A lady recently asked me how she should pray for a difficult family member she is caring for. This family member is not just difficult, but sometimes just downright mean. The situation is painful as health issues are also involved. She felt as if she and her family were being punished. My heart went out to her! I asked the Lord to allow me to give her some solid guidance and practical ways to re-align her thinking and prayers. What God gave me ended up speaking to me as well! God is good that way, and His Word is so powerful! Because this lady’s struggle is a common human experience, the Lord impressed upon me to share it as a devotional as well.
My friend, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. God invites us to bring our honest emotions to Him in prayer, as David did in the Psalms—pouring out his complaints and then turning to trust in God’s faithfulness.
“I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul.
I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.” Psalms 142:1-7
Remember, suffering in this broken world isn’t always punishment. Jesus taught this when His disciples asked about a man born blind, saying, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned… but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3) Instead of viewing your situation as Divine retribution, lean into God’s promise that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
When you pray, start by being real with God about your frustrations and hurts—He already knows the state of your heart. (Psalm 139:1-4) Confess any resentment. Ask for His help to forgive as He has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 says to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Seek God’s strength and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit so you can love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Finally, pray for a thankful heart. This is key. Ask God to help you be thankful—I do this often when I’m going through tough times. Thank Him for this difficult person and ask the Lord to change his heart. Prayer is such an extraordinary gift to born again believers!
Here’s a sample prayer you can use or adapt as your own:
Heavenly Father,
You are the God who sees me in my weariness and hears my cries. I come to You today as I care for my loved one, who is bedridden and struggling with serious health issues. It’s so hard, Lord, and sometimes I feel frustrated and alone. Forgive me for the times I’ve harbored bitterness from past hurts when he was mean to me and the family; help me to let go of that, as Your Word commands. Send Your Spirit to change his heart and help him see that what He needs most is You.
I still love him, Father, but I need Your strength to love him well in this season. Teach me patience and kindness, reminding me that YOUR “love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Keep my mind on You and Your great grace towards me so that the thoughts of unforgiviness will be banished and I can be free to love as I am loved. Bind any thoughts that are not from You—and I pray that this time of suffering can display Your glory. Turn this trial into something good, as You promise that You work all things for good for those who love You.
Give me joy and peace in the midst of these challenges so that my family and others can see You in me. Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
My friend, suffering is part of all of our lives. But it doesn’t have to be wasted. Do the things God’s Word commands for great spiritual health. Pray daily. Read God’s Word daily—especially the Psalms. Ask the Spirit to guide your prayers. Consider journaling your prayers because sometimes it helps to go back and be reminded about how God has led you. Utilize your church community for support. Most of all—don’t let this situation derail you from loving and serving the Lord! God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He WILL carry you through.
2 Responses
God knew I needed this today. He is always right on time! These devotions mean so much to me Kim. I’m so thankful you allow God to use you in mighty ways to reach and help others. I have been my dad’s caregiver for years now. He’s been totally bedridden for going on 3 years now. It’s hard! Very hard, so this devotional today was for me. Thank you my friend.
Oh, sweet Karen, I had no idea you were your dad’s caregiver. He is so blessed to have you. I will pray now that God fills you and your dad with comfort and strength. I’m reminded of God’s promises that whatever we do—if we do it for His glory—it matters for eternity. To God be the glory in both of our lives!!! Love you, my friend.
~Kimberly