DID YOU KNOW HE CARES –

When the Jewish exiles returned from captivity in Babylon and Persia, they were so grateful for what God had done that they couldn’t help but joyfully express their praise and thanksgiving. While sitting in their refugee encampment, the writer of this psalm must have read Hannah’s song where she expresses gratitude, “The LORD has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me.” (cf. 1Sam. 2:1-10). The psalmist wanted to express his appreciation to the God who not only personally knows each of His children, but cares about their well-being as a loving Father; who hears their sighs, counts their tears, and answers their prayers. That’s something every believer should be happy for.

“Everybody who loves the LORD Eternal, let us celebrate Him for who He is! Let us praise Him because He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Let people from every spot on the face of the earth celebrate the LORD Eternal for who He is! The LORD Eternal is above all and overall both in heaven and on earth! There is no one to compare with LORD Eternal who sits enthroned on high; the One who takes time to look down on His creation; the One who reached down from above to lift us up from the dirt pile of misery; yes, who lifted us up from the garbage heap of despair to become something noble; to guide His people; the One who can transform a complete failure and make them a success; so successful that they can inspire others. O Hallelujah!” Psalm 113:1-9

Reflection: The Reverend Frank Graeff became known in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the “Sunshine Minister.” That’s because of his sunny disposition and optimistic attitude that prompted him to spend time encouraging those weighed down with problems, encouraging them to look to God because of His compassion and kindness. But one day, Frank found himself confronted with his own set of difficulties in which he battled depression and discouragement. Frank would write of those trials: “My whole attitude became one of doubt, despair and defeat; and because of this, I lived a life of unhappiness and failure. Each passing day I fell deeper and deeper into that pit of despair, until finally I felt I could stand no longer.” But despite his struggles, Frank never gave up his daily devotions. One day he turned to 2 Corinthians 1:4, and received such encouragement that it inspired him to pen these words that became one of the most beloved hymns of the church: “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? Oh 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.” I’m sure that the psalmist and his fellow captives would gladly sing along with Frank about their caring, loving great I AM, followed by a loud, “Hallelujah!” In the same way, as many of those held in the past as prisoners of war came back and reported how they kept their faith alive, because deep down in their hearts they knew that their families, their country, and their nation’s leaders cared about them and stood ready to use everything in their power to free them. If a person can put that much faith in their fellow human beings, how much more can we put faith in the One True God for whom the word “impossible” does not exist.