A Word of Encouragement for the Caregiver

 Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means. –2 Timothy 2:15

When my husband had his stroke in 2017, once the diagnosis was confirmed and numerous doctors and specialists in their field had visited his room, making sure we understood what happened and things that may have contributed or triggered it, I made it a point to learn all I could about the injured brain. Returning home I began researching, spoke with his nurse manager weekly, studied the pamphlets sent home with us and collected all the information I could. Whenever our kids would call to check on us or come to help, they would find me in study mode. We started calling it my “Stroke 101” course. 

It's no denying the information I learned during that time will always be with me and even though it’s been more than seven years, I periodically go back and refresh what I know. What I learned back then helped me care for him better as he made the journey back to strength and health and continues to help me understand so I can watch for and recognize signs and symptoms that are important to know so he can stay in good health. 

Paul reminded his spiritual son, Timothy, learning how to handle the word of God correctly was imperative if he was going to be a good pastor to his flock and have Gods approval. Whether it’s about our spiritual life, our own health, or those we care for, as the saying goes, “knowledge is power” and when it comes to understanding the conditions, illnesses or diseases of those we care for, knowledge can be empowering and make our task of caregiving so much easier and make us so much more aware and smarter. 

A Caregiver’s Prayer

Thank you, God, that I live in an era where I can have the information I need at my fingertips and through so many sources. May everything I learn not only increase my knowledge but aid me in giving better care.      

  But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. –John 15:26

The endless tasks of the caregiver, in addition to the emotional attachment they have for their patient can contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed. They not only have the hands-on things that must be accomplished: never ending laundry, cleaning of the environment, meal preparation, appointments to make and transport, and, depending on how dependent the one they are giving care to, bathing. All of this, not to mention their own self-care. 

Even if the caregiver has a good support system, the day today demands can become overwhelming. God has promised to provide a Helper for us. He has promised to send the Holy Spirit of God to help us. True, the Holy Spirit can’t prepare meals or do laundry. He can’t run our errands or give meds to our patient, but he can show us ways to lighten our tasks. He can help us think through things with heavenly wisdom. He can shape moments in our day that give us a needed breather, and he can even send others to us who are willing to help us just when we need them most.

The help our heavenly Helper brings is practical and invaluable.

A Caregiver’s Prayer

Father, thank you for promising to send the Holy Spirit who is my heavenly Helper. Thank you for His practical ministry to bring the exact help I need.    

  You give them relief from troubled times. –Psalm 94:13

Lynn was determined to complete the things she had on her “to-do” list. She was exhausted from the day of caregiving, but she didn’t want to go to bed without completing the things pressing on her mind for several days. She would rest afterward. As she folded clothes, she caught herself dozing and while she was working on the forms needing to be turned into Social Security. She blinked as some of the lines seemed to run together and the questions made no sense. Lynn found herself drifting off. But each time she got up and stretched, wiped her face with a damp cloth and refreshed her mug with steaming coffee strong enough to keep anyone awake. Her eyes were heavy with sleep, but she still had several things on her list. She was determined to stay awake until they were done.     

Several days later the caseworker called to say Lynn would need to redo the paperwork. It seemed she had left off vital information in some areas and entered incorrect information on some lines. All that work and now there would be a delay in receiving the benefits needed. 

God makes a promise to give us relief and rest. Whether it’s the relief we need after a season or times of adversity and affliction or the rest that’s needed after a long day of caregiving. Rest and relief are signs of God’s mercy. God grants rest and relief in order that we can replenish and experience his rebuilding and restoration. 

It’s not a sign of weakness when we stop and rest but acceptance that we are just as God says is his word, “frail humans” (Ps. 103:14) with physical demands and limitations. We only have so much energy, so much physical, emotional, or mental stamina. Even when Jesus was God/Man he rested. He had a divine nature, but the flesh also needed care and demands that had to be satisfied. He became hungry so he ate, tired, so he rested. 

Like Lynn, we can push and push beyond our natural limit. We may make those deadlines, but we may also make mistakes we wouldn’t have if we were rested and refreshed.

A Caregiver’s Prayer 

God, at times, there I have so much on my plate. Things that need to be completed and accomplished. I could try to push through, but I take the risk of making mistakes and causing delays. You have promised to give me times of rest and relief. May I take advantage of them because they are provision and signs of your mercy toward me.   

 I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God. –Psalm 40:1-3

When you spend your days, weeks, months, and years caring for others it’s not uncommon, even inevitable that from time to time you will feel down. It’s not just the hard work caregiving requires that can get you down, but its wearing on the emotions and mentally. Caregiving is more than physical, it encompasses every part of us: what we see, hear, learn, smell, touch.

God doesn’t leave us to give care on our own, without his help, and he won’t leave us feeling down in the dumps or despairing, but he comes to us and surrounds us with his love. God also promises to bring us out of our feelings of despair. 

David wasn’t acting as a caregiver to anyone when he wrote Psalm 40, but he did know God’s promise to deliver him from his pits. He did know God’s character and that was a comfort to him. If we keep reading past the first line of David’s prayer, we can see that God was faithful to lift him out of his metaphorical pit of despair and when we call upon God in our pits of despair, he’ll come to us also and bring us out.   

Whenever you start feeling down or like you are in a pit of despair that’s a great time to reach out to God and it’s a great time to talk to others that won’t judge or criticize you, but support and help you. Don’t resolve yourself to stay in the pits of despair or withdraw from God. Don’t be prideful and refuse to receive either God’s or the help of others. They are the rope that will pull you up.

A Caregivers Prayer

Heavenly Father, at times I feel as though I’m in a pit of despair. The more I look at the declining health of others, the more I am drawn down and into an inescapable pit which seems to have no way out. Thank you for promising to not abandon me and to bring me out.       

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance….Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. –John 12:3,7 

Singer, songwriter, actress Barbra Streisand sings a lovely song titled “Songbird.” In the lyrics she asks, “who sings for her?”. She sings songs and makes music that bring joy and beauty to others but who sings to her.

What a profound question. As the caregiver when you are in need, who cares for you? Is there someone to encourage you. Someone to care for you if you become ill. Someone to cook or clean for you when you are not feeling up to it? Someone to run errands or sit with your patient or loved one? Even a caregiver needs care at times.

Putting together a team or several people who can assist you when the need arises is important. As a caregiver you are bound to have days or times you’re not feeling up to the task of caring, times you’ll be under the weather or just need to have a break. On those occasions having someone to call or rely upon is important.    

As Jesus was approaching the hour of his crucifixion he was anointed by Mary of Bethany in preparation for his death and burial. This was one of the ways God provided strength for His Son and God will provide strength and help for his dedicated caregiver serving others.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the ways you care and provide for the caregiver.  

 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence—Psalm 42:5

David felt depressed. He wasn’t sure where his depression was coming from. It doesn’t appear he was struggling with anything out of the ordinary, experiencing sickness in his body or had a chronic condition he was battling. He wasn’t a caregiver for anyone, but it’s not uncommon to experience bouts of depression or feeling downcast while caring for others. 

Caring for the sick or disabled especially for months or years can have numerous challenges and be wearing on the caregiver physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. 

The life of a caregiver has demands and pressures others may not be familiar with. The constant caregiver doesn’t leave his or her shift and go home to a lighter and less demanding atmosphere but continues day and night, seven days a week. That means the caregiver should be extra vigilant. While feelings of occasional sadness are normal. Everyone experiences sadness at times. But depression is something more. Depression is extreme sadness or despair that lasts more than days. It interferes with the activities of daily life and can cause physical symptoms as described above.

If you’re a caregiver experiencing prolonged sadness or depression lasting more than a few days, there’s nothing to be ashamed of nor is getting the medical help needed to help us feel better. God has promised to stay with us during our depressions. David’s journal entry lets us know it’s not uncommon—nor unchristian—to experience periods of being down emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually. When we do experience those times, we can do like David and ask ourselves important and relative questions, speak to our soul, and turn to the Lord. He will help pull us up and out! 

Heavenly Father, at times I feel downcast but I know I can turn to you. Amen  

Thank You, Lord, for loving on me and making me part of your family. Amen  

  But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.—I John 4:8-9, NLT

Did you know your loving care of others creates strong bonds and makes you family? You may or may not be related by blood or have family ties to the one you care for, but simply because you give care in tangible and needed ways you have become family. In the New Testament each writer helps us know our relationship to one another is as brothers and sisters in Christ.   

We belong to the family of God. We first enter God’s family through Holy Baptism where God makes us his child but even before baptism Jesus died on the cross to secure our place in God’s family. Because we’re family God shows His love our entire life. God’s loving care is like the loving care you show to others, and He leaves His love-prints everywhere. From morning to night, beginning to end God is loving on us.

Thank You, Lord, for loving on me and making me part of your family. Amen  

  Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you—Isaiah 46:3-4

Do you have the care of the aging and elderly? Did you know that caring for the elderly and aging is what God has promised to do? God promised to care for Israel from the from the cradle to the grave and then on into eternity and He will watch over and care for us throughout every generation. 

Not everyone can care for the elderly and aging. Older people take special patience and understanding. If we live long enough, we will all need some kind of care and kindness shown. We’ll need people with patience and understanding. 

