The Role of a Caregiver: Our Source
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. . . The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'" Psalm 32:6-8 NLT
Thoughts for Today
As a caregiver, what do we do with the needs beyond our abilities to help? And what about children caring for parents who were not good to them when they were growing up? What if we are caring for someone who will never be pleased no matter what we do?
Difficult questions. The list of "what if's" can never be completely compiled. In all this, it's easy to lose our perspective.
Guilt, hope, resentment, exhaustion, joy, fulfillment, and other emotions can blur our vision of what is possible and right—to the point where we are just going through motions with no true goal in sight.
Consider this …
Everyone needs an unshakable center for life and a dependable relationship. There has to be a place where we can hide and a source of strength when life is overwhelming. There has to be somewhere we can find wisdom for the most difficult decisions. Today's scripture tells where we can find all that.
God himself is the source of our protection and deliverance. In him, we will never be overwhelmed by the fierce forces of life that surround us. He promises to teach, counsel, and watch over us.
Prayer
Father, I cannot do this on my own. I'm struggling with my emotions. I battle with guilt and resentment. I'm exhausted. I need you, and I thank you for your promise to guide me and advise me and watch over me. Help me remember to lean on you. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.
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©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
