will we attempt to ‘cling to’ the positive and know we are serving the Lord? We have encouragement from the Scriptures, plus our history of how many times God has been our refuge.
“Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others.” Colossians 3:23. “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for His name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones.” Hebrews 6:10 “But I shall sing of Your strength, extol Your mercy at dawn, for You are my fortress, my refuge in time of trouble. My strength, Your praise I will sing; You, God, are my fortress, my loving God.” Psalm 59:17-18. Certainly, this is inspiration to seek God above all else and rest in God alone!
We gain solace and wisdom from an excerpt of The Word Among Us, November 4th devotional, “We know what it is like to pour ourselves out for something or someone. It is exhausting and can make us feel sad, resentful, or anxious, a natural human response. However, if you are spending yourself on something that God is calling you to do, and if you are doing it out of love for Him and His people, then rejoice. You may not feel joyful at each moment, but you will experience a sense of contentment and peace knowing that you are doing God’s will the best you can. So put your trust in the Lord. Trust that He will give you the grace and strength you need to keep going every day. Trust that every choice, every sacrifice you make to love and serve will bear fruit, not only now, but in eternity.”
After reflecting on this, we might ask ourselves, “Why do I do what I do? Because it is expected of me? Because I want others to think well of me? Or simply because it is the loving thing to do? Perhaps past experiences with those we are taking care of now have led to brokenness and these questions are not so easily answered. When our minds spin with a multitude of thoughts, we cannot hear God’s voice. Switching our focus from the problem to God’s presence, resting in God, soaking in His presence can energize and lighten. May we keep our eyes on the Lord, not only for direction but also for empowerment.
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