November is National Family Caregivers Month. Today’s post is by my guest Sarah Forgrave, author of “Prayers of Hope for Caregivers.” Today’s post is also a GIVEAWAY! Read to the end of the post to discover how to enter for a chance to win a copy of Sarah’s book. And I am Sarah’s guest today at SarahForgrave.com!
“What I feel doesn’t define me,” he said. My pastor’s statement hit me hard. So many times, I allow my feelings to dictate what I believe—not only about myself but also about the God who made me.
The reality is feelings are fickle. They can be a gift that connects us to a deeper emotional awareness, but they can also lead us to believe things that aren’t true.
Caregiving is definitely one season of life when feelings can overwhelm us. So much mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical energy get tied up in the daily tasks. Caregivers often on fumes, making it hard to distinguish feelings from truth. Our feelings don’t have to control our situation or dictate our identity.
If you are a caregiver, you’ve likely struggled with many of the following feelings. But when our feelings threaten to overwhelm us, we can check them with the truth from God’s Word.
God’s Word Speaks Truth to Our Feelings
You feel inadequate… but God says you are capable because He’ll provide everything you need.
He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
You feel misunderstood… but God says you are known and loved.
The Lord appeared to us in the past saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” – Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
You feel lonely… but God says you are never abandoned.
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. – Genesis 28:15 NIV
You feel invisible… but God says you are seen by the Father.
All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes…Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. – Psalm 38:9-10,15 NIV
You feel overwhelmed… but God says you can do this with Him as your guide.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. – Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG
You feel impatient… but God says you can hold on because He’s a faithful, loving God.
You, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. – Psalm 86:15 NLT
You feel exhausted… but God says you will soar again someday.
Even youths become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31 NLT
You feel trapped… but God says you will be freed and restored.
After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. – I Peter 5:10 (ESV)
Caregiving may flood you with a tidal wave of feelings, but keep your eyes on the truth. You are capable, known, loved, seen, and strengthened in hope that God will fulfill every one of His promises. Keep holding on, my friend. You are not alone.
To enter for a chance to win a copy of Sarah’s book, “Prayers of Hope for Caregivers,” leave a comment below. For an additional chance to win, share this post on social media and leave a separate comment here letting us know you shared!
Sarah Forgrave is the author of Prayers of Hope for Caregivers and Prayers for Hope and Healing, prayer devotionals that connect readers to God during hard times. Familiar with the broken messes of life, Sarah loves encouraging others toward a deeper walk of faith. When she’s not writing or speaking, she loves to shop the aisles at Trader Joe’s or spend time with her husband and two preteen children in their Midwest home. Visit Sarah at www.sarahforgrave.com.
Caring for someone with health needs can be emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining. Sarah Forgrave has spent considerable time, both as someone struggling with serious medical issues and as the 
family member of a chronically ill patient. In Prayers of Hope for Caregivers Sarah helps readers find peace through prayer, solace in Scripture, and unending hope from a Heavenly Father who never stops loving you. Each heartfelt prayer and devotion is intended to help you navigate the complex set of emotions that come with caregiving. Read it front to back or go directly to the devotion addressing how you feel at any given moment…when you need it most.
I needed to read this today. I am sitting in the hospital with my dad. He is not doing well.
I shared on Twitter.
Oh Jan, May God give you peace and comfort and may His healing hand be on your dad. You are entered in the drawing. Thanks for sharing on Twitter. To be entered again for the share you’ll need to comment again.
I’ve never been a caretaker for a person, but I did just have to take care of my dog who died last week. Even though it’s not exactly the same, I can empathize much better with those who are sleep deprived and trying to ease the pain as much as possible. It’s hard physically and emotionally. Our church actually has a Caregivers class to encourage caretakers once a month, so if I win, I would give it to them.
Lila, that’s a great idea! You are entered!
Lila, I thought of my son dealing with a puppy. Great truths for any situation.
Gods timing and word is perfect. I am caring for my father right now. What a blessing and opportunity it is to be able to spend time with him.
Cheryl, may God encourage and sustain you as you care for your father. You are entered in the drawing!
Thank you so much for hosting me, Kathy!
Jan and Cheryl – I’m praying for you.
Lila – Dogs are family too. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing with us!
Kathy, I’m the one you gave 30 days of Hope when caring for aging parents in PEI last year. I’ve read it twice. Thank you. Others have received a blessing from it too. Our Bible study group is finishing up Lavish Grace next week. Shared this on FB
Hi Lisa! I’m so glad you stopped by and commented! And I am so encouraged to hear “30 Days of Hope” has blessed you. You are entered in the giveaway!
Such an encouraging read. I work with seniors in Health care but find a lot of my time is spend with supporting their caregivers. This book will encourage many.
Hi Wilmien! Thanks for stopping by. You are entered in the drawing!