[The Mayor]

September 27, 2004

God's Tender Care

Read: Psalm 31:1-14

You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities. —Psalm 31:7

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6

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During a time of grief, C. S. Lewis observed that his neighbors walked across the street to avoid him when they saw him approaching.

David too knew a time of grief when he said, "I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors . . . . I am forgotten like a dead man" (Psalm 31:11-12).

Perhaps you've known times when friends seem to forget you in your sorrow. They fail to call, or write, or promise to pray.

But those are the times when we can sense God's tenderness most deeply. When the days are long and lonely and no one seems to care, He seeks us out and surrounds us with lovingkindness. Our sorrow, far from burdening Him, draws out His tender compassion. He knows the troubles of our soul (v.7). And He cares. Thus we can commit our spirit into His hand (v.5), as our Lord Jesus did when all forsook Him and fled.

Poet Frank Graeff asks, "Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song; as the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?" The answer? Yes! He invites us to give our burdens and cares to Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Trust God to care for you today. —David Roper

O 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! —Graeff

We can never get beyond the circle of God's care.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mr. Mayor.

[LadyX]

"We can never get beyond the circle of God's care."

What a comfort it is to rest in His loving kindness, knowing that!

My thanks to all who prayed for my sons again, caught in the brunt of another hurricane in West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.
Steve responded right after it passed, and I imagine Kevin lost power again, but is probably fine.

*Jeanne* is knocking at my door here in South Carolina, a very strong band of thunderstorms hitting just before dawn (one strong strike in the next block brought my kitty in from the porch post haste!), and more to come, tornados possible. It is a lull period for the moment, so I might not be on the computer again until tonight.

I thank God for His being everpresent - for the provision of the Internet and friends like those on Free Republic - for our nation and President - and most of all, for the men and women who defend us and the concept of personal freedom around the world.

[Dubya]

MARINES KILLED

[Dubya]

Good devotion, thanks.

[Gabz]

Good morning (for another few minutes anyway)

[Kudsman]

Good Military Monday Morning Mayor. Just passing through and I have a little ditty I found that I'd like to share with you. Don't know if it has already been posted here. SYS.

Mr. Kerry was going to visit the Catholic National Cathedral outside Washington as a campaign stop. Lockhart made a visit to the Cardinal and said to him, "We've been getting alot of negative publicity amoung Catholics because of Kerry's positions on abortion, gay marriage and the like. We'd gladly make a contribution to the church of $100,000 if during your sermon you'd say John Kerry is a saint."

The Cardinal thinks it over for a moment and agrees to do it. Kerry shows up, and as the Mass progresses the Cardinal begins his homily.

"John Kerry is petty, a self absorbed hypocrite and a nit wit. He is a liar, a cheat, and a thief. He is the worst example of a Catholic I've ever personally known. But next to Ted Kennedy, John Kerry is a saint!"