Jesus Cares for Me

Sometimes you just get mad.  Sometimes you hurt for someone else who is (in your opinion) being treated unjustly.  And maybe there's a reason.  But sometimes you just would like an explanation but there is no explanation forthcoming.
Sometimes you just want to cry for them because you feel their hurt and confusion too.

And then sometimes you go to a church service that you almost didn't go to and hear exactly what you need from God.

Some things I heard from two different preachers this morning that don't seem connected, but they are some things I needed to hear:

-If the parents would turn [away from sin], the kids may follow.
-You have to keep turning from things -- bitterness, anger, a sharp tongue...
-I don't want my grandchildren to say, Well, Papaw did it.

-Faith.  Can you serve God when it's just you?  Do you need the pat on the back?
-Don't base your belief on what you feel; base it on what He promised.  Believe he will do what he said he would do.

And I knew all that is exactly what I needed to hear.  I need to let God work and not get angry.  I need to be an example to my kids.  I need to pray for others instead of dwelling on things.

And the invitational is the song, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," and you think, Yes, I need to turn to Him.  And the preacher asks the pianist to sing, and you hear the words you already know, but hadn't been thinking of, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."
And you remember, when you're closer to Him, the things you're holding onto don't have such a hold anymore, and you can let go.  The things you need to turn from.

And then you hear your daughters singing in their room, "The Potter knows the clay..."
He does know us.  And He cares about us.  And He loves us.

And you know it will be all right.

I Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.

sMiLeS,