If the person or persons you care for, fall into the category of the aged and elderly God will help you. He’ll give you the patience and understanding you need each day or shift. They are close to His heart, and He will assist those who care for the ones He’s promised to give special care to.

Heavenly Father, just like you, I have recognized the elderly and aging have special needs and need lots of patience and understanding. I pray, as I care for those in this age group, grant that I will have not only patience and understanding but an attitude of respect, and a heart of love, since, one day I too may need someone to care for me. Amen

 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”—Exodus 3:11

Are you familiar with the many names of God?

Jehovah-Jireh is the “God who provides.

El Roi is “The God who watches over you.

And is Jehovah Rapha is “The God that Heals. 

There are many other names of God we can take time to become familiar with that help us see how God is with us daily and covers each one of our needs.

The care-giver has heavy loads to bear. Not only are they responsible for taking care of their own life, health, and affairs, but very often the affairs of those they care for. Many care-giving situations require the caregiver to handle the business affairs in addition to overseeing medical appointments, and day to day care. It would be very easy to become overwhelmed with everything on your plate. God is good to supply all your needs. He is not only your Creator and Shelter, He is your All-in-All.

When Moses asked God whom he should say had sent him to deliver them God simply said, “Tell them I AM has sent you.” “I AM” can be translated as Everything. I AM was enough for Moses and the Israelites and I Am is enough to accompany and supply us in the tasks and responsibilities we have.     

God, my Righteousness, my Shelter from life’s storms, thank You for being my Everything. I have no need to look further. You have everything I need in my day and life as I take care of my own life and give care to others. This promise and proof is both comforting and encouraging. Amen      

 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Some days as a caregivers, we might feel like we’re running behind all day. Days, it doesn’t matter how early we rise or how perfectly we time things. All it takes is one little thing to throw the routine or day off and everything seems off and all day long we’re playing catchup. 

God’s promise of his perfect timing isn’t just for seasons and spiritual events, it also concerns the smaller day-to-day activities as well. For those who give care to others, understanding God’s timing can be the very thing that helps us have peace of mind and keep anxiety far from us. The very thing that helps us take things at a more measure pace even when the clock is ticking in the background, we are feeling pressured, and we have that sense that we need to hurry everything and everyone.

Whether we are waiting at an appointment with our patient, waiting for a notification for a scrip to come through, waiting for the dinner to finish, waiting till the time is right, we can have that sense of assuredness that everything big or small has an appointed time and everything is purposed to happen when it does and no sooner. 

It's good to remember God’s timing is perfect even when we can’t understand it or control it.  

Jesus, some days I feel pressure—perhaps I put more pressure on myself than I should but everything needs to be done in a timely fashion, if not things can be thrown off. You are the Master of time, the Master of my day, help me to do my best to allocate my time well and when things don’t go as planned, keep me from becoming nervous, agitated, or filled with anxiety. Amen

 Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow—Mark 4:38

Jesus always had a sense of what he needed. He was God: divine and holy. But he was also human, God in flesh; sinless, but born of a woman and going through this life as a man. He did not disregard either part of himself. He respected his need to be spiritually connected to the Father and heaven and took time to nurture that part of himself. He prayed and worshiped and kept his relationship with the Father alive. He welcomed the guidance of the Holy Spirit who led him daily into all truth, and he also recognized the part of him that was flesh and honored the limitations that came with being in a human body. Jesus ate a balanced diet. Jesus slept when he was tired. Jesus took time to nurture relationships with others. 

As a caregiver there is so much you probably no longer have time for—especially if you are live-in caregiver—caring for a family member. In fact, you probably wish you had a few more hours to the day to get everything done that’s needed. And even if caregiving is your nine-to-five you probably don’t get everything accomplished on your days off that you need or would like. Regardless, taking time to put your mask on first is critical. If you are going to do well, be well, and be able to give the care that’s needed then taking time to care for yourself is not only important but imperative.

Putting your mask on first just as the flight attendant tells the passengers on the plane, is not selfish or even optional, but smart and the most loving thing you can do for yourself and your patient. Start your day off addressing your own needs even if that means getting up a bit earlier (it will be worth it) and try to end your day in the same way. 

Ask yourself daily, “what did I do today to take care of my physical, emotional and mental health? Did I make sure to nurture my relationship with the Father and lay up some treasure in heaven today? Did I take a moment to worship and pray? Is there some relationship I nurtured today? Did I reach out or accept someone who was reaching in to me?  God will bless your attempt to balance after all, he gave strength to Jesus to do this journey in strength and no one has had more people dependent on him than our Savior during his life.   

Heavenly Father, you blessed Jesus as he made sure to put his mask on each day. You gave him strength, health and peace, and I pray you will bless me also as I learn to put on my mask each day. Amen  

 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35) 

Between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John you’ll see Jesus going away to a secluded place to pray approximately twenty to twenty-five times. Helping us know not only was prayer an important practice of Jesus, but that he loved to pray in private, away from activity and others. 

Praying to the Father in private must have been the secret to his strength, courage, and confidence. He went to be alone with the Father so he could be filled with the Father’s wisdom and guidance. 

Thank God we don’t have the weight of the world to carry on our shoulders as Jesus did! Jesus wasn’t just carrying the weight of the world he was carrying the sin of the world, and it was a heavy load. No one could bear his load except him, and he returned to the Father over and over, as often as he needed so he could bear up and continue his journey to the cross. 

Thank God we don’t have the weight of the world, nor the sins of others on our shoulders! But even the one or several people we are responsible for, and give care to, can be a lot to handle at times. 

As a caregiver, taking those moments to reconnect to God’s strength and power will do wonders for us. When we need to, asking someone to relieve us for a few moments can make all the difference in our day and shift. Just like Jesus knew, even five minutes in God’s presence can refresh and refuel us; help us regain our focus and strength. 

We might enter our quiet time with God feeling stressed, tense, with a frown on our face, but just a few minutes in his presence and we will emerge, at peace, settled, focused, reenergized, strengthened, and ready to continue on. Like Jesus, we are good to go!     

Heavenly Father, there is so much to gain when I come to you. My stress is reduced or eliminated entirely, I am much more pleasant, and I feel refreshed. Thank you for pouring into me whenever I take even a few minutes to be with you. Amen   

 When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.—Proverbs 23:1-2

It was late afternoon and I found myself in the middle of a project I didn’t intend to be so laborious. My first mistake was not thinking it through before diving in. My second mistake was tackling something so late in the afternoon and after returning home from my husband’s physical therapy. Instead, I should have set my thoughts on dinner, gotten it started and been ahead of the evening routine. As they say, hindsight is always 20/20.

As I stood back trying to visualize a different arrangement for my counterspace I was reminded of Solomon’s wise saying and although at first glance it appears to apply only to food and eating, it also applies to living wisely overall. It’s also a good reminder to be kinder to myself and not set myself up for failure and frustration by the end of the day or shift.  

It’s an important rule to gauge our life by, and especially for the one giving care to others. Making sure you don’t cram your day full and forget to leave room for life’s little emergencies or just to breathe every once and a while, is one way of being kind to yourself. Breathing space is essential for emotional, mental, physical and even spiritual wellbeing. 

Since Jesus already knows how to balance the day perfectly, he is a great resource and consultant when it comes to planning out our day and time.  

Dear Jesus, I ask you to lead and guide me as I plan out my day and week. Amen  

  To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law of not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings (I Corinthians 9:20-23)

Does each day look different for you as you give care? Caregivers can have their own agenda, but at times, perhaps most times, the need to stay flexible is our greatest friend and wisest way to approach the day. 

We might have plans to do some laundry and get a few necessary chores done, we may have some specific things we want to address in our shift, but the day takes on an entirely different shape and there is no room or opportunity in our day to do what we had planned so the laundry, or vacuuming, paperwork, or catching up and sorting mail gets put on hold till another day and time. 

If we are rigid and inflexible, we will find ourselves feeling discouraged, agitated, and unaccomplished at the end of each day or shift. We struggle because with unrest because we may not know that flexibility is the key to having peace and happiness in giving care.       

In the gospels, Jesus was headed to the Roman officer’s home to heal his little daughter when a sick woman women came up behind him and touched the edging of his robe (Mark 5:25-34). When he felt the power go out of him, he stopped and looked around, seeing no one he asked his disciples if they saw anyone. Eventually the woman came forward and confessed. 

To find out who touched him took some time. The soldier gave up on having his daughter healed since Jesus had been delayed but Jesus assured him, they still needed to go. And when Jesus got to the soldier’s home, he brought the little girl back to life.  

It’s hard for an inflexible person to flow with Jesus. When we are too rigid, we don’t leave much room for Jesus to perform miracles or bless us. 

We might all do well to start our day or shift by giving the day completely to the Lord and asking that although we have plans and things we want to accomplish, asking the Lord to help us stay flexible and leave room for the unexpected.  Flexibility is where our greatest peace and blessing lie!   

Lord, keep me flexible and able to flow with you! Amen    

 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ—Galatians 6:2

A neighbor is looking for someone to come in and help with his aging mother who has Dementia. He got a little choked up as he talked about a need that he’s having a difficult time finding someone to help with. 

