Today I want to share a word of encouragement to the “caregiver”.
In the Scriptures we read about a man named Ziba. Many may not even know who he is.
Ziba was a caregiver, perhaps a manager of the affairs of Mephibosheth.
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan.
Jonathan was the son of King Saul.
When David became king he wanted to show kindness to anyone left in Saul’s lineage for the sake of Jonathan, his friend.
Sometimes it seems overwhelming when we are the caregiver. Our loved ones need care and we step in. We can get very tired, run out of energy as we try to make those we love comfortable. We want to meet their needs and assure them that they are loved. We become their hands and feet; even the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve them!
Whether it's taking care of a parent, child or friend we expend our energies on them because of the love that the Lord has given us. We watch the Father and we do likewise.
If we are not careful we forsake our own well-being. We must take care of ourselves in order to be a good resource for another.
I love how the Lord through David honored this caregiver, Ziba. His responsibility was to take care of Mephibosheth who was crippled in both feet. When David took Mephibosheth under his care, into his palace, Ziba was also brought into the king’s presence along with his family. Everyone received the blessing; a time of refreshment and provision for all.
If we are not careful we forsake our own well-being. We must take care of ourselves in order to be a good resource for another.
I love how the Lord through David honored this caregiver, Ziba. His responsibility was to take care of Mephibosheth who was crippled in both feet. When David took Mephibosheth under his care, into his palace, Ziba was also brought into the king’s presence along with his family. Everyone received the blessing; a time of refreshment and provision for all.
I wonder if Ziba ever became weary? He was probably overwhelmed with fear as well. After all, he is taking care of the grandson of the previous king. In many eyes, King Saul was David's enemy.
But David, wanted to show kindness!
Don’t give up! God knows and he is the one that refreshes the weary.
Don’t give up! God knows and he is the one that refreshes the weary.
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42 )
Look for opportunities to help and be of service to the weak.
Jesus himself has humbled himself. He became a servant so that we would follow in his foot steps.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 )
Stay on your guard. Let’s not let our hearts become troubled or even bitter.
A caregiver requires strength, wisdom and courage from the Lord.
God can and will sustain us.
Sadly, later we read that Ziba fell into the sin of greed.
Sadly, later we read that Ziba fell into the sin of greed.
Guard our hearts and encourage our soul!
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
Lord help us to serve others, even as we serve you! Keep our hearts flooded with joy as we serve one another.
God bless you!~Liz
