The SON'S Presence

I love to begin my day sitting by my big window in my living room and having my devotions. I love soaking up God's Word and also seeing God's creation from my window. As I write this post for publication in a few days I am remembering the beautiful sunrise I saw from my window this morning. It was such a beautiful reminder of God's power and beauty in creation and in my life. Not too much later the sun went behind the clouds. Still later the sun could again be seen in all its glory. Now, however it is again hiding behind the clouds, and it feels as it it could rain any moment.

How like that is our lives. In this life we get glimpses of God's glory and of heaven. Sometimes life can feel cloudy and gloomy, however. When the sun is not visible to us it does not mean it is not still there. It is just hiding behind the clouds. So also when our lives feel like they are lacking in joy or we are struggling with difficulties, the SON is still there. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, is always present right beside us. Our feelings may tell us otherwise, but feelings are fickle and unreliable. Feelings are not based on truth. God's Word teaches us that God will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5b) We can count on that truth even in the most difficult of times. 

Being a family caregiver presents many challenges and heartaches. Especially if one's loved one's illness is terminal, it can be overwhelming. Life at times can feel very lonely and gloomy. A caregiver can feel that he or she is alone in this experience. Yet remember, dear Christian caregiver, in the same way as the sun is always in the sky even when we can't see it, so the SON of God is always present with you also. He sees and cares about your care-giving struggles. He promises to teach you and lead you when you feel like you don't have a clue what you are doing. He promises to counsel and to watch over you and your loved one when your path is very unclear. (Psalm 32:8)

When I was a caregiver I often felt fearful of the future. I certainly felt as if my challenges were far more than I could handle. Yet as I look back I see how the Lord was with me all the way. Those care-giving years were very difficult years. Yet God taught me so much in those years about His faithfulness and my need to depend on Him. He helped me grow in in my faith and love for Him. Even in the midst of those difficult years I had a sense of His presence. It may have appeared as if the SON was hiding behind the clouds of discouraging challenges, but He was not hiding at all. He was always present and near at hand.

Dear Christian caregiver, always trust that the SON of God is with you. Life may not be the way you planned it or hoped it would be. Yet God knows what He is doing, and He will be there to help and sustain you and your loved one. He may chose to heal your loved one on this earth, or He may chose to heal him or her in heaven. Either way the SON of God can shine in your heart, because He is with you all the way. He alone gives your life light, joy, peace, and purpose! Trust the SON, dear caregiver!