Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (ESV)

Last night I had these verses running through my mind as I was getting ready for bed. I looked at myself in the mirror and had to laugh because I tried to count each eyebrow hair, rather unsuccessfully. Once I decided that was too difficult, I thought maybe I could count each eyelash. I gave up after I counted to four. It’s rather a silly illustration, but I marveled at the thought of God knowing each hair on my head when I could barely count even a few.

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It can be so easy to forget about God’s care for us, though. Throughout the Bible we see God performing miracle after miracle, but, as soon as the memory faded, the people witnessing the miracle were often back to thinking they knew best. Despite this, over and over in Scripture we see God’s immense love and care. Whenever I feel unseen by God or lonely, I read through some of these verses that I’d like to share with you today:    

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In Isaiah 43:2-3a God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

And a favorite, Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

How beautiful are those verses! They make me feel all snuggly and warm, like I’m burritoed in a soft blanket. But how does God actually show he cares about us? I’ve certainly had difficult times in my life where it didn’t feel like God was there at all. And that’s the problem. I felt alone and abandoned, but my feelings don’t always reflect the truth. In fact, as Pastor Josh preached recently, my feelings can be counterfeit to truth, and, if I follow my feelings exclusively, they can lead me down a path away from God.

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It’s easy to get confused between what feels like care or love, and what actually is love. My kids would feel so loved if I fed them ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But that’s not actually being loving or a good parent. Lately, when I have to tell my four-year-old son, “No” to something that wouldn’t be good for him, he will run away crying, “Mommy doesn’t love me!” Of course that’s not true, but he can’t look past his own feelings to see the good behind whatever rules I’ve laid out.  

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God is the same way, guiding us and disciplining us when we need it. It might be a sermon that leaves you with slightly bruised toes, or a friend gently correcting a mistake. These might not feel good, but it is still a way that God shows his lovingkindness. And then sometimes, God shows he cares through little wonderful things, like through a gorgeous sunrise, an answered prayer, or a friend’s text.  

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What in your life do you feel like God is lovingly nudging you to change? Where do you see the result of God’s goodness and care in your life? If you’re not sure, I encourage you to pray and see what the Holy Spirit will reveal to you. God doesn’t want us stagnant and stuck, he wants us to move forward in our walk with him - because he cares for you.

Lord, you know how to care for us so well! Even in our darkest times, our deepest valleys, you come alongside us and guide us through. You know all about us, even the little things, and you delight in it! Thank you for being there for us in every season and loving us when we don’t deserve it. Help us to remember you care and show us how to continue to grow in a deeper life with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.