Explaining, almost apologetically, that he had looked into some area nursing homes but just couldn’t bring himself to complete the process. He’d prefer her to be in her own space where she has lived for more than sixty years, surrounded by her own things. Even if she is forgetting a lot at least he would know she’s in familiar surroundings.

Many illnesses and diseases require an extra layer of help, but good help isn’t always easy to find.

Caregiver, you are an important part of the lives of others. Important to the families, important to the people you care for. You are doing exactly what Paul said in his letter to the Galatians, bearing the burdens of others.

Caregivers don’t get compensated anywhere near their worth. And many as they care for family are not being compensated anything—at least monetarily.  That’s why it’s all the more to know God sees your work, he knows all it takes to provide the service you provide. He wants you to know you are fulfilling the law of Christ—which is to love. 

God has not only loved you first, but he will love you back and his love with be demonstrated in ways that are unique to your circumstances and needs. God will not disappoint you. He thanks you for bearing the burdens of others!

Lord Christ, thank you for this reminder. Keep me in your love always. Amen    

 “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like and adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You’ll be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink” (Pro. 23:31-35).

Addiction doesn’t have to keep us out of the game, or away from our job. There are more people than we can count who show up to work every day, manage to make it through their shift or care for loved ones that secretly struggle with and are controlled and dominated by addiction. They may be what we call “functional” alcoholics. Those who can mask their problem just enough to throw us off and keep us from seeing what’s going on behind the smile or efficiency. 

The danger in doing any job, including giving care to others while addicted to anything, especially a substance, is that we can make mistakes on the job that threaten job security and impact not only our own wellbeing but the lives and wellbeing of others.  

The clinical definition of addiction is, “Addiction is a chronic disease, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” 

But we also learn it is a “treatable, chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.”

Addiction affects the brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. But Jesus said there is an answer and solution for every problem. 

As Paul wrote the Church in Rome he said, 

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by the testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom. 12:1-2)

It's been said that it takes courage to admit when we have a drug or alcohol problem. to admit that we are struggling with any addiction. But perhaps it can be better stated that it’s not courage we need but humility. since it takes humility when we are aware of what’s going on within us to admit to another or others that we are weak, frail, have been looking for answers and ways to cope in some not-so-healthy ways. To admit we are hurting, in pain, and in short, human.  

One of the most beautiful verses we can come across that reminds us God never loses sight of our humanness and frailness is found in Psalm 103: 13-14,

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

What a beautiful, needful reminder that God does not expect us to be any more than we are: human. That God knows and always remembers we need His help to just accomplish even the smallest tasks. And perhaps more important than anything else, to learn that God has compassion on us and will help us through and help us to conquer anything unhealthy that wants to conquer us.

Jesus thank You for coming to earth and for giving us what we need. Help us when we have become addicted to anything or anyone, seeking satisfaction, solace, comfort, or strength through anything except You. Today I recognize my addiction to and ask you to lead me out and set me free…  

 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap (Ecc. 11:4)

My husband is getting ready for knee replacement surgery. At first, it was some time away. In the beginning he was just “kicking” the can down the road. He knew it needed to be done. Year after year, he’d ponder it, talk to his doctor about it and decide to wait a little longer. But his pain reached a level where his mobility was impacted and he didn’t have that quality of life he should have going forward. Knee replacement is no longer something he’s kicking down the road or pushing off until another day, it’s only a week away. 

As a caregiver I’ve gone from thinking about the things that will be needed and actually putting things in place. I’ve made my list of necessary and helpful things to have on hand, ordered many and have a shopping trip over the next couple of days. His walker has arrived, assembled and ready, his cane propped in the corner, a borrowed icing device waiting to be used, his hospital bag laying out o the bed being filled with thoughtful and needed items. 

King Solomon journaled we can’t just stand around observing which way the wind is blowing or cloud watching when there are things to accomplish. They won’t take care of themselves. We need to address them. 

For the caregiver the task of caring and life goes much smoother when we tackle those things, get them off our to-do list, and learn to implement in a timely fashion. 

Heavenly Father, we don’t learn how to procrastinate from observing You. You do what needs to be done in a timely manner. Help me be more like you, not putting off what I need to accomplish today. Amen   

 Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; I the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.—Psalm 5:1-3 

Before anything happens. Before the day or your shift of caregiving begins in earnest, or perhaps it’s ending if you have drawn night duty. While the birds are still singing, the very best way to start your day is turning to God in prayer. Pouring out your concerns before the Lord. Talking to him about the things that concern you—before they work their way into worry or full-blown anxiety. 

Knowing God hears your prayers and is concerned about the same things you are concerned about is both comforting and encouraging. Knowing God takes you concerns to heart and begins working on them immediately, even before you say “amen.”     

Early morning prayer can relieve your heart and mind of so many burdens. It can free you to live out your day or complete your shift or give care to your loved one without the weight of constantly wondering “how will things turn out?” but you know that God has it in His hands and in His power. What a relief!

We turn to God in our morning, but we don’t have to wait for him to show up, He is already there waiting for us. When praying first thing is our routine God is already listening for our footsteps and our voice.

Heavenly Father, thank you that one of the first things I can do before starting my day of caregiving is turn to you in prayer. Already my heart is relieved, and my burden is lighter. Amen   

  I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

Have you noticed what happens during the Christmas song, the Twelve Days of Christmas, whenever we get to the verse five Golden rings, how everyone sings it in their best or most unique voice? Our family used to have so much fun with this one. Each one trying to outdo one another, each one singing it uniquely and causing us all to break out in laughter before moving on to the next verse.

As a caregiver you have a unique style of giving care to others. Your style of giving care is unique to your personality. Everything you do to make your patient’s day or life a little better will be based upon the uniqueness of your care.

Don’t feel obligated to mold yourself using the pattern of others but be encouraged to let your unique ways and heart of care flourish and take center stage. You will bring something unique to your work environment, to your home environment or wherever you are giving care. Be encouraged to go ahead and shine, being authentically you!

Dear God, thank you for creating me. May I be unique in all the ways that truly matter. Help me shine in my day as I give care to others. Amen               

 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” Luke 2:10

The shepherds may not have known it at the time, but by the angel coming to them, announcing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, they were the first ones, outside of the holy family, to receive news the Savior had been born. The shepherds knew even before Mary’s or Joseph’s family!

Unbeknownst to them, they had received a special assignment. They had been chosen to not only see the Christ child before anyone else, but they were also going to be the first ones to spread the news to others. It must have felt exhilarating and made the shepherd feel especially special to be the first. Especially since people didn’t usually hear great news that caused such a stir from lowly shepherds.

As a caregiver what news do you hear, first, before anyone else? What news do you get to share with your patients or others? As a caregiver have you considered yourself to be on a “special” assignment from God? Deployed to care for one of God’s creation? Assigned to comfort, attend to the needs of others? Assist them in whatever way they need assistance?

You may have more in common with lowly shepherds than you know. 

Shepherding wasn’t the most sought-after career. Not many wanted to be watching after sheep, who could get obstinate at times, sometimes one or two of the flock would wander off and become lost. Sheep needed constant watching after and they were not the best-smelling animals to be around. Shepherds always needed to be on their toes, watching out for danger and keeping the sheep pointed in the right direction. 

There is something else about shepherds that’s important: God chose to appoint Jesus as a Shepherd. He is the Good or Great Shepherd. If Jesus is in that line of work, shepherding or caregiving can’t be all that bad!  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me today I am on special assignment as a modern-day shepherd, slash caregiver! Amen   

 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46-47, ESV

There is much that can happen in your day, week, or journey as a caregiver that can be magnified. It’s natural for the negative or bad to earn a spot or place or place in your memory and stand out above everything else. 

Mary chose to magnify the goodness and greatness of God her Savior. In the moment she could have magnified the unknown and possibilities of persecution, rejection and even death but she went the route of magnifying the favor of God, of being the one chosen to bear Gods Son Jesus Christ.

Some days you may have to dig a little deeper, look beyond what you see, hear the unspoken but God is always there giving you something great and miraculous to focus on and increase. Magnify Jesus and your heart will be filled and encouraged as you give care.

Dear Lord, every day help me to see you and magnify you instead of anyone or anything else. Amen   

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

Holy Spirit, 

I pray, assist me as I give care to others today. Help me approach each task, both great and small, with a willing and joyful heart. May I perform all my duties as though I am serving the Lord Jesus. May I look for ways to make the day and life of (name) better today. I may not be able to heal their condition, but I can bring a warm smile and gentleness to their day and atmosphere. When I am tired and feel I cannot go on, I pray, give me the strength I need to finish out my shift or my day of caregiving without grumbling and resentment and then allow me to have the rest I need so I may return when the time comes. Let me have a good attitude and embody your peace which is also healing. I ask you to correct the mistakes I make and make my mistakes few and never those that put my patient or loved one in harm’s way. Above all, may I please the Father and represent Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit for all your help in my day. You make my life as a caregiver so much easier. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen             

 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8, 10, ESV)

As you have cared for one or more patients have you discovered that at times setbacks come? My sister-in-law is a caregiver to her husband and though he is doing well most of the time, at times something will happen that causes the doctors to be perplexed or strategize his plan of care for a better outcome. 

