Monday, November 21, 2011

God Takes Care Of Us

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. -- Psalm 23:1 (NLT)

It’s interesting to read the different Bible translations. “I shall not be in want” says the same thing as “I have everything I need” but it’s just a little plainer. A little blunter. A little more to the point.

“I have everything I need.” My LORD takes care of me. Beth Moore noted that women want to be taken care of. We do. Oh, I know it’s not politically correct to say that. And I know some women will get upset and remind me that they can take care of themselves. I know. I know.

Please understand that this isn’t so much a political statement as a factual statement. Women are the caretakers of those around us. We are. It’s not that all women are caretakers or that no men ever are caretakers. But in general, women are the ones who cook and clean, tend the children and the parents. We organize social events and arrange the family schedule. We take care of those around us.

So who takes care of us? Some days it feels like nobody. Oh sure, sometimes others pitch in but when it’s “pitching in” it really isn’t caretaking. Is it? Because “pitching in” means that someone else is really in charge.

I am so thankful that I have a God who cares for me and takes care of me. The Creator of the Universe provides all that I need. Maybe not all that I want but certainly all that I need.

On a strictly emotional level, He loves me. “He renews my strength.” How many days, how many times, have I gone to Him and lay at His feet? Too tired to go on. Too emotionally exhausted to face another day, yet knowing that I must. “He leads me beside peaceful streams.” Yes, my LORD calms my soul.

He loves me. Some days I don’t know how or why, but He does. That certainty fills me in ways I can’t begin to describe. “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” He never lets go. He never gives up. He never walks away. His grip is firm and certain, caring and kind.

Beth Moore closed her study on David by reminding us that God is good. He loves us. And, really, that is all that matters. She’s right. When life threatens to overwhelm us, when it seems as though the day will never end and the strength to carry on is gone, look up. You’ve got someone just waiting to take care of you.