Scripture: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Explanation of Song: Frank Graeff (1860-1919) was a Methodist minister known for his happy countenance. He was often called the “Sunshine Minister”. Sadly, he faced a series of heartbreaks which threatened to destroy the joy of the Lord that he radiated to others. In his despair, he remembered the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and as he sang, 1 Peter 5:7 came to his mind. From that experience, he wrote “Does Jesus Care?” combining questions asking if God truly cares about us with the resounding answer “Oh, yes! He cares!”
Application: When you have a granddaughter who plans to be a vet, there is bound to be a plethora of animals in the household. Beyond the “normal” pets, we also have chickens and miniature ponies. One of my joys is to help her out by pet-watching when she goes on vacation. It’s pretty exciting when the ponies come up and nuzzle me, but when things go wrong, it can be very frightening.
That happened this past weekend. My granddaughter was about 1200 miles away visiting friends for a graduation, and I was babysitting the critters. When I ventured out Sunday morning before church to feed the horses, I found Halo, a sweet micro mini-horse, laying on his side. Now, I don’t know much about horses, but I know enough to know that this is NOT a good sign. I literally felt my heart rate race as I grabbed my phone to call my daughter and granddaughter. I felt so helpless and afraid for Halo because I had no idea what to do to help him!
To make this very long story short, two good “horse” friends came to administer some medication, and the vet was notified. I was tasked with keeping Halo up and moving, so we began our travels around the property. I wept as we walked, and then for a moment, when we paused ion the front yard, I realized I had forgotten something very important. I looked down at Halo; he looked up at me, and I knew I needed to pray right then. I lowered my head to the top of his and prayed. Yes, I prayed with a pony. He stood quietly while I prayed, not even trying to grab a bite of grass, which he was strictly forbidden to have at this point. I then told Halo I was certain of one thing – God loved horses because they are the only animal in heaven that I know of that is mentioned in the Bible. As we continued to walk, I knew that no matter what happened, God was aware and in total control. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I was able to give thanks in this situation that Jesus walked with us as we resumed our medicinal walk; He was aware of all that was happening.
The outcome? I am happy to report that Halo is doing well. After oral medication and IV fluids, he finally perked up, ate, drank some water, and produced manure. We were out of the woods! 1 Peter 5:7 reminds me that nothing is too small to bring before the Lord. His Word tells me that I should always be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Not some, but all because God cares about everything that we care about. Even a little pony.
Memory Verse: “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17
Stretching your thoughts:
1. What have you experienced that you felt was too trivial with which to trouble God, yet when you did pray, you found Him to be faithful to help and comfort you?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?
O yes, He cares- I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?
O yes, He cares- I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.
(from “Does Jesus Care?”by Frank E. Graeff)