Devotions

“Still Growing in God’s Grace”

Devotion #17

“One Day at a Time”

“I’m just taking it one day at a time.” Have you heard someone express those words to you? Maybe you’ve even heard yourself speaking these same words.

On the one hand, “I’m just taking it one day at a time” can express a certain tentativeness, that is, “I’m not sure of what’s coming around the corner - maybe more disappointments. I have a lot of uncertainty in my heart right now.

 

I wish I didn’t, but sometimes I am very worried about what’s going to happen to me. So, the best I can do is only take it one day at a time and hope for the best. Who knows?” Spoken in this way, the expression conveys a degree of regret, resignation, or even sadness. As we grow older some of us understand this, don’t we?

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On the other hand, this same statement, “I’m just taking it one day at a time” can express confidence and peace - but not in ourselves but in our loving Lord. Jesus spoke of this same confidence and peace when He urged people, “Do not worry about tomorrow…Your Father in Heaven knows what you need…Trust Him…He will be there for you with your daily bread…Enjoy this day…” (Matthew 6)

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Our statement, “I’m just taking it one day at a time” truly attests to God’s care for us - today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Instead of being a declaration of worry, it is our statement of faith, and is used by our Lord to encourage others and point them to the confidence, peace, and assurance we have through Our Savior.

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Rejoice! He’s watching over you every moment. He frees you from your burdens. His goodness inspires you to take it one day at a time and to enjoy one day at a time in His Name.

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“Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.” (Lutheran Worship #444)

Dearest Lord, thank you for being with me today and embracing me with your faithfulness that is with me one day at a time and even forevermore.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Pastor Case 

“Growing Together in God’s Grace”

Devotion #17

“Compassion Fatigue”

As Christians living on this side of heaven, we lack perfection - perfect obedience, perfect wisdom, perfect faith, and even perfect compassion. Perfect compassion never fails, never fades, and never disappoints. But you and I are not in a state of perfection yet. Consequently, we can experience what some call “compassion fatigue.” This is a periodic sense of exhaustion that comes over us as we sincerely and continually try to do the best we can to care for other people - including our older and frail family members.

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Jesus, in His state of humiliation, became well-acquainted with compassion fatigue - in others and in Himself! As True God and True Man Jesus experienced the full range of human frailties. He did so without sinning, but He nevertheless experienced exactly what it was like to be one of us and one with us. In His state of humiliation Jesus often became worn down as a compassionate caregiver. He frequently needed and sought refuge from the demands. He required rest, refreshment, and rejuvenation - time to regroup and to refocus.

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Today, in His state of exaltation, our risen and triumphant Lord Jesus is no longer among the compassion-weary; He is the divine, ever-faithful, and ever-able Compassion Giver. He invites, “Come to me all you who are heavy laden…I will give you rest.” At His side you will find acceptance and the sweetest, deepest, and most satisfying rest, refreshment, and rejuvenation of all. Through His Word, Baptism, Holy Communion, and the consolation of other Christians, He gives us the wherewithal to acknowledge our needs, partake of His strength, and with renewed joy and pleasure continue our compassionate service in His Name.

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“Grace and life eternal in that blood I find; blest be His compassion, infinitely kind.” (Lutheran Worship #98)

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Dearest Lord, Your compassion is, indeed, infinitely kind, sufficient, and refreshing. At your invitation I come again today to You, trusting in Your compassion and eager to continue my compassionate walk in Your Name. Amen.

Pastor Case

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