Because He Cares

The Bible says in Psalm 103:13, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him” (NIV).

God is a caring, loving, compassionate Father.

The disciples experienced God’s compassion. Most of the disciples were professional fishermen. One day when they were out fishing with Jesus, Jesus got tired, laid down in one end of the boat, and went to sleep. But then a storm came—and it must have been a big one because the disciples got scared.

The storm got so intense that the disciples were frantic and woke Jesus to ask him one of the most important questions in life: “Teacher, don’t you care?” (Mark 4:38 NIV).

You and I ask that question of God all the time in a thousand ways: “God, did you see that doctor’s report? Don’t you care? Do you see what a mess my marriage is in? Don’t you care? Do you see how little money we have in the bank and all the bills we’ve got? Don’t you care? Do you see how my kids are struggling in school? Don’t you care? You know this fear that grips my mind that I can’t seem to get rid of. Don’t you care?”

The answer is yes, God cares. He sees you. He knows the burdens you carry—the ones you talk about and the ones you don’t. Nothing escapes his notice. He is never too busy, too distant, or too distracted. His compassion isn’t temporary or conditional. It’s constant. It’s who he is.

The Bible assures us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

The rest of the story from Mark goes: ^“Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 29-41)

We serve a God who not only cares… but he has the power to change our situation. Even the wind and the waves obey him. He is in control, even when it doesn’t seem like it.

If you feel anxious today, you need the pace and the calm that only Jesus can give you. Take time today to cast your anxiety on God—and trust that he’ll receive it with care and compassion. And then, let your heart rest in that truth.