• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

BJU Press Blog

  • Home
  • Shop
    • Shaping Worldview
  • Simplified Homeschool
  • Successful Learning

CARE

January 20, 2016 by Cosette

It is unusual for a single word to have two completely opposite connotations, yet that is the case with the word “care.” In my experience it can mean nurturing and healing or wary and weakening. I either meekly trust in the Lord or live in my own strength—proudly self-reliant. The prophet Jeremiah laments in chapter 2, verse 13 that God’s people had forsaken Him,“the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out . . . broken cisterns.” We become dry and care worn when we seek to live independently of God’s grace, whereas leaning on Him gives us that sense of being cared for.

cover image of Wonderful Words

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25). Paul warns against divisions and urges believers in the body of Christ to help and encourage one another. On the other hand, he urges the Philippians, “Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). No believer should worry about his own circumstances; he should pray and trust God for help. The apostle Peter also urges trust in God’s mighty power. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Peter knew by experience that God can deliver from the worst circumstances (Acts 12:5–11).

GOLDEN THOUGHT: God cares for you.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (January 20 reading).]

Filed Under: Devotions Tagged With: devotional, excerpt, Stewart Custer, wonderful words

Email Signup

Sign up for our homeschool newsletter and receive select blog posts, discounts, and more right to your inbox!
Avatar photo

About Cosette

Cosette began working at BJU Press in 1997. Having supported her husband in youth ministries for many years, she now contributes regularly to the kids’ page of the quarterly magazine Current. Mother of two grown sons, Cosette’s favorite pastime is reading to her grandchildren. Read more posts by Cosette.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Disclaimer

The BJU Press blog publishes content by different writers for the purpose of relating to our varied readers. Views and opinions expressed by these writers do not necessarily state or reflect the views of BJU Press or its affiliates. The fact that a link is listed on this blog does not represent or imply that BJU Press endorses its site or contents from the standpoint of ethics, philosophy, theology, or scientific hypotheses. Links are posted on the basis of the information and/or services that the sites offer. If you have comments, suggestions, questions, or find that one of the links no longer works, please contact us.

Pages

  • About BJU Press
  • Conversation Guidelines
  • Terms of Use & Copyright

Archives

© 2023 · BJU Press Homeschool