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Human Care

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11

Isn’t it easy to serve with gladness and praise when we’re all together at convention or a rally or a meeting?  Isn’t it thrilling to join with 10’s or 100’s or 1000’s of others as we praise the Lord for all He has accomplished—and for letting us be a part of that?

May is a busy month—sometimes busier than December. I know several people who are “meeting themselves coming and going” because schedules are so hectic.  And, therefore, they have to cut out a few things on their agenda. Does this sound like you? What was I supposed to do on Thursday?  Serve at the food pantry? No way—not this month! It happens to everyone.  Sometimes schedules have to be adjusted.  But which schedule should be adjusted?

Perhaps you are the one who has some time, and will help out when someone’s schedule becomes overloaded.  Praise the Lord for your willingness.

Or, are you someone who has done that ministry for years and you would like a change, or you physically can’t do it any longer, or you just feel plain tired and need a break?

What do we do when faced with one of these situations? We all get tired. Each of us can become overworked at times. There are points in all of our lives where change is good!  There are a few things to think of when this happens to you:

1) What would Jesus do?  What did Jesus do? When someone was hurting or fearful or blind or hungry, he didn’t leave them alone. Strengthened with his mighty power, he loved them and showed them mercy, sometimes in extraordinary, unexpected ways. Taking the focus off of self and focusing on the power that the Lord gives can carry us through those tough times.

2) When you focus on the Lord, praise him! There’s a simple song that tells us that, when we praise, the chains of hurt, or fear, or tiredness—whatever is keeping you from being free in the Lord—will fall away, because God’s power takes over.

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 67:7

3) Serving others takes many forms, some extraordinary and unexpected. Change may be on your path, or it may not. Follow Christ’s example, and take some time to be alone with God. Seek the Lord’s guidance to see if it’s time to change, time to rest, or, after refocusing, time to “keep on keepin’ on” with the same ministry.

May the Lord bless you as you serve him with gladness and praise. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

2007-2009 Human Care Committee,
Karen Morfitt
Mary E. Smith
Sheila Lutz, Chairman