God’s Rest for Caregivers

As you support and care for other people, do you ever find yourself exhausted by it?

Whether we are…

leading teams at work or in ministry
caring for ailing family members
raising small children
or simply seeking to be there for the people that matter to us

…most of us are caregivers in some way.

And caregiving—while a tremendous ministry and honor—can deplete us.

After all, it’s no small thing to carry the burdens of others.

But in these moments, when caring is heavy, Exodus 33:12-14 has some timely reminders for us. Listen to this conversation between Moses and God:

Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways, so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.

The LORD replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:12-14 (NIV)

Moses’ call to lead and care for the people of Israel would not be easy—it would involve many decisions, needs and complications. But right up front, God promised He would be there at every point.

And the same holds true for us, as Believers.

If God calls us to care for others, He will be with us every step of the way.

Isn’t that such a comfort?

And here’s what we know about this God who promises to go with us:

He cares for us.

In verse 12, Moses said to God: “You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’

I love that at the outset of his caregiving journey, Moses was already assured of God’s favor and care for him.

You see, sometimes we care for others to meet a need in us—a need to be noticed and appreciated.

But as Christians, we can look to God to meet that need.

Because of Jesus, He is already pleased with us and we don’t have to strive for His affection.

God sees us.

He knows us.

And He loves us no matter what.

So as we care for others, we can do so free from the pressure of trying to find our worth there. We can serve from the assurance that we are already loved with an everlasting love.

2. He cares about the people we care for.

In verse 13, Moses says to God, “Remember that this nation is your people.”

Now, this statement is true of Israel in a very unique sense—they are His chosen people.

But no matter who we are caring for, we can know: God created them and loves them even more than we do.

He sees their needs.

He knows their longings and sorrows.

And He has a plan for their lives!

So as we care for others, we ultimately look to God to meet their needs.

He may choose to provide through us or through some other means, but He will care for those we care about.

3. He can give us rest.

If you continue to follow the story of Moses and Israel after this passage, you’ll discover that God kept His promise to provide rest.

Ultimately, after 40 years, He gave the Israelites rest in the promised land. (Joshua 21:43-45)

But He also gave Moses rest along the way.

As Moses faced challenge after challenge in caring for the people, God helped his weary servant in various ways:

Sometimes He miraculously relieved him of the problem in an instant. (Exodus 17:3-6)
Other times the problem remained, but He gave Moses practical ways to lighten his load and bear up under it. (Numbers 11:11-17)
And even when there was no obvious intervention on the part of God, Moses could still find rest in God’s presence. As Psalm 55:22 says, he could cast his burdens onto the LORD and let Him sustain him.

The wonderful truth is, the God who helped Moses care for thousands in the desert is with you as you care for the people in your world.

And while I don’t know how He will give you rest, I know He will in some way.

Because when God gives us a burden to bear, He stays close enough to help us shoulder it.

Putting it into Practice:

So how will you draw near to God as you care for others this week?

And how will knowing He is with you give you rest?

This devotion is based on one of the Scriptures from my reading plan: “Rest and the God Who Gives It.” To receive a copy of the reading plan, sign up for the email list below. Hope you’ll follow along!

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