The day had begun early and included the normal routing of starting my morning work out with ten minutes on the elliptical machine. Enjoying Joyce Meyer on her daily television program at 7:00 am causes the mundane time to pass much faster. I was delighted to find her interviewing John Eldredge – one of my most revered authors. She asked him to describe the turning point in his life that let to the intimate relationship with God that he so ably writes about.
His answer, “It happened when I realize that GOD SPEAKS!”
He expanded on the often-missed truth that God’s speaking flows out of His desire to talk with His children. Eldredge further conjectured that God may actually delay answers to our prayers – which mostly involve asking for something – so that we will come and spend time talking to Him.
Later in the morning I settled down in my favorite chair and continued my daily routine of sitting with hot, honey-accented coffee in front of a warm fire, reading a few pages of scripture and lines in a devotional book or two that lie near my chair. Still reflecting on John’s words, I spoke with a renewed longing, “Lord, I want to hear You speak today.” Only moments passed before four simple words impressed my mind – He careth for you.
I knew the words were connected to a familiar passage, but the beginning of the verse eluded me. Reaching for the Strong’s Concordance that is kept next to my chair, I looked for that unique King James word—careth—that you’ll never find in a dictionary.
There it was in 1 Peter 5:7, and I found the definition in the Greek section. As so often happens, the simple meaning of the word came alive and washed over my soul. Careth: it matters! Instantly tears were streaming down my face.
My heart began to cry out, “Oh God to know that Justin matters, Kody matters, Sherri matters, Caleb matters”—family members who are especially struggling with the issues of life.
“Janine – who already struggles unimaginably with physical challenges – just had a car accident and is hurting even more. She matters.”
“Mary Ellen, who’s over in Ft. Worth facing the daily challenges as a first year medical student, matters!” On and on I prayed and talked back to my Father God.
Even as the morning passed on and I prepared for the tasks of the day, images of friends and family continued rolling through my mind. Cathe – overwhelmed in this season – alone and seemingly forgotten. “God, I declare she matters to You. Right now—in this ‘How did I get here?’ place—You know, You see, YOU CARE.”
With those four simple words God addressed my deepest questions: Does anyone see me? and Does my life matter?
Earlier in the week, adding the final touch to our date night, Bob and I walked into a favorite dessert spot. We were warmly greeted and led to a cozy booth against a window that framed a picturesque street. The evening was far spent, so the café was sparsely filled; yet the waiters kept passing us by. After ten minutes or so, we’d begun discussing our options when a friendly young man abruptly stopped at our table and asked if we’d been helped.
“No,” we responded in unison; and before he could go further I said as lightly as I could manage, “We thought we were invisible.”
He did not know that feeling is an ongoing theme for me. “Does anyone see me? I’m here, I’m talking, I’m asking. Does anyone notice? Does my life matter?”
God responded today to the deepest cry of my heart as He reminded me of His unfailing promise – He careth for you. As I read and pondered the scripture, my heart heard my Father’s love as He said, “Others may not notice, but I not only see you – it matters. You matter!”
Our date night climaxed as this wise young waiter insisted that we order any specialty coffee we wanted, for the price of a regular one. I ordered an expertly made cappuccino while Bob went looking for the dessert. He had quite a time choosing the perfect one from the display case. Of course it had to be chocolate – the darker the better – and it had to be fresh, with just a touch of fruit. When our waiter served Bob’s final choice on a plate with two forks, we were still discussing the choices he’d faced and the ones we’d anticipate trying the next time.
Lesson learned? If this young waiter—stranger that he was—saw, if he understood, if he read and realized our need—amidst all the customers that come and go—how much more, oh so much more, our God and Father knows and CARETH!
Casting the whole of your care
[all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all]
on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and
cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:7 AMP
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