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I Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you"
__________
At one time or another you have probably asked the question, “Why does God allow suffering and why do good people suffer”? These are age old questions without simple answers. God does allow suffering and good people do suffer and experience pain. I’m sure that many of you either are suffering or have suffered at times throughout your life. Often the suffering is physical, sometimes it’s emotional. Then there are events we encounter like tornados, earthquakes, terrorism and we ask why”? Even though we may not have all the answers, and we do know that God does care and from His infinite resources He provides grace, mercy, strength and peace in difficult times to those who have put their faith and trust in Him, our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer.
Today I’d like to share with you a hymn written by Frank E. Graeff, a Methodist pastor, who served in many churches in the Philadelphia area. He was born, reared and educated in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania in 1860. He has written approximately 200 hymn texts, and was known to be a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. While he was known as the "sunshine minister", he also went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and physical agony.
Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found his need in 1 Peter 5:7. This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff''s hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, Jesus cares." The final verse in this hymn is always one that touches me. I cannot imagine the pain of losing the one closest to you. And yet we know that Jesus still cares and that His heart is touched with our grief. My beloved, claim this truth as you face the burdens and pain in your life. I do sincerely trust that you will enjoy this precious old hymn telling every believer that, “Yes, Jesus does care”.
(1) 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?
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.
(2) 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?
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.
(3) 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?
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.
(4) 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.
__________
Closing thoughts:
A story has been told of a mother and her 4-year-old daughter she was preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window. “Mommy,” she asked, “is that God’s light up there?” “Yes, it is,” came the reply. Soon another question, “Will He put it out and go to sleep too?” “Oh no, He never goes to sleep.” After a few silent moments, the little girl said, “As long as God is awake, I’m not scared.” Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.
As believers in Christ, we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever-faithful God. He is fully aware of our fears in the dark as well as our frustrations, doubts and despondency in the light. We can be assured of His constant care because His loving eye and protecting hand are always upon us. Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest. Trust your heavenly Father, and with the psalmist you will be able to say, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). Always remember, that God is always awake and He truly does, “Care for you”.
__________
Keep your eyes on God; He never takes His eyes off you.
__________
At one time or another you have probably asked the question, “Why does God allow suffering and why do good people suffer”? These are age old questions without simple answers. God does allow suffering and good people do suffer and experience pain. I’m sure that many of you either are suffering or have suffered at times throughout your life. Often the suffering is physical, sometimes it’s emotional. Then there are events we encounter like tornados, earthquakes, terrorism and we ask why”? Even though we may not have all the answers, and we do know that God does care and from His infinite resources He provides grace, mercy, strength and peace in difficult times to those who have put their faith and trust in Him, our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer.
Today I’d like to share with you a hymn written by Frank E. Graeff, a Methodist pastor, who served in many churches in the Philadelphia area. He was born, reared and educated in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania in 1860. He has written approximately 200 hymn texts, and was known to be a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. While he was known as the "sunshine minister", he also went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and physical agony.
Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found his need in 1 Peter 5:7. This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff''s hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, Jesus cares." The final verse in this hymn is always one that touches me. I cannot imagine the pain of losing the one closest to you. And yet we know that Jesus still cares and that His heart is touched with our grief. My beloved, claim this truth as you face the burdens and pain in your life. I do sincerely trust that you will enjoy this precious old hymn telling every believer that, “Yes, Jesus does care”.
(1) 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?
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.
(2) 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?
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.
(3) 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?
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.
(4) 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.
__________
Closing thoughts:
A story has been told of a mother and her 4-year-old daughter she was preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window. “Mommy,” she asked, “is that God’s light up there?” “Yes, it is,” came the reply. Soon another question, “Will He put it out and go to sleep too?” “Oh no, He never goes to sleep.” After a few silent moments, the little girl said, “As long as God is awake, I’m not scared.” Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.
As believers in Christ, we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever-faithful God. He is fully aware of our fears in the dark as well as our frustrations, doubts and despondency in the light. We can be assured of His constant care because His loving eye and protecting hand are always upon us. Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest. Trust your heavenly Father, and with the psalmist you will be able to say, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). Always remember, that God is always awake and He truly does, “Care for you”.
__________
Keep your eyes on God; He never takes His eyes off you.
