January 9

Caregiving often places us in quiet distress. It is not dramatic or even visible, but it is persistent and it is heavy. Days blur together and we find ourselves weary beyond words.

David wrote about a time of distress—a time where he felt death and hell all around him. Even on my worst days as a caregiver, I am not sure I thought I was on death’s doorstep. My distress was instead the frustration of calls to insurance, or home medical suppliers, that were eating up time I could spend with family. My distress was in the form of confusion watching other children with the same diagnosis as my daughter do better than her. My distress was sadness over feeling like I had nothing to offer and was failing as a parent.

Here is the beauty of a relationship with the Lord: he does not require me to be “put together” or perfect before coming to him. What a relief! Instead of striving for perfection in my own power, he wants me to rely on him for strength to get through the trials of this life. He wants to fill me joy and grow gifts of the Spirit in me so that I can serve him everyday in anything I do.

You are never crying out to the void when you trust in the God of creation. Don’t hesitate to take your cares to him like David did. Every prayer, every thought, every groan is caught by the ears of a compassionate God who draws near to the brokenhearted. His mercies are new every morning and great is his faithfulness.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing my cries for help and being the rock of my salvation. I take my refuge in you during this time of trial because I know you will secure my feet on the heights like a deer. Help me to find rest and comfort in you today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.