GOD CARES ABOUT WHAT WE CARE ABOUT
In a relatively similar topic to yesterday's study, I was thinking random thoughts this morning about the who/what/when/how of care for my pets should something happen to me.
As I put the dog's food back into the fridge after giving them their breakfast, I felt the familiar Holy Spirit reminder: "Leave it to us. We've got this."
Does the Lord care about everything we care about?
No.
Sometimes we get wrapped up in concern and anxiety about things like politics that we have no business fretting over. God is on His throne. He sees these things. He is handling them His way.
What God does care about in our lives is our needs (food, clothing, shelter, as mentioned in yesterday's study) and what He has deliberately put in our lives and care (children, pets, neighbors, community, church).
The Bible emphasizes that God cares about human needs and emotions, often using the phrase "He cares for you" to describe His attentive nature. (Some of this is a repeat from previous studies, but for me especially, God is reminding me because I forget sometimes how much He cares):
1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
“...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Core instructions to believers. It's like "put key into ignition" when learning to drive a car. It is simple (in theory) but challenging (in practice): God does not want us to spend time worrying about things He is handling.
Luke 12:7 NKJV
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
This affirms that God cares for individuals so deeply that He even knows how many hair strands are on your head. (Yes, He knows how many you used to have, baldy.)
1 John 4:19 NKJV
“We love Him because He first loved us.”
God was not standing around, waiting for us to become believers. In actuality, God chose us first. We often believe it to be the other way around, but we actually love Him because He first loved us. This highlights not only His proactive care, but His patience with us.
Psalm 103:13-14 NLT
“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.”
God's care and compassion is like a father’s to his children. He knows exactly how we're built, and knows our strengths and weaknesses.
Proverbs 12:10 NLT
“The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.”
Caring for your pet is literally a sign of a godly heart.
Proverbs 27:23 NLT
“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds..."
God commands attentiveness. He sees the bond we feel.
2 Samuel 12:3
“The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. ”
David's parable described the lamb as "like a baby daughter." God uses that deep personal bond to confront David because He clearly recognizes and takes seriously the love we feel for an animal.
Jonah 4:11 NIV
“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
God's concern for Nineveh explicitly includes animals alongside the people. He grieves for them too.
Psalm 104:14–15 NIV
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
In one concise passage, God is caring for both the animals' needs and ours side by side.
Psalm 147:9 NKJV
“He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry.”
If it has breath, God provides.
Genesis 9:10–12 NKJV
“...and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: ”
Even after the flood, God's covenant extends to all animals. They are part of His promises.
The thread running through all of these last few Scripture verses: the love you feel for your pet isn't misplaced or trivial in God's eyes. He designed that bond, He cares for the same creatures you do, and He sees your compassion for them as a reflection of His own character.
I often wondered if I held my pets in too high esteem, making them idols (cared for more than God).
There might have been a time that I did, but after today's study, I know I have my priorities (God, then pets) just right.
Whew! That's a relief.
(P.S. I still have the question of whether our pets will be in heaven with us or not. I don't know. What I do know is that I trust God and His plans. I know He cares for them, so I'll leave their afterlife care with Him, as well.)
Mush
REASONABLE DOUBT
Day 12
Have you ever been annoyed when someone doesn't stop asking the same question? Like when a younger sibling asks you the same question for the fiftieth time? Or when a friend you know isn't listening to you asks you a question about what you were just talking about? The reaction is usually the same—people get impatient and seem to be annoyed. You might recognize this reaction because you might be the one asking "too many questions" or the one not listening.
Did you know there is someone who will not only listen to all your questions but also welcome them? Yup, that person would be Jesus. He doesn’t get annoyed, upset, or disinterested when we ask him questions. When we look at today’s verse, we can see that Jesus invites us to know him better and bring all of our questions with us. When people want to know more about Jesus, he doesn't push them away but invites them to spend time with him. When we have questions about Jesus, it shows just how curious we are.
Think of two questions you may have when about getting to know Jesus. Who can you share those with?
ASSIGNED SCRIPTURE READING:
John 1:37-39 NKJV
“The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).”
PRAYER:
Dear Abba Father,
Give us the heart to care for what and who You care for, today and every day. In Jesus' name, Amen