He Cares for You

“Though I am surrounded, and in the midst of troubles You will revive me. You protect me from the anger of my enemies. You will reach out Your hand, and the Power of Your right hand will save me. The Lord will work out His plans for my life (He perfects that which concerns me). For Your Faithful Love O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me for You made me." (Psalm 138:7-8).

Welcome back dear student, last week we saw the link between the heart and the words that flow from it. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

Perception and belief can control outcomes. The Lord weighs our hearts - how interesting (Proverbs 21:2). The world weighs achievements, beauty, popularity and possessions and exalts them, but God looks at and examines the heart. I picture the Lord with a magnifying glass, carefully investigating details that others miss, or deem uninteresting. The Good Shepherd knows every detail of His beloved sheep (John 10:27; Psalm 139:1-4). The heart may be hidden from view, but the mouth reveals its contents (Matthew 12:34; Matthew 15:18).

Have you ever had a hunch, but just couldn’t put your finger on what was wrong? Folks often flatter us with their lips, and then condemn, slander, or accuse us behind closed doors. “His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war” (Psalm 55:21). This behaviour is not of God: it is a demonic work of the flesh. Words and actions that don’t line up bring confusion and darkness. Discernment sees beyond what’s portrayed, and for this we need the Holy Spirit’s Power. Jesus said, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17).

Many have experienced trauma from the power of word curses that others have pronounced upon them and believed those negative things about themselves as a result. These toxic emotions fuel anxiety, self-hatred, and low self-esteem. A lot of sicknesses and problems in life are rooted in this. Suppressed anger, and unforgiveness towards others - or towards oneself, cements the negative wounds in the heart, and breeds isolation.

But God knows – for He is the God Who Sees you (Genesis 16:13; Luke 4:18). The ministry of Jesus is Healer - He binds up the wounds of the broken-hearted. “Give your burdens to the Lord, He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). Our lead Scripture highlights God completing His perfect plans as we surrender to His Love. This requires yielding, trust, and humility. When we repent, and humble ourselves before God, we give Him the freedom to move. We learn to trust Him to work out everything in His timing. We follow His process, patiently growing through trials, joyfully believing that God will not forsake us, because He is Faithful to His Covenant of Love and Mercy.

The Word tells us to cast our burdens on the Lord, but in casting there’s a vulnerability - handing over the reins to the Lord. It can be a hard place to sit quietly and leave God at the controls. There’s a funny fake video where Jesus is at the wheel, and his passenger is stuck to the car seat in utter terror at His wild driving! God doesn’t promise a smooth ride, sometimes it feels like a rollercoaster.

But hold fast, and don’t faint or give up dear friend!

“…God opposes the proud, but He gives Grace to the humble. So, humble yourselves under the Mighty Power of God and, at the right time, He will lift you up to honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7; 2 Chronicles 20:15).

God promises that the battle belongs to Him, and to Him, this is no battle.