In caregiving, just like every other area of life, setbacks come, hoped for outcomes don’t transpire, the best-case scenario doesn’t happen; but goes the other way. We learn that setbacks are not only part of the caregiving journey but also opportunity to trust in God and ask him to bless us and others with a victory, or good outcome. 

We learn though setbacks come, so does God and his promise to strengthen, help, and uphold us and our patients with his righteous right hand is true and trustworthy. 

Heavenly Father, as a caregiver I’ve experienced many setbacks in caregiving. Thank you for your promises to sustain, uphold and strengthen both caregiver and patient! Amen     

 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than that comes from evil (Matthew 5:37)  

Caregiving during the holidays can be an added layer of stress. Depending on the health and condition of the one you are caring for you may have the sole responsibility of creating a festive atmosphere in your/their environment which, in turn, adds more to your already overcrowded plate. 

Although Jesus’ counsel is about making vows, it’s also very helpful on other occasions and areas. During the holidays “Letting your yes be yes and your no be no” can be a helpful and healthy way to approach things. 

As a caregiver its emotionally healthy and spiritually empowering during the holidays to: 

Know your limitations; be mindful of the things you can accomplish without the help of others and those things that need the assistance of others

Be honest with yourself and with others

Don’t skip sleep or trade your times of rest 

Don’t get “guilted” into doing things you are not comfortable doing 

Don’t feel you need to reinvent the wheel. When possible and in line with dietary guidelines, use prepared meals, or better yet, ask others to help in this area

Don’t skip or scrimp on personal times with God that strengthen you spiritually and emotionally

Do add and practice those things that help you enjoy the holidays. After all, you matter too!    

Dear Lord, as a caregiver holidays can bring additional stress into my life and environment. Show me how to keep my stress down and protect my emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Amen  

 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10)

It’s a good thing you are doing, a very good thing! Whoever your patient is: relative, friend, neighbor, someone assigned to you on your shift. Giving care to the young, the old, male, or female is a very good thing and pleasing to the Lord. Jesus said anytime you refresh someone by offering a cup of cold water, it’s the same as doing it for him. Giving care is a good thing, it can also be emotionally, physically, mentally, even spiritually exhausting. After a while caregivers can become weary and want to turn in their badge of caregiving. Caregiving is a lot to bear day after day! But God encourages the caregiver to not grow weary in doing good. The only way to avoid weariness is to depend upon the Lord for every need. Take him with you every day, every shift. Lean on him for the hard tasks and turn to him when you are feeling tired and worn down. Under your own power and esteem, you will certainly grow weary but having the Lord as your partner and strength you can continue to do good and avoid being weary to the point you want to throw in the caregiving towel.

Jesus thank you for being my unseen partner and help in caregiving. Because you help me I can continue doing good and giving care in Jesus’ name. Amen        

 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.” (Psalm 55:6-8, ESV)

Have you ever had that same feeling as David; just wanting to get away from it all? Flee the circumstances, fly away like a little bird? It wouldn’t be uncommon and you wouldn’t be alone if you have felt that way at times. Sometimes life is just hard and we get to the point we don’t think we can bear up or go any further.

Caregiving is demanding. Sometimes, especially when it’s not our 9-5, but every day of the week, month, year; year after year, we can find ourselves worn to a frazzle and tired beyond words.

David wasn’t able to fly away like a bird, but God gave him the strength he needed and we can’t always fly away or escape our circumstances either but just like David, God will strengthen us. He’ll give us times of rest and much needed moments and places to restore. When these come—planned or unexpected—we can remember the goodness of God and how he is always providing for us, caring for us just as we give care to others. 

Gracious God, thank you for moments to rest, moments to have a breather and fly away even if it’s only to enjoy a good book, or to take a much-needed nap. Thank you for seeing me and caring for me also. Amen      

 And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him (Mark 1:13)

Have you ever been told, “you’re such an angel!” chances are as you’re giving care to others, especially if you’re doing it in a loving manner you’ve heard it a time or two! Even though you may be quick to shrug it off or dismiss it with humility, that statement is true. 

God sends his angels through human form. In fact, angels can occupy human bodies to accomplish good things. Every time you give a cup of cool water or assist with bathing, bring or remove a tray, take a temperature, listen and hold a hand, you are not only exhibiting the character and qualities of Christ, you are allowing one of God’s heavenly angels to operate through you. 

We need mor angels in this world. More people willing to be angelic in their behavior. God is pleased to use you in this capacity and will bless you because you are one of his angels on earth. 

Whatever you do today to assist your patient or the one in your care—even the smallest act of compassion or care—you are being that needed angel all you’re missing is the wings!

Dear God, thank you for this angel that makes all the difference in someone’s life! Amen          

  And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick wit ha fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. (Matthew 8:14-15)  

A friend of mine is hosting an event for caregivers. I live in another state and won’t be able to attend but I’m genuinely excited for her and especially those who will be present. 

Caregivers need to know they are thought about; that their needs and challenges don’t go unnoticed, and they are not invisible. I’m sure for many, it will be a refreshing and energizing time just being in the company of others who share similar needs and can identify with their emotions and daily challenges and problems. Addie may not know it, but she is a lot like Jesus, sharing his heart of compassion. So much like Jesus who could not resist responding to others in deeply personal and relative ways. Jesus had a knack for bringing healing, strength, encouragement and comfort and he always made the lives of those he touched better and more hopeful.

On one occasion Jesus healed the mother-in-law of his disciple, Simon Peter. We see how Peter’s mother-in-law responded well to Jesus’ touch and immediately got off her sickbed to serve others in her new state of wellness, but we don’t think about Peter’s wife who had been the main caregiver for her mother, even while her husband was away most of the time, traveling and ministering with Jesus. When Jesus healed the mother, he also healed and freed the daughter; maybe Jesus’ healing for Peter’s mother in law was not without thought of what it would do for her daughter. 

Sometimes caregivers are released from caring for others when the one needing care is healed and becomes well, sometimes the release comes when the Lord brings the sick home to be with him, sometimes it’s just a time of rest between shifts where they can close their eyes, put their phone on do not disturb, curl up with a good book and let the television watch them for a while.  

However the Lord provides rest or restoration for the caregiver, it’s his way of saying job well done, servant! Enjoy your break and prop your feet up for a while. Catch up on the things you’ve missed out on, be reconnected to life, family, and community!     

Jesus, thank You for seeing my need for rest or to be encouraged in my role as a caregiver. Amen

You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit (Job 10:12)

We’ve noticed some activity at our next-door neighbor’s home lately. While it’s not unusual to see her adult children visit daily, checking on their mother who is nearing ninety years old and lives alone. It is unusual to see several of them visit in one day. Speaking with her son recently he talked about his plans for selling his own home and moving in to be with his mother full time since he can see her need for more help is growing. He has even asked his siblings to help more also since he knows he can't do it alone. My husband and I promised to pray for them and reassure him we are nearby if needed. 

There are times the level of care for others goes to a new level and the little bit of care or tending they needed increases. When that happens, we do all we can to make necessary adjustments in our schedules or enlist the help of others. 

God watches over us that same way. 

He knows the times in life or caregiving we need another layer of support and supplies our need. 

Needing help to care for others is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. Knowing we can’t cover all the bases or don’t have expertise in everything may be humbling but should not make us feel guilty. God already knows what’s ahead of us and when we turn to Him and ask for help and wisdom He will give it so everyone concerned is well cared for.   

Thank You, Lord, for sending the help I need. Even a caregiver needs an extra layer of help to care for others at times. Amen 

 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my Word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed I the thing for which I sent it—Isaiah 55:10-11, ESV

What’s ahead for your day caregiver? How many items on your things-to-do list? Maybe too many to count? There are the expected tasks, the things you always or usually do on this day of the week or time of month, then there is certain to be something unplanned and unexpected. As routine as caregiving can be, it can also hold a lot of surprises and things you need to respond to in the moment.  

Planned or unplanned there is something to know God has a purpose for all of it. Everything God sends or allows in is meant to accomplish something He wants done. Just like the snow and rain that come down from heaven and God says won’t return without accomplishing the purpose for which he sent it, so too the things He sends and allows in your day, atmosphere, and circumstances. 

The ways of God are so much bigger than our ways and even if we tried for the rest of our earthly lives to figure him out, we couldn’t. we only know, looking back, we can see how God had a purpose and accomplished something we couldn’t even begin to fathom through our circumstance of caregiving. We can rest assured, if God sent or allowed it, He not only has a purpose He has a blessing connected to it.

Thank You heavenly Father for the reminder nothing You send from heaven or allow in our earthly circumstances is without meaning and purpose. May Your will be done in my day and through my giving care to others. Amen           

 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle and come to their end without hope—Job 7:6, ESV

Do you ever feel there is hardly enough time to get everything accomplished you need to let alone things you want to get done within your day or week? If so, you’re not alone. Most caregivers say the one thing they could use more of is time. There just doesn’t seem to be enough of it.

Running out of time and having more tasks that need your attention than you have hours in the day is not unusual for those giving care to others. There’s no simple solution to turn this around. Everyone’s situation and circumstances are different. 

