A Father Who Cares

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” Matthew 6:28-31 NIV

I have recently been sick. The past couple of nights lying in bed in severe pain and sick to my stomach I longed to be held or loved. To have someone there to wipe the tears which were falling and rub my back as I writhed in pain. Someone to be with me. Hold my hand.

I found that someone in God. My Father. I understand calling God your Father may be difficult for some of you depending on your abuser, but stay with me on this one. He can be your caretaker, your Father.

Every child longs to be taken care of when they are sick. Hair held back while throwing up, sweat wiped from their forehead, wash cloth on their face, someone rubbing their back, or sitting by their bed.

As a child of God I longed for Him like this the past two nights and He showed up. Well, more like He made himself known. God is always there, we just don’t always acknowledge His presence.

The past two nights God has been the Father I needed. He sat on my bed with me as I cried in pain, and He calmed my soul letting me know this too would pass. He did not take the trial from me as I would have wished, but He got me through.

He took me in His arms and held me close as I let Him know I needed His help. I couldn’t do it alone.

I have continued to stay in contact with Him throughout the days as I’m recovering and He is still with me. As I write this He is continuing to stay with me as my body heals.

Just as an earthly father cannot take away the trials of his child, God did not take away my trial, but he saw me through.

Yesterday morning in the middle of my illness I was reading in Matthew and came across Matthew 6:28-31 NIV.  I have been quite worried lately about what to wear. Gaining weight is no fun. I am scared I will wake up one day and nothing will fit.

I read, “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”

So, even during my illness, God was still working in other areas of my life. He was reminding me how much he cares for me. Literally, telling me not to worry about my clothes.

However, it also calmed my spirit about my illness, and the ever present trauma recovery.

If He cares enough to “cloth the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,” think how much He cares for us?

Allow that thought to settle into your heart for a little while.

He will see us through this trial.

When you’re ready, He’s right there with you. Just ask…

Father God,

I long for a person to take care of me, but it is really only You I need to long for. Help me to be satisfied in only You. You are the One I can depend on. I know You can’t take this trial of recovery from me, but please help me through it.

Amen

© 2018 Susan M. Clabaugh. All Rights Reserved.