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Listen while you read: "All For Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
One night, I had a dream. I was at a resort in the Caribbean with a friend, and there were some people asking about their luggage, which had not arrived. The clerk at the desk said that they would find it, and one of the people responded, "I'm sure that you will, with God's guidance."
During the past year, for some of us, there have been a number of changes in our lives that require much guidance. There are times when it is difficult for us older people, or for caregivers of any age, to cope. I have talked to and corresponded with several people who are having to handle a personal or family problem. In some cases, it is a spouse with limited capabilities to think, remember, or do the things that he or she was used to doing. I am going through this at the present time myself. There are many hardships for all caregivers and many times when we pray for strength, patience, and guidance. The Bible tells us:
Psalm 55:22a – Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. (NLT)
The Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians for several centuries, but through a series of divine interventions with the pharaoh of the time, they were able to leave their life of slavery. Moses led them through the parted waters of the Red Sea and into the desert.
Exodus 13:21 – The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. (NLT)
The Lord knew that there would be hardships ahead for His people — both then and now — times of frustration and anger, times of unhappiness when they would wonder if they had been better off in Egypt, times of wondering how long it would take them to get to the Promised Land.
Just as the Lord showed them with the pillar of cloud and fire that He was always with them to guide them on their way, let us thank God as He guides us and gives us the strength to cope as we struggle with our lives on a daily basis.
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (NLT)
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we know that You are with all Your children who are struggling. We pray that You would strengthen all of them, and especially the caregivers. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Thank you.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Joel.
Thank you, Joel. May we be alert for that guidance!
Thanks Joel. I always get so much from your devotionals. Blessings.
Thanks for your devotion today, Joel. May God give you the strength you need day by day. Blessings.
Dear Joel,
Thanking you always for your messages. Praying for all caregivers.
A very timely message for me today as I head out to help a family member deal with challenges. Thanks and blessings, Joel!
Perfect for me today. Thank you for sharing your writing. Continue to share this beautiful gift with those who need encouragement.
Thank you, Joel, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. To God be the glory great things God has done! Blessings.
Thank you, Joel, for inspiring us today with such a good reminder that the LORD is always with us in our struggles.
May the LORD bless you as you serve Him.
Good morning, Joel, and Blessings in Christ’s name.
Whenever we become despondent we turn to the last verse of Matthew’s Gospel and pray “Thank you Lord!”
Joel, all of us who are or have been caregivers could identify with this devotional. What a comfort it is to know that God gives enough strength for one day at a time. May you experience His comfort and sustenance.
Thank you for today’s devotional, Joel. I am praying for you and the situation you are dealing with right now. May God’s love, guidance, and strength sustain you in your care-giving. I always appreciate your devotionals.
Nice to see your name at the end of this very relevant devotional, Joel. Hope you and yours are doing well. Aging is indeed life’s greatest challenge…or any way one of them.
Thanks for writing.
Thanks for your devotional.
I hope you are coping and able to help your wife. I am sure it must be difficult at times.
Wishing you all of God’s blessings.
Dear Joel……I pray that God will bless you and assist you in all the ways needed by you and your wife. May He give you the strength and endurance to make each moment happy and manageable. Make each moment count and be blessed.
(ON)
Joel, I appreciate your burden for caregivers. They are the silent servants behind the scenes, and are easily at risk of burnout.
They especially need to experience the Lord’s care for them; so I join you in a prayer for caregivers.
(On)
Thank you, Joel, for another of your very encouraging devotionals. Yes, there are many difficulties to be dealt with in our lives and having faith in our loving Lord sure helps us through whatever we encounter. Your inclusion of Psalm 46:1, is a scripture that gives us reassurance for sure.
Blessings for your special writings.
Good morning, Joel,
Thank you for encouraging us to rely on God’s guidance in the good times and the more difficult time. We do not know what the road ahead of us holds, but God does and will help us through it.
May you get the support you need as you take care of your wife. Blessings.
What a thoughtful Daily Devotional!
Our building has caregivers arriving hourly for their shifts, glad to pray for them, as well as the spouses who bear the responsibilities of care, when they are often frail themselves.
Bless you, Joel, and may you find joy in this service,
(BC)
Dear Joel:
I was surprised when I read that you had written this devotional. Usually, I can guess when you are the author.
You mentioned that you are now a caregiver. Is Greta not doing well? If so, I am sorry to hear that.
I will remember you in prayer.
Blessings.
Dear Joel,
Thank you again for a good devotional to help us be more aware of how we give and receive guidance and care. We had the experience of being caregivers for our parents, and now are especially cared for by our children and those who inspire us to continue by faith. It is so important to claim the promises in scripture and have them in our minds and hearts. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from people who have touched my life. I especially recall a lady in a nursing home who gave me Isaiah 41:10 as her favorite, and I have the date that she shared it marked in my Bible. Thank you for reminding us to pray for caregivers and think how we can encourage them.
Blessings.
My husband was diagnosed in 2007 with Alzheimer’s. We continued to live joyfully with the support of our faith in God, community, and family.
Joel,
Thank you for sharing your struggle as a caregiver. I’m sure many people can relate either in their lives now, or in the past. I, too, have been there. It’s a hard road.
God be with you.
Good morning, Joel,
I thank you for your devotional, it was great to see your name again!
Take good care my friend and have a blessed day!
Thank you for this message. Although it is early days, I am starting to go down the caregiving road, and struggling to accept the ways that I know my life will change. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone. And I pray that your own journey is made easier by God’s presence and guiding.
Blessings.