Caregivers aren’t the only ones concerned about using their time well. You might be surprised to discover that even young people have the same concern. One of my granddaughters makes up charts and graphs to have greater efficiency with her schedule. I admire her spirit of efficiency and desire to use her time well. She may not always achieve the things she wants but she maintains a spirit and attitude of hopefulness.

Job may have felt hopeless at the thought of what awaited him at the end of his journey. That’s understandable. Many of us might feel that same way when we’re emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. But just as God had a chance to counsel Job and help him get to a better place mentally and emotionally and gain a new perspective spiritually, so he could handle his losses, Job’s attitude turned from one of hopelessness and despair to hopefulness and renewed energy for life. 

Caregiving can be grueling and tiresome but we can put our hope in the Lord and trust him with our tomorrows and what’s ahead. Life is brief and days are short but God always has ways to bless us and show us how to live them fully.

Heavenly Father, my days fly by but You are with me from beginning to end. Help me to use my time well and have no regrets at the end of the day Amen     

 And I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.—Luke 11:9-10 AMP

As someone giving care to others, whether they are family members or those you have been hired to take care of, is prayer a part of the ministry of care you provide? Are you praying for your family member or patient who has become like family to you? Are you discovering that while there are many prayers you pray in your day (and night) that are answered quickly because the need is dire, there are just as many—if not more—that keep you on your knees for days, weeks, even months or beyond before you see the change needed or the prayer request manifested in daily life? have you noticed that, as you pray again and again about something or for something, over time your prayer may be reshaped and reworded to better suit and match God’s purposes and plans in that person or circumstances?

God has a way of fulfilling His will and working out His plans as we revisit a prayer we’ve been praying for some time. We don’t start out knowing how to pray about something or for someone but as we pray more and more our prayers are shaped by God in mysterious ways. 

Whether you are praying for answers, guidance, provision, or strength to perform your duties as a caregiver, you can rest assured God is logging in every one of your prayers about your need and no prayer goes unheard. Somewhere between the first time you’ve asked God for something and the last time before you see the answer or blessing, God is up to a lot; God is working. No prayer in between is wasted and every prayer goes toward the good God is working on!

Heavenly Father, I don’t pretend to understand all Your ways. I love it when You answer me right away but I’m learning there may be hidden treasure and blessings in store when You take Your time. Help me trust You completely. Amen                   

 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.–Proverbs 24:27, ESV 

Whether you are giving care to a family member at home or caregiving is your 9-5, 3-11 or other means of income, if you want to reduce stress and make your day and shift much easier and manageable, planning well is a must. Through his proverb Solomon points out the importance of doing the most important tasks first and then moving on to the next set. In Solomon’s time fathers taught their young sons to have financial and spiritual stability before getting married and starting a family. They were to become financially sound before taking on the responsibilities of a wife and children. Today, we can apply this proverb to so many areas of life, including how we care for others. 

Have you ordered the tasks you need to address in your day or week so they do not run you ragged? It’s a great benefit when we recognize our shortcomings or if we have difficulty organizing or prioritizing tasks. Caregiving is already draining, and the energy needed to pour out can deplete the caregiver on so many levels. When we apply Solomon’s wisdom to our activity of caring for others it can keep us from always feeling as though we are playing catch-up, or never being caught up. God wants us to experience success and feelings of accomplishment. Planning well and prioritizing tasks can help do that.

Regardless of how we came to be giving care to others, applying wisdom to the way we give care can make all the difference in our life, in our attitude, in our emotions, with our patient, and in the quality of care we give.     

Lord, help me to not only become better at giving care to others but doing those things that help me in my day and week, which includes learning how to organize tasks and addressing tasks in their order of importance. Amen.       

 Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes—Proverbs 14:29

Sometimes in our environments of caregiving patience is hard to come by. There are times impatience seems to rise to the top like oil does in water and no matter what we do to keep impatience out of the day and environment it seeps out through words, the way things are said, through attitudes, touch, and movement. Sometimes it seems everyone has run out of patience or better yet, patience has run out on us. When impatience enters the caregiving environment it makes days and shifts long and tense and unpleasant. Nothing seems to be good enough or fast enough or helpful enough. 

How many caregivers (and patients) right this moment are praying the same prayer, “Lord, give me (more) patience.”  Thank God He answers these prayers and through His own patience with us, understands we are only human and sometimes, especially after doing the same thing day after day, maybe even year after year, we just don’t have anymore patience to extend. We don’t mean to be impatient but, just as Paul says, we manage to “do that very thing we don’t want to do and what we want to do we cannot seem to do!” (Rom. 7:15-20).    

Stress, frustration, disappointment, discouraging news, unmet expectations, feelings of hopelessness, physical and emotional weariness, all these and more can contribute to an atmosphere and feelings of impatience. When we are at that point where impatience seems to rule the day or environment, identifying why we feel this way is helpful. Identifying the trigger and cause can keep us from doing or saying things we later regret or from being harmful to ourselves and others, and, as Solomon so eloquently put it, can keep us from “doing stupid things” which only makes things worse. 

Thank God once we recognize why impatience is in the room, we can take steps to dismantle it and take away its power. At times something as simple as a brief separation to have a breather from one another can do wonders and prayer separately or together can help shift the mood and attitude instantly and dramatically. 

God hears our prayers for more patience, and He hears our prayers to cleanse our environment, hearts, and attitudes of impatience and replaces it with His patience, love, and tenderness. God keeps giving us strength and a refreshed heart and mind to keep caring for others and one another. 

Thank You, Lord, that when impatience has entered in You show us effective ways to deal with it and cleanse our environment and heart from it. Amen   

 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace—Psalm 29:11 

Unless caregiving is your 9-5, or 3-11, you might feel isolated and in a minority. But in actuality:

22.3% of adults reported providing care or assistance to a friend or family member in the past 30 days.

24.4% of adults aged 45 to 64 years are caregivers compared to 18.8% of adults aged 65 years and older.

25.4% of women are caregivers compared to 18.9% of men.

58% of caregivers are women.

Almost one-third of caregivers provide care at least 20 hours a week.

79% of caregivers care for adults aged 50 or older, and 76% of care recipients are aged 65 years and older.

53 million Americans are providing unpaid care for relatives and friends.

More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.

That’s a lot of caregiving going on! On your most exhausting days these statistics may not be much of a comfort. They may not even mean a lot in a moment you are over-worked, overwhelmed, and stressed but they have God’s attention and God is pouring out a special love and strength and peace to those who are in the position of giving care. Your blessing and reward is not just in heaven, but God promises to bless and reward you now.   

Jesus, thank You for considering my station as a caregiver. Thank You for seeing my need, giving me strength and blessing me with peace. Amen   

 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland—Isaiah 43:18-19

My younger sister went to visit our only living aunt on our mother’s side. She is the last of her nine siblings. She has been deaf all of the years I have known her. Learning to maneuver in a hearing world long before there were so many aids and long before technology was as awesome as it is today. Now, in her eighties she is not only non-hearing but she’s lost most of her memories as well. She doesn’t recognize many people anymore when they come to visit. She introduced my sister—her niece—as a new friend and nice woman who had come to see her. Aunt Dorothy doesn’t remember the things she used to love, the work shed used to do or the wonderful memories she shared with her sisters but she is making new memories, her caregivers are making sure of that.

Those who help care for the people who have lost or losing their memories due to Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or other brain injury are an important part of their patient’s new life. They may have forgotten the past but going forward can be satisfying. The former memories may be gone but new ones can be made!

As a caregiver, may God bless your part in helping make new memories!

Lord, thank you for making me part of my patient’s new journey. Their former memories may be gone but I can help them make new ones! Amen      

 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life with godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence—2 Peter 1:3

I appreciate the organization AARP and the service they do to keep seniors—and now others—informed and aware. I enjoy receiving news, updates and providing information to make my senior years more fruitful and productive. I especially appreciate how they make sure to provide information and resources for those giving care to others. Some of the most recent updates have been helpful for those who care for people suffering with Dementia. Helping caregivers understand how to better navigate and understand long-term care insurance and creating meaningful conversations and much more. I know several people this is very helpful to as they give care to those suffering with Dementia. 

Peter assured believers we will have everything we need to live a godly life. Having everything we need is not limited to things of the spiritual realm or nature but in all of life. God is our Creator, and our excellent, faithful Father. 

In Psalm 23, David describes Jesus as a faithful Shepherd to His sheep. A Good and faithful Shepherd knows how to lead His sheep and supply their every need. 

As you give care to others, the Lord cares for you also. He’ll make sure you have the information you need, the resources you need and the help you need to make your tasks easier, and you can give care smartly and more efficiently.

Lord, thank you for the help you supply and making sure I have everything I need as I give care to others. Amen 

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all of the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. –Genesis 2:1-2

When you’re giving care to others—professionally or a family member—one of the things that may be hard to come by is rest. Holidays don’t mean anything special, after all your days are marked by giving care. Being at work, completing your shift, attending to your loved one who needs care, these are the activities that are set for you.

God was creating the world. There was no bigger job than that! But at the end of creating, He took time to rest. God didn’t find time, He made time to rest. Rest is essential for the caregiver. Without rest you cannot keep going or continue to give quality care to others. If you find you are constantly drained, making little mistakes or forgetting to do little things that could lead to big consequences it’s likely a rest is in order. 

