The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort cares for you. He knows your needs even before you ask Him. He has perfect knowledge of His children. King David expressed his personal faith in God’s all-seeing providence by saying that He searches his path and is acquainted with all of his ways. Not even an unspoken word escapes His notice. After exploring the extent of God’s care as He understood and experienced it, David exclaimed: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me! It is high; I cannot attain unto it.” (Psalm 139: 6)
When you are troubled and discouraged, feeling lonely and forsaken so that the days seem weary and long, always remember the encouragement to cast all of your care upon the Lord for He cares for you. (I Peter 5: 7)
It does not matter whether you are in your youth, middle age or the sunset years of your life, the Lord knows all of your needs. He is a source of comfort and of joy, even as He is a very present help in time of trouble. The gospel song writer was rich in experience when he wrote the words: “Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me, while Thy love is left to me. Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me, were that joy unmixed with Thee.”
I often remember one elderly christian lady who many times more ably ministered to me than I to her. She spent the late years of her life at the Columbia Lutheran Home here in our city of Seattle. Widowed twice; her only child died many years before she received her call to leave this life, and her very limited extended family was scattered. Every time I visited her, she would say: “Now here I am alone–but I’m not alone, because Jesus is always with me.” She was an inspiration to me–as she faithfully cast her cares upon the Lord because she knew that He was near and that He cared for her.
As you read these words, look again at the two birds pictured on the cover of this bulletin. Let them remind you of the words of Jesus: “Are not two sparrows sold without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10: 29-31)
”My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10: 27-30)
In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4: 6-7)
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, 0 Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising Thee.” (Psalm 84: 1-4)
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It is the unearned fortune of God’s children that they can place all of their cares in God’s hands. And that means everything—nothing is too big—nothing is too small.
Something is lacking in a person’s confidence in God when he does not do this. It speaks of self-sufficiency, and a heart that has not learned dependence on God– and that is the very heartbeat of the christian life.
It adds to our distress when we make so little use of our grace-given right to cast all our cares upon God. If we did cast our cares upon Him, our christian lives many times would be more harmonious, healthy and victorious. We are lacking in godly confidence when we continue to carry the burdens which we have once placed in God’s hands. We are to let go of that which we have cast from us.
Is not God able? Is His arm too weak? Does He lack the means? Does He not possess the right counsel?
Have faith in God. He will not abandon those whom He has purchased with His own blood. He cares for you. [From a Norwegian devotional entitled “Quiet Times on the Way Home” by H. E. Wisloff.] Scripture text I Peter 5: 7
From the archived writings of the late Pastor Alvin Holmgren, June 1993 Church Bulletin
Submitted by Pastor Stan
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