Spring 2000
The Lord Cares for Us
Dr Richard Forde MD
Dean, Pinecrest

We serve an awesome God, the creator of the Universe. But He is also a personal God who tells us that He hears our petitions to Him. He sees every tear, hears every cry. He is concerned about our jobs, our families, and our marriages.

In Mark 4:35 41 we read,

"And ... when the even was come, He saith unto them,
Let us pass over unto the other side ... And there
arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into
the ship so that it was now full.”

“... and they awake Him, saying, Master, carest thou not
that we perish? And He arose and rebuked the wind
and said to the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind
ceased and there was a great calm.”

“And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How
is it that you have no faith?"

He who spoke to the waves and winds of two thousand years ago, still speaks to the storms in our lives. As we call upon Him, He is ready to say, "Peace, be still."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son.” John 3:16a.

He not only is concerned, but He is a just God.

The following example conveys the meaning of the Lord being a "just" God. A young lady drove 70 mph through a small town in a 30 mph speed zone and was apprehended. When she stood before the Judge, she admitted that she was guilty, and was fined $120.

The judge then arose from his bench, took off his robe, went to the bailiff, took out his wallet and paid the $120.00 because the girl was his daughter.

This is a just judge. He could not say, “I will dismiss the penalty because this is my daughter." Because the penalty had to be paid in full, he paid it.

We cannot comprehend the cost to God in allowing His son, Jesus, to pay the full penalty for our sin.

Romans 8:32 tells us,

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up
for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give
us all things?"

Each one of us have sought the Lord for help, when seemingly the answer has not been forthcoming; as the boat filling with water. But God gave His Son, His most precious possession, in our behalf.

Therefore, we should not question His willingness to do the lesser thing and respond to our need; “Master, do you not care that the boat is filling with water?”

There is an active enemy who will seek to frustrate our “reaching the other side.”

"There is now therefore no condemnation to them that
are in Christ Jesus." Rom 8:1.

If the enemy brings such condemnation, refuse and reject it.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (See Romans 8:35 39)
If we can lay hold of the love of Christ, it will free us from our concern and worry.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of
them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Then Jesus added,

"Fear ye not, therefore, you are of more value
than many sparrows." Matt 10:29 31.

Daniel was tossed into a den of lions (Daniel 6:16). It is recorded that God shut the lions' mouths. Is there an impossible situation where you need the Lord to shut the lions' mouths for you?

Therefore, He says, "Cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."

This hymn speaks to the storms in our lives:

"Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.

“Be still, my soul, thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.

“Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them when He dwelt below.