What are the things you can put in place that will give you the rest that’s needed? Can you arrange to take a mental health day or use a sick day to stay at home and rest? If you’re caring for a family member is there someone who can come and spot you for an hour or two while you nap or just take a needed break from care-giving? It may even be worth it to pay someone to do this for you.

We all know there is rest in heaven but in the meantime, God will give you rest from your earthly duties and tasks. God knows how important rest is to the human body, mind, soul, and spirit and He will help you arrange a time of rest for yourself.

God, thank you for promising to help me find time to rest. Provide whatever I need so I can take time to rest and restore. Amen                 

 I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.—John 21:18, NLT 

What a prophetic word! No one wants to get to this place in life but, if we live long enough it’s the destiny of most of us. We enter life dependent, and we’ll leave that same way.  

Praise God for the gentle, intuitive, loving, patient caregiver who understands the one they care for wants independence and may even be grieved or sorrowed that they can’t move about or totally care for him or herself. 

If you have the spirit of patience and understanding for those you care for this is no little thing and God sees your care. He loves how patient and careful you are to make sure the one(s) you care for are considered. How you may take time to explain things: why they may need to have this or that done to or for them. Explaining or taking time to make them aware of appointments they may not particularly like going to.

Your carefulness and consideration will not go unrewarded or unnoticed. God sees everything you do! He loves the way you give care and will care for you when the time comes.    

Lord help me to be sensitive to others as they are in a sensitive position in life…     

The LORD God took the man and put him I the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it—Genesis 2:15 

I was caring for my houseplants and thinking they sure are taking a lot of work! When I take good care of them, they look healthy. They are strong. They thrive. But when I neglect them: forget to water them regularly. Check their stems. Clip or prune them back. Remove the weaker branches that are not doing so well, they don’t do well at all. 

Today I was reminded how God told Adam he would need to tend the plants in the garden. Even before death and decay the plants needed tending and to this day, we are still the tender of plants whether the yare indoor or outdoor. 

If plants, like animals, need so much care and tending then it’s no surprise that humans do as well. At some point all of us will need some kind of care or tending. We all started off that way. None of us, coming out of the womb, could feed ourselves, change ourselves, walk by ourselves. In fact, it would take some time before we could start to do anything independently. Just as God has ordained seasons of life when we are dependent upon others for care, He has provided those to give care.

Needing care is a natural part of life. God bless the care-giver who also sees giving care just as natural and part of their life’s journey as well!         

God, we enter into this world needing care and tending by others and more than likely we will exit that same way. 

As I care for others help me to be compassionate, understanding and sensitive to the needs, weaknesses and dependency of others. Who knows, I may be in this same position one day, myself…  

 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”—John 19:30 

As a caregiver how do you measure success? What gives you that needful feeling of accomplishment at the end of a day or the end of your shift?

When Jesus had completed his work on earth, secured salvation for all mankind. The last words he spoke from the cross were, “It is finished.” The work of salvation was accomplished. He had completed what the Father sent him to do. Yes, there was still work to be done: now humans would need to get the message out. We would have the help of our God—but that part of the task of bringing salvation allowed Jesus to take his last breath knowing he had accomplished redemption for all mankind. 

The work you have on your day isn’t as weighty as bringing salvation or redemption to lost souls. But it’s important all the same. It’s good to know Jesus is with you in the Holy Spirit to help you accomplish your tasks also. Jesus wants you to experience that feeling of being accomplished in your day and role as a caregiver. You can talk to him about the things you need to accomplish in your day and know he will help you.

Jesus, sometimes I forget I have supernatural help to accomplish the tasks before me. Today I am especially concerned about accomplishing…

 Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17, CSB)

On any work we set out to do—with our hands or in any other way—we need and should pray for the favor of the Lord to be upon us. More than anything we want God to be pleased with what we do and what we have done. Our longing to have our work confirmed by the Lord, our efforts acknowledged by him and acceptable to him bears witness to our dependency upon him and our desire to please him above all else.

It is not an empty longing to want our work to count for something: asking God to bless it. Whether you are caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, someone battling cancer, a heart patient or any other area of illness, at the end of each day or shift knowing your work counted for something is important. That your exhaustion is/was meaningful.

Whether we’re looking for the meaning of life or about the care we give, God wants us to know it’s not the activity itself that gives meaning but the One we do everything for. Nothing we do for God is futile and God does not forget that we’ve changed bed clothes, served meals, taken temperatures, lotioned dry skin, wiped perspiring brows, and shared words of encouragement, none of it has been in vain and God not only establishes, he confirms the work of our hands. And is pleased to do so. 

Prayer Starter…

Thank you, Father for confirming and establishing the work of my hands. This is especially encouraging to me because…  

  But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me. (Ruth 1:16-17, NIV) 

We might not think of Ruth in the Bible as a caregiver but that is what she became to her mother-in-law Naomi. After Naomi’s husband and both her sons died, Naomi was alone except for her two daughters in law. After Orpah returned home to be with her people it was just Ruth and Naomi. Even after Naomi tried to send Ruth away and discouraged her from remaining, Ruth vowed to stay with Naomi wherever she went, even to the point of taking Naomi’s God to be her own God.

The story of Ruth and Naomi encourage us in Christian caregiving. There are many other things we can take on. many other things we can choose to do with our life and time. 

But through Ruth and Naomi’s story we see how God rewards caregiving to others weaker than ourselves.

Whether your care is for a member of your family or someone else, God sees your dedication and will supply your needs also. Naomi needed companionship and being cared for, but Ruth was a young woman who still needed the care and covering of husband. Though we may live in a different time and culture, at that time to have a husband was important for a woman’s financial well being and social acceptance. 

Through Ruth’s commitment to stay with and care for her mother-in-law she was blessed also. God provided Naomi’s needs, selected a husband for Ruth, and made Naomi a grandmother! Because Ruth dedicated her life to Naomi they are remembered throughout history and earned a place in the lineage of David and Jesus.    

Because you have vowed to give care to the weak or aging or sick, God will reward you. Like Ruth, you are a jewel in God’s book and he will take good care of you.    

Prayer Starter…

Lord, I don’t care for others expecting something in return, even so, thank you for any need you fulfill in my own life… 

 Strengthen the feeble hands; steady the knees that give way (Isaiah 35:3) 

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with, to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1, ESV)

Any caregiver will tell us, they need strong hands and strong knees. In caregiving we can there can be a lot of lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, turning, and balancing. If your knees and hands are weak then your day to day tasks will be that much harder. 

In caregiving strong limbs are important. Without the strength you need, it not only tires you out but jeopardizes your own health and mobility. The same applies to us in a spiritual sense and how God cares for us.

God sees those who are weaker in their faith and need extra care just like the sick or infirmed or weak need you care for. God’s perfect discernment knows when to send someone stronger and more mature in their faith to care for the weaker and help them become stronger. In the same way God has sent you to support and care for the weaker but he does not stop there. God also knows how to supply you, the caregiver, with the strength you need so that, as a caregiver your arms and legs don’t give out.

When you think about it, isn’t God truly awesome and wonderful? 

Whatever our circumstances whether regarding our faith, or in life or being a caregiver, God knows exactly what we need and has a plan in the works to help us until we’re stronger.

Prayer Starter…

God, thank you for the help you arrange and send to me whenever I am…  

 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25, NIV)

God has perfect intuition. He’s so in tune with our needs. Every part of us: our emotions, our mental health and state, our physical, and our spiritual. Of course, since he is the one who made us he knows all about us. He is the only One who has touched every part of us. 

The Israelites needed to hear this great promise. It’s not the first time they had heard it. But, since they often rejected or even dismissed God’s promises they hadn‘t trusted in what God had told them about refreshing them so they continued to operate from their depletion and weariness. God was gracious enough to repeat his promise of refreshment through the prophet so they could hear it again.

How many times does God have to tell you he will refresh you? That he is the One, true source of refreshment for you? There are several places in the Bible, and in the Psalms in particular that remind us of what God promises:    

David wrote that the law of the Lord refreshes our soul (Psalm 9:7), and God sends abundant showers that refresh the weary (Ps. 68:9). The blessings of God refresh us (Ps. 92:10) and God knows exactly how and when to refresh our weary soul. 

Your weariness is not ignored by God, nor is he unconcerned or oblivious. When your soul is feeling weary, he invites you to spend some time in his Word and be refreshed there. He knows your schedule is busy but spending time with him will refresh and restore you. You may enter in depleted, but you’ll exit feeling so much better and ready to tackle another round of caregiving.    

Prayer Starter…

Thank you, Lord, for this reminder. At times I am so depleted, so soul-weary I don’t think I can go one more step. I will come to you in your Word because that is where my refreshment is. Today I pray to… 

 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus, he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. (Luke 19:5-6, NIV)

Zacchaeus had a trusted position. He ran his own tax business but unfortunately, he did not have much, if any integrity. He overcharged his clients and consequently was not well liked in his community.

The story of Zacchaeus and his transformation after spending time with Jesus reminds me of what Jesus said in Luke 12:48

“to whom much is given, much is required”

Or the more you have been given the more is expected or required. The more responsibility put under us the more the Lord looks for us to be responsible and people of integrity.  

