Does Jesus Care?

Summer 2012 ~ I'd rather not repeat this one ... full to overflowing with significant difficulties. Actually not just this summer, but well into last year. Death of a brother-in-law, note from our prodigal saying never to contact her again, unexpected marriage of a son, another mini-stroke for my husband, bullying at school to the nth degree for our youngest, suspected cancer (praise God not full-blown), and now 96-year-old Mom-in-love hospitalized after a fall and fracture.

Have you endured weeks, months, years like this? Some ask, "Does Jesus care?"

If I truly believe God's Word and promises, then I know He's planned the ultimate good for us all. Does that make these situations easier? In one way, no. In another, yes. Pain is pain, and grief is grief. Yet, knowing God goes through this with us and understands what we endure, comforts and gives hope.

A hymn that helped us this week is Does Jesus Care? written by Frank E. Graeff in 1901. May these words lift you also.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief there is no relief, though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”to the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks~Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares.

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.