CHARLES HARRIS: Jesus cares about every detail of our lives

Longing to be close to God is natural, especially when you are hurting. The sons of Korah in Psalm 42:1-3 describe the heartache of longing for God. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, ‘Where is your God?’”

When tough times come, people often feel as though God is distant. They wonder if the Lord is watching and if He cares. They long for God’s help and comfort. Does Jesus care when our hearts are broken with the loss of a loved one, when the bills pile up, when the children are hungry, or when we cannot seem to get well? Does God hear our prayers?

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” Now it doesn’t say, “Blessed is the man who has no troubles,” but “blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” He’s the man who will not quit on God when things get rough. Because he loves God even in tough times, God will reward him with a crown of life.

God loved His Son Jesus, but He didn’t stop the crucifixion. Jesus prayed with tears in the Garden to let this cup pass, but God sacrificed His Son because He loved you and me, just as He loved His Son. Jesus also prayed, “Your will be done.” Atoning for sin was more important to Jesus than freedom from suffering. Have you considered how greatly our Father suffered in sacrificing His Son? No one has grieved more over human evil than God has. No one has suffered more than Jesus, who bore the cross for our sins. He showed unmistakably how much He loved us. The loving God asks us to trust Him when we cry out for help. 1 Peter 2:21-23 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”

God did not stop the apostles from being beaten, Stephen from being stoned, or James from the sword. God did not keep Paul from imprisonment or remove his thorn in the flesh. Yet not one of these men ever doubted God’s love. They knew God would never put more on them than they could bear.

Times of crisis call for the best in people. Bravery, heroism, love, self-sacrifice — all of these things flourish in times of crisis. And yet people who exhibit such traits are cherished and they’re honored as having gone “above and beyond the call of duty.” Was this not the very point Christ was making when He said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends?” (John 15:13)

Jesus cares about you. He wants to be your friend. He cares about your physical welfare, your finances, your family, your soul and your future. More than anything, He cares about the soul you have. The Lord Jesus knows all about you, the good and the bad. He even knows the number of hairs upon your head. And in spite of it all, He loves you and cares greatly about every detail of your life.

Do you have a close, loving relationship with God? Does the Lord see you as someone who is truly devoted to Him? In your quiet moments as you look into your heart, do you see yourself as a friend to God? If you haven’t given yourself to the Lord, today is the right day to come to Him. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. In baptism the Lord will cleanse you from sin (Acts 22:16), He’ll cause you to be born again (John 3:5), and He’ll give you newness of life (Romans 6:4). In baptism the Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47).

Live out your days with the assurance of having a Lord that cares.

The Beattie Road Church of Christ meets at 1731 Beattie Road in Albany. Our times of services are Sunday: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday: 7 p.m. If we can assist you in your spiritual journey contact us at (229) 435-2193 or (870) 500-5535. You can also visit us online at beattieroad.com.