Whether we run our own company, are people who sell services or goods to others, or care for people in their home or a facility it’s important to be a person or caregiver who has the character trait of integrity and good ethics. This is what pleases the Lord and the behavior he will bless and promote.

In today’s world many are in positions where they are entrusted with sensitive matters. Not everyone proves to be people who can be trusted. Zacchaeus stole from people by overcharging, keeping monies back for himself. When caregivers are not ethical, they can steal from people in many ways. They prey upon the vulnerable and needy. This ends up hurting people in many ways. 

When you are a caregiver with integrity you will perform duties with integrity. You won’t cheat or steal from people but will do all you can to be Christlike and dependable. Your good practices will not go unnoticed by those you care for or by God. You will be rewarded with a clear conscience and by God also.

Prayer Starter…

Jesus I will not only give the best care I can I will be a person of integrity. Today I ask for your help to…   

 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. (Matthew 8:3) 

Caregiver, you are a jewel! Sometimes, even in this modern day and age people are still uncomfortable being too close to the sick or spending time with the weak and needy. 

Uncomfortable touching those who are ill. It’s not even about if they have an infectious disease. Some people just don’t like to come that close. The distance of people can sometimes make those who are isolated feel worse, unworthy, and lonely. 

In Jesus’ day lepers were isolated. Once they contracted leprosy, they could no longer be part of the community. They had to leave their family, they could not attend their synagogue, they could not go to the market to shop or be in a crowd. Gone were their days of getting hugs or visits from friends. They were not able to have human contact except for these who had leprosy. How miserable and isolated their life became all because of a contagious disease. Can you see how Jesus touching a leper was all the more astonishing and noteworthy? 

The good news is that Jesus still loves to hug, he still loves to touch, and he will make sure to send someone his hugs through others such as yourself.  If hugging is part of your caregiving, then you are the touch Jesus is wanting to give those in your care.  

As you give care to others just know a hug can go a long way in helping those you care for feel better and stronger! 

Jesus, thank you for using me to share your hugs …   

 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! (I Chronicles 16:11)

The prophet Elijah was weak, depleted. He had been running on his own strength and not leaning on the Lord. By the time queen Jezebel threatened him he had nothing to draw from. Instead of responding to her threat out of faith and strength—he completely forgot all the miracles he had witnessed God doing and at the prophet’s own request!  So, Elijah ran off to hide (Read I Kings 19:1-15) .

When God found him, Elijah was hiding under a sparce tree and hoping he could just disappear from life. God had to strengthen him. He sent the birds to feed his prophet and caused the leafless tree to grow leaves so Elijah could not feel the heat of the sun.     

You can’t do anything for very long on your own strength. Eventually you’re going to collapse, and you’ll be just like Elijah: weary, forgetting God is powerful, hiding out—if not physically—emotionally and mentally. Pretty soon you’ll be resenting the people you are caring for and questioning, if not resenting God for giving you the assignment. 

Jesus said if you leave the Vine, you won’t be able to produce anything, including caring for others for extended times. Just like prophets and servants, caregivers need to stay in an abiding relationship with Jesus and leaning on Him for help and strength. The minute you try to do things all on your own is the minute you’ll feel weaker than you’ve ever felt. 

Your spiritual life can’t be the last thing you attend or take care of, it must be the highest priority on your list which will enable you to care for others with new strength and energy.

Prayer Starter,

Jesus Help me recognize when I am being like the prophet Elijah, feeling in my spirit I just want to run off and hide. I know human strength has its limitations but strength that comes from you can help me care for those I need to. I pray for your strength to… 

  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9)

Caregiver, the good you are doing counts. God sees your hard work. He sees you giving of yourself and going above and beyond. He sees your care and knows how much you care. He appreciates your efforts and the way you are caring for one or more of his creation. He knows caregiving is not easy and not always rewarded in ways that seem to count but he promises to reward your good doing, not just in eternity, but in other ways right now.

Today, Paul’s words remind me of a dear friend we had many years ago who took care of her husband until his death. For twenty years she watched as Alzheimer’s stole his ability to walk, talk, eat on his own, bathe himself, recognize her or their son. Long before there was in home nursing care available or palliative care for home patients through hospice, she managed to care for him. She had Galatians 6:9 taped over his bed where she could see it each time she entered his room. Josephine believed in her heart what God promised. Her husband may have been the recipient of her loving care but she was the recipient of God’s promised reward and blessings. 

As you give care know God is watching and will keep filling you with strength to attend to those you care for and to complete the tasks before you each day.

Prayer Starter…

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this encouragement! I don’t look for anything in return but just knowing you have promised to reward me for the good I try to do and keep doing lifts my heart and puts a smile on my face. Help me continue to do good! 

What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?  You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor (Psalm 8:4)

Could David’s question be the missing link to why we feel a need or responsibility to care for others who are in need of some assistance? 

What are human beings that God would stoop or bend to care for us? After all God is holy and we struggle just to be good people. We bring God a lot of grief. 

Maybe more grief than joy. We are not very good or obedient sheep for Jesus. We often resist the Holy Spirit. We are all sinful. In this way we are truly what Paul said in Romans 3, falling short of the glory of God and in need of God’s grace!    

The reason we turn to care for others must be connected to the nature we share with God. No, we are not caring for those lower than ourselves—for we all belong to the human race and in need of love, nurture, patience, and forgiveness. We are not little gods, or super spiritual. 

Only God is caring for those lower than himself. But when we care for others, we are emulating what we see and experience with God. 

God cares for us because we are his own creation, and he has made us the crown of his creation and we care for others as a way of glorifying God and fulfilling his plan of love and salvation through the human race.

Prayer Starter…

Father, thank you for caring for us mere mortals! Give me the strength I need to care for others as you care for me…   

 For thus said the LORD GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”—Isaiah 30:15

If there is any reliable prescription to give the caregiver, it’s “get as much rest as you can.” Which isn’t the easiest thing to accomplish especially if you’re the in-house, at home care-giver. The one whose window of caring is not limited to and 8-hour shift but rather round the clock.

Regardless and even if you are giving care outside the home more than likely once you return home you will have to pick up on giving care to others. Your family, children, even a pet. So what God says in Isaiah still applies.

As you can observe periods of rest. What others may call laziness or not being productive think of rest as your medicine, and it may very well be your life preserver.

God was inviting the Israelites to find their rest in him. To come back and enjoy the benefits of being in relationship with him. He was not like the gods of other nations and they could find peace in the one true God. Israel would be restored, healed, and saved when they found their rest in God. 

Physical rest is imperative for the caregiver but spiritual rest is also. Resting in the Lord by returning to prayer, Bible reading, worship will restore you on every level. Don’t wait until you are depleted but return often, daily and God will give you strength to move forward.

Sometimes when I am tired and exhausted Lord, I forget that I need to take time to rest physically but also spiritually. Let me find my strength by returning to your quietness daily. Amen               

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.—Psalm 121:1-2

Psalm 121 is one of the psalms the Israelites sang on their way to worship in Jerusalem. The hills were dangerous to travel by day and even more so at night. There could always be bandits waiting to rob them, the criminally-minded waiting to strip them of their treasures meant for offerings and sacrificing at the temple.   

Scattered through the mountains were statues of idol gods placed their by other nations which the Israelites were aware of and always felt nervous about but they also knew if they placed their eyes on a higher point at the top of the mountain that’s where their God lived. That’s where they help came from. Even though they had a lot going on at ground level God was strategically placed where he could see and help them get through. As they sang psalm 121 they were strengthened and filled with confidence they could make their journey under God’s watchful and protective eye. 

In giving care to others, you have enemies too. You have emotional, mental, and spiritual exhaustion to contend with and that’s in addition to anything else you are contending with. 

God says if you will elevate your eyes and heart above the challenges of caregiving; those hills of daily tasks, exhaustion, fatigue, and weariness, then you‘ll see your help is on the way.

Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills. I will look to you knowing you are where my help comes from. You made heaven and earth without human help so I know you can help me in my day to day tasks as a caregiver. Amen 

Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you--I Peter 5:8

My grandmother was caregiver for my grandfather after he became ill. Round the clock care was needed for him and she give up her positions as a Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer of the women’s auxiliary, and making visits to the sick and shut-in. One evening when I was staying overnight, I saw her sitting at her desk, sorting through a stack of papers looking concerned. I asked if she was worried and she responded, “I could be but I take all my worries to the Lord and he gives me his strength in return.”

Peter said we are to “cast our anxieties (cares) on the Lord, knowing he cares for us. 

I don’t know if my grandmother made an actual list of her worries but I do know it’s a useful and effective activity to do at any time but especially when we are giving care to others. Depending upon our circumstances our list of anxieties and worries may differ but God can handle them all no matter what they are. The concerns someone giving care to a spouse may be different from those of someone who is a caregiver in a nursing facility for the elderly, or from someone who is caring for a sick child at home. Yet, if they concern us then God wants to hear and take them. He wants us to cast them far from us, so we are not burdened down. 

The key to casting our anxieties is much like someone fishing and casting their line into the water, finding their focal point, and casting their line in the direction of the fish. When we cast our anxieties in prayer, the Lord becomes our focal point. It may take us several tries; we may have to practice this prayer skill many times before we have become good at it, but we’ll know we have succeeded when we don't bring our anxieties back with us after prayer.

