Love for the Caregiver

A deep well of love is required to sustain the caregiver. But where do we go for this kind of love?

Love for the Caregiver

Millions of people find themselves in the role of caregiver at some time in their life. It could be for an aging parent or a loved one with a serious health issue. Initially I stepped into this role when my husband Mike was diagnosed with ALS 5 years ago. However, the more demanding aspects of caregiving have only been happening for the last few years. Regardless of the number of years, providing care for someone is hard.

There are many strategies for caring for the caregiver. You need to take time for yourself, which is key. Be willing to accept help and support from others, it’s one of the ways God’s love touches your life. Do what it takes to stay physically and emotionally healthy. But where do you go when your love well runs dry? How do you remain grounded in love and patience for the person relying on you?

Love Beyond Yourself

How Love for the Caregiver is Sustained

Relying on a love beyond myself has been essential for me as a caregiver. As I spend more time in God’s Word and His presence, I see the sacrifice Jesus made in a new light. Instead of seeing His death as something for all mankind, I see His sacrifice as a role model for my own life. Not that I face what Jesus did. But I can draw from the same source that Jesus did, because we are both loved by the same Father. Jesus completely trusted in His Father’s plan and knew He would bring good from His sacrifice.

Rather than trying to come up with my own words, I am sharing this amazing collection of verses called the Father’s Love Letter. With Father’s Day just around the corner, this letter will remind you that you were also blessed with a heavenly Father. Lean in and let the depth of God’s love, for you and the person you care for, wash over you. Let these promises remind you that there is Love for the Caregiver which can fill you to overflowing.

Father’s Love Letter

My Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1. I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2. I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3. Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31. For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27. In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28. For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28. I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12. You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16. I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14. I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13. And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6.

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44. I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16. And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1. Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1. I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11. For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48. Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17. For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33. My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11. Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3. My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18. And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17. I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40. For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5. I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41. And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3. If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29. Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4. For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13. I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20. For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18. As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11. One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4. And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4. I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23. For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26. He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3. He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31. And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10. I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32. If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23. And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39. Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7. I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15. My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13. I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32.

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father’s Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications ©1999 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

One Final Thought

A profound thought struck me as I admired the beautiful Ferris wheel lighting up the night sky in the picture above. Just like this Ferris wheel, a grand and glorious God is lighting up our dark nights. It’s only after taking in this neon-lit beauty, that your eye finally registers my hubby Mike posing in front. Let this be the way we are seen. Where God’s loving presence is so overwhelming in our life, that we are eclipsed by his glory. God Bless.