How I found hope and comfort as a weary caregiver.
Caregiving can be lonely, very demanding and seemingly unappreciated by others including the one getting care.
Oftentimes, when we are in the midst of a situation, we feel we are the only one going through it. We feel isolated, rejected, and forgotten by all. We lose sight of what help we have, however small it may be. We turn our thoughts inward instead of upward and easily lose focus
How do we cope with all the daily changes?
For me, changes in medications, behavior, and daily patterns increased the stress. I became physically, emotionally, and mentally tired. I cried out with the Psalmist: “Lord how long will you continually forget me? How long will You hide Your face from me?” Psalm 13:1
Total responsibility caring for someone day in and day out, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is overwhelming . At times, I seriously wanted to walk away; let someone else take over for awhile. More than being physically exhausted; I was tired of making major decisions by myself. I felt there was no one else to do the job and no way out for me.
Where to turn when we all resources fail.
My calendar once filled with exciting adventures, shopping or visiting family had long since been closed up and put away. My usual stress management techniques (shower, exercise, music, or step out for a breath of fresh air) were of no avail.
It was on one of those days when I turned to the Psalms for comfort and relief. Psalm 13 seemed to speak directly to my heart. “Consider and hear me, O Lord, my God … I have trusted in your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” From verses 3-5.
Two things became very clear as I read and meditated upon these Scriptures.
#1 God had not forsaken me; He knew what I was going through, and
#2 I was not the only one who had this struggle. From the beginning of time and into the present, man has yearned for peace and rest for a weary soul and body.
Psalm 13 continues by reminding us the Lord does hear and answer our prayers; we can trust his mercy. Verse 6 closes with “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
When your way gets rough, and hope is not in sight, consider these words taken from Proverbs chapter 3. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE WILL DIRECT your paths.”
How often I laid my head upon the pillow and found comfort in His arms.
I’m grateful for all those in my life who lifted me up in prayer when I could not go on. Be assured my prayers are with you as well. God hears and answers our prayers. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hugs,
To read my story and find more in encouragement for your journey, check out MY MOTHER MY CHILD.
