Have you ever been in a really morose mood and wondered, “Does anyone care?” Over the years I’ve thought about this question from time to time. When we assert darkly that “no one cares,” are we buying into a lie, or is it the truth?

Fact: in considering all the people I’ve ever known, the people I care about the most, often disappoint me the most. When I review my life, I see that every human being I’ve ever known has, well…in some way or another not been to me what I needed. No matter how small the lack—whether a personality difference (e.g. they talk too much or too little), or a move out of state, or an inability to get together because of a family crisis—there’s always something wanting. And I’m humbled and saddened to know that others also have their version of how I am “deficient” in relation to them.

Just because we often live with disappointment, does this mean that “no one cares?” Surely not. After all, I can bring up plenty of evidence of kindnesses people have lavished on me, kindnesses that I didn’t deserve or expect. Like that time my friend weeded my huge yard to help me prepare for my son’s graduation party. Or that time when another friend spent a whole day helping me unpack during an overwhelming move. Or the hours yet another friend listened and prayed with me during a season of grief, sacrificing time and emotional energy.

No, I think it’s obvious that people do care, but what is this “thing” that can make us feel like they don’t? Isn’t it that their caring falls far short of our needs sometimes? The more we hurt, the more acute our awareness of lack. And why is there lack? Because we go to beings limited by this fallen world and by their fallen state to fill our hearts.

I’ve heard many sermons where invariably the preacher will say that what matters is relationships, not activities or things. Yet can relationships ultimately satisfy our great soul hunger? Do not the deep moments of connection come far too seldom to meet our insatiable need? They are rare gifts the Lord grants now and then. A verse in the Gospels says that Jesus did not entrust his heart to them because He knew what was in man. We do well to follow His cue.

I have a feeling this is how it’s supposed to be. This deeper understanding of my need and the incapability of well-meaning people to meet it, again drives me into the arms of the only One who perfectly understands, knows, and loves me. He alone is where my heart will be fully at home, at peace and rest.

It is a blessing to loosen my heart once again from the things of earth, even the best things about this world—people.

Do people care? Yes, as best they can given their fallen state.

Better yet, Jesus cares.

Somewhere I read this great quote, and it keeps tumbling around in my head:

“A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man must go there to find it.”

Grace and peace, especially to all my single friends,

Ruth

The past couple of weeks, I’ve been inspired by the book, The Heavenly Man, the story of a Chinese Christian who was severely persecuted for his faith and served many years in prison. When my Bible reading took me to Acts, the story where an angel miraculously delivers Peter took on new meaning.

As I thought about prisons one point stood out—prisons are not only made of concrete walls and stone; they may also take the form of financial bondage, health challenges, or stifling relationships. (For the purpose of this discussion, we won’t include the prison of sin.)

One of my dear friends grieves that her husband of twenty-eight years is still not a Christian despite her many prayers. Another girlfriend is deeply troubled because her husband is not on the “same spiritual page.” Yet another friend struggles to endure an abusive marriage because she is convinced an intact home is a better alternative for her children than divorce. These women all live in their own unique prison.

If you and your husband are not united spiritually, it’s easy to think that you’re severely limited in what you can do for the kingdom of God. Maybe you had hopes of changing the world when the two of you were young, but now it looks like your dreams will never materialize.

I have a friend suffering from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. She is confined mostly to her home now and rarely goes out. Another friend struggles to care for her parents at devastating financial cost to herself. She wonders how much longer she can physically and financially hold out.

Do you see yourself in any of these women? You may see only brokenness and ruin around you and wonder, “Can God use me in this place?”

Consider your persecuted brothers and sisters:

• Christians thrown in prison today are more often than not incredibly fruitful in leading other prisoners to Christ. If they can be used by God under such harsh conditions, surely God is not limited by your prison-like circumstances to use you.

• Often persecution and prison is the very AGENT God uses to bring about revival and spread the Gospel. Have you considered that your “prison” is where God expects you to be the most effective right now? Your “confinement” presents ministry opportunities you cannot even imagine. I love this quote by my friend, Mary Haag:
  

  “God will not use you in spite of these circumstances, but because of them. They are part of the equipment for the job He has for you.”

It’s natural to long for freedom because we believe we can do more “on the outside.” For those struggling to accept limiting circumstances in their lives, Peter’s escape from Herod’s maximum security facility in Acts 12:1-19 provides insights into a godly perspective of deliverance:

• Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
  Insight: It is appropriate to enlist others to pray for deliverance from your prison.

• Acts 12:6a The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound…
  Insight: Peter’s ability to sleep in this situation implies that he trusted God completely with his tomorrow. He wasn’t trying to figure out how he could escape, nor did he obsess over what kinds of answers to give at the trial. He rested in an attitude of acceptance, trust and peace. Therefore, note that sleeping is an excellent activity in prison!

• Acts 12:7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared…He struck Peter and woke him up.
  Insight: God initiated the deliverance in His time and His way. It’s important to realize that ultimately we don’t provide the way out, God does.

• Acts 12:8-9a Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison…
  Insight: When God intervenes in your circumstance, be ready to obey.

• Acts 12:10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened by itself and they went through it.
  Insight: No matter how intimidating or impossible the obstacles might appear—whether people, iron gates or locked doors—if God is leading you out, you WILL pass through into freedom.

God is not hindered by prisons of any kind; His Spirit is free. He is equally glorified by those who remain in chains as by those He delivers.

Personal Challenge: Identify your prison. Ask God what you can do to honor Him in your confinement. Write down what you believe He’s saying. Then go do it, beginning today!

Wherever you are, be all there. Jim Elliot

Do you struggle with living in the moment? I have a terrible time. Call it existentially impaired or whatever, but my mind seems to continually “fall off the fence,” running either to the future or retracing the past. A scary way to live because the only moment I own is right now. And if I miss it because I’m someplace else, I can never get it back.

Sermon to self: Fully embrace the present. The present is your life. This is IT. You will not have another opportunity to live this moment over. Why ruin the present with worry, or waste it with meaningless daydreams, or poison it by wallowing in bitterness? Accept your past; surrender your future; live NOW.

I have been reading some of Frank Laubach’s writings. He created a game to help him think of the Lord every minute of the day, at first viewing this pursuit as an experiment. Eventually this practice completely transformed his life. I’d like to be more like this guy! He inspires me to redeem the moments by bringing my thoughts continually before the Lord.What about you?

What helps you live in the present? I’d love your input.