This week: Caregiver Stress
Next week: Preparing To Parent

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, August 1, 2011

Today's Scripture
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."Philippians 4:6-7 MSG

Thoughts for Today
If you are not already providing care or support for a family member or friend, you probably will at some time during your life. The reality is that people are living longer. Because of this longevity, people often become sick; as people face illness or injury, many need care.

Are you a caregiver for a loved one? Or perhaps you will be in the future? Most caregivers find themselves dealing with a turmoil of emotions. Guilt . . . stress . . . confusion . . . anger . . . frustration . . . sadness. If you have not already experienced all this and more as a caregiver, you probably will.

Consider this …
There are no easy answers to the stress of caregiving. It is a 24/7 responsibility, usually accompanied by some degree of turmoil. But remember that Jesus brought peace to the storm. Your circumstances may continue, but Jesus can give you peace amidst the turmoil.

Today's scripture reminds us to replace worrying with prayer. As a caregiver, if you pray once for peace, will that be enough? Probably not. Because as human beings we tend to take our focus off Jesus and focus on the storm—again and again. It's a day-by-day process. Sometimes a moment-by-moment process. When you feel that turmoil of stress or anger or guilt sweeping over you, take time to refocus on Jesus. "It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

Prayer
Father, help me remember to focus on Jesus, not the circumstances. I thank you for the peace you promise. Help me remember you are with me. Help me to allow Christ to displace worry. In his name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.

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