Peter says the person who is willing to cast their anxieties on the Lord also knows we belong to a loving God who will take care of all our needs, and this gives us the peace of mind we need.

Prayer Starter…

Jesus, I will learn to cast all my anxieties on you beginning with...      

 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.—I Peter 5:6 (ESV)

Caregiving can be humbling. You are a servant; the one waiting on others not the one being waited on. Sometimes human nature can whisper things into the subconscious ear like, “Why are you having to do all the work…Why isn’t someone waiting on you? After all, you don’t feel that good either, you have your issues too…”  

Peter writes that when we are experiencing any suffering the best attitude to take is one of humility. Back in chapter 4, Peter reminds us that our lives are not immune to suffering. We are not set apart for glory and good times only. Sometimes we will experience trials and hardships. 

God is with us when we suffer and he has plans to exalt us when our trial is over.

A friend of ours recently cared for her husband until his death. The journey was tough and she had to pray her way through. But now, even in her grief and sorrow she also has comfort in knowing her care for him in his last days not only provided comfort for him it was planting a seed of joy in her heart for what was going to be her future. 

God knows we won’t always have our joy or peace immediately but when we humble ourselves under his plans we will experience a joy and peace in the future which would not have come unless we submitted and humbled ourselves at the proper time, when he asked us to.

Prayer Starter…

As a caregiver, Lord, give me the humility I need to care well for others. I may not fully understand it, but in the future I will be blessed. Amen  

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.—I Peter 4:12-13

A wife says “I’m surprised how things turned so quickly…” 

A Husband says “She was doing well, then all the sudden…”

A parent says, “He was feeling fine at bedtime, then, in the middle of the night…”

How often we are taken off guard by what happens. When life turns so quickly, for loved ones, friends, and those we know. And we go from our normal routines and good health to being caregivers. 

In the Gospel of John Jesus forewarns us, “In this life you will have trouble” (John 16:33). We know trouble is going to be part of our journey but we don’t always see it coming or know what kind of trouble. We know fiery trials have our name on them, we see them hit others all the time aw we watch the news or listen to the experiences of others, but we are still taken aback when they push their way into our life. When our lives and routines are interrupted by trials and suffering. As normal as they should seem, they are still strange intruders, the things that are keeping us from “normal” life or getting on with life or living our dream. 

Peter writes something else that’s important for us to hold onto and Jesus says it also. We are to “take heart” because just as there are troubles and trials there is also glory to be revealed later, after. It may not feel like it now. But God always has a future glory in store. 

Caregiving is exhausting, sometimes heavier than we can bear emotionally, mentally, and physically and all we can see is what’s right in front of us but God promises there is something glorious that will come out of it. It could be the lessons we will learn or the relationships we form, or the closeness to God we will experience, the way we are surprised by our own strength and capabilities, these and so much more are waiting to be revealed as we continue the path of giving care.    

Prayer Starter…

Lord, thank you for the promise of future glory. Thank you for a glimpse of the future that gives me hope, strength, and…      

I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you—John 14:18 (NLT) 

If there is something God wants you to know right now, as you give care to others, it’s that You are not alone!

Feeling alone and sometimes even feeling overwhelmed are real feelings, thoughts and emotions to deal with during caregiving. 

Before Jesus was crucified, he wanted to prepare his disciples. So, he assured them, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet, a little while and the world will not see me, but you will see me. Because I will come to you.

I’ve had the opportunity to have a close relationship with those who are part of the “aged-out” community. Those who are orphans but no longer young enough to be in Foster Care and trying to make it through life on their own. Their loneliness is more than most of us could bear. To know you are in the world alone, with no one to help you or care about you the way a parent would. No one to call mother, father, uncle or aunt, sister, or brother, no one to connect with o the levels that are comforting and offer security. Aged-out orphans need our special understanding, love and care.

Jesus wanted to make sure his disciples knew even though he was returning to the Father in heaven they would not be alone. He was going to send someone to help them and that was the Holy Spirit.

As you give care Jesus wants you to know you are not alone, but he is with you. The same Holy Spirit he sent to the disciples he has sent to you. The Holy Spirit will help you on the days your feel overwhelmed, or sad, or discouraged. The Holy Spirit will not take the place of human companionship or help, but he will help lift you up on the days you don’t have human companionship or help. 

Where humans can only help you strengthen outwardly or give you a hand for a short period the Holy Spirit can strengthen and help you from within. 

He is right there with you and he is only a call away.

Prayer Starter…

Holy Spirit, I need you in my day and circumstances. Help me be strong, help me not to feel so alone, help me as I give care to…

 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand—Isaiah 41:10

If you needed to sum up what drives your caregiving what word or phrase would you use? Is it that you are compassionate? Patient? A good listener? Tender and tenderhearted towards those you care for? 

All of these are wonderful traits for any caregiver to embody. It’s a blessing when those giving care can do it in such a way the person or persons, they are caring for feels they are in good hands.

It’s a blessing when people who give care professionally really love their job. There are sure to be bad days. Days when the job is hard, when you are giving care to those who are not easy to care for. But every profession has its low points, days where you’re just happy for the end of the shift. 

But it’s also a blessing when the person giving care is related to or has close ties to the one, they care for, if they also love or don’t mind what they are doing. There’s nothing worse than to be on the receiving end of someone who does not want to be in the position of caregiving. With every touch, every meal, every response they know the caregiver would rather be anywhere else, doing anything else than giving care to them. That kind of car makes the one in need feel they are a burden, in the way, and unloved. Healing is slow when this happens.       

Your reward for caregiving is going to be awesome. Of course, at the end of your earthly journey God is going to say, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter in.” but there are earthly rewards as well. When you give care with care, God will reward your heart with peace. He will satisfy you with good things. He will let you know he is pleased with how you are doing. He will bless you in ways that let you know he is supporting you. He will comfort you and let you feel his smile upon you. 

If your mission is to give good care that is reflective of the care God gives to us and especially the sick or weak, then God will make sure you have everything you need to accomplish your mission. And on the days you feel you fall short, talk to him, he will understand, and he will give you the forgiveness you long for, refresh, and place his loving hand under you for support.   

Thank you, Lord for supporting and strengthening me as a caregiver. Because you hold me in your powerful hand I will be able to fulfill my goals of giving good care to others. Amen       

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”—Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT) 

Sometimes we need to give care to those who are not the best recipients. It’s not that they are physically abusive but sometimes they are hurtful with their words and mean-spirited. What can we do when people hurt us with their words and no matter how many times, they apologize they always return to their hurtful behavior? 

Jesus was teaching on forgiveness, and he surprised many by saying they were to forgive others 70x7, or a many times as they offended us. Peter wasn’t the only one who had a hard time digesting this. 

While it seems as though Jesus is supporting mistreatment from others his focus was more on those who are in the position of power. Holding the power to forgive or withhold forgiveness puts us in a very unique place. Jesus said use your power in the right way. Use your power to please God by your obedience.

Caring for the ungrateful or mean-spirited is not an easy task but God will bless you in time. He is already pleased with how gracious and Christ like you are in difficult conditions.

God has his own way of humbling those who are harsh and use their words like knives even while being cared for. While he works on their heart and attitude you work at pleasing God.

Lord, thank you for helping me give care to the obstinate and hurtful. Help me to be kind even when I am not receiving kindness in return. Amen     

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will  strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.—Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

What part of caregiving stresses or challenges you? 

It’s okay to admit that some parts—or maybe every aspect—of caregiving stress or challenge you. 

Caregiving can be intense and depending upon your circumstances you might be giving care 24/7 and anyone would be even a little stressed if they were giving around the clock care.

What a comforting promise from God that’s meant to strengthen and encourage us on our journey. God promises to care for us, to strengthen us, to hold us up under pressure or when we feel we’re going to give out, and help us wherever his help is needed. 

Whether its about caregiving or any other challenge that arises. It also reminds us God understands us. He knows we’re just human and can be fragile, and at times don’t do well under the pressure of caregiving. We have nothing to fear and no reason to pretend with God. God understands.

Thanks for understanding me, God! I’m relieved I don’t have to make excuses nor be ashamed because I feel a bit overwhelmed at times while giving care. Amen 

And the King will answer, ‘Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”—Matthew 25:40 (NLT)

Caregiver, God is proud of you. You are serving him by giving care to the least, and in the mind of some, giving care to the unimportant.

Today’s caregiver is not only caring for the sick, caregivers can be found in the classroom, teaching little ones, they are located in hospitals caring for patients, they are in nursing homes giving care to the elderly, they are adult children caring for aging parents, they are younger parents giving care to their children. As a pastor, my husband has been a caregiver of souls for nearly 4 decades. 

Caregivers can be found everywhere and the spirit of giving care abides in the hearts of those willing to help others who are helpless, weak, needing assistance from others. Caregivers help those they care for achieve and experience more of life than they would have without them. 

A caregiver might not have a plaque on the wall or receive the highest pay, they may not get the recognition they deserve but God is pleased. He is loving the caregiver’s selfless service and willingness to care for the least, the unimportant.

It’s a good feeling, Lord, to know I please you as I give care to others. I want to serve you by caring for others. Amen