Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging or injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every language spoken in the world.

I have learned as a caregiver, it is critical to not lose who you are. Do not forget that you have a life and a purpose. Being a caregiver is a role you have right now, it is not all that you will always be. You have an identity that is bigger than being a caregiver. 2 Timothy 1:9 says. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” God created each of us for His purpose, being a caregiver is what you do, it is not who you are.

You are seen, God sees you. He sees every tear, He hears every sigh, He knows you and loves you exactly as you are. You matter. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid;” Luke 12:7.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for the love You have for us. Help us to remember the purpose that You created us each for – to bring glory to Your name. Help us to know how to love You, worship You and glorify You as we provide care to loved ones. Fill all caregivers with patience, peace, love, joy and strength. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging or injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every language spoken in the world.

I have learned as a caregiver, you must take time for yourself. This is easy to say and many times we know that it is the right thing to do for everyone involved. The more we are able to refresh ourselves, the better we will be to take care of someone. Even if this means five minutes of rest while your loved one is taking a nap. Look for those opportunities to rest your mind and your body. Let the dishes stay dirty or the clothes stay dirty a few minutes longer or whatever other chore you can work on instead of just resting.

What about those situations when there is no path to take time for ourselves. Ask for help. This is a tough thing to do sometimes – what if something happens while I am gone. What if during the hour I go for a walk, there is a need that the temporary caregiver does not know how to fulfill. We tell ourselves that it is easier to not have someone come in for a bit to help. Sometimes when we return from our break, there is more stress than before we left because things were not done quite right or the way we would have done it. There will be times when we have to adjust our expectations of others or even let go of some things being done a certain way. It is critical for you to take a break. This does not make you a bad person, an unloving caregiver or any other guilt trip that the enemy may try to put on you. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Take those thoughts from the enemy captive, dismiss them, they are not of God.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Your love and Your wisdom found in Scriptures. Help us to take every thought captive that is not of You or from You. Sometimes, we get so weary, it is hard to resist the enemy, please fill us with Your strength and wisdom. Bless the caregivers and those being cared for. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging person, an injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every economic circumstance in the world.

I have learned as a caregiver, there are times when you feel exhausted, under-appreciated, exasperated, drained, scared, hopeful, joyful, relieved, grieving, and every other emotion that exists. Being a caregiver is an emotional rollercoaster. Do not ride it alone.

Have someone to talk to. Caregivers need someone that they can openly express emotions to without fear of judgment or retribution. Find that someone if you do not already have such a person in your life. This can be a neighbor, a church member, an online friend, a therapist, in a forum, or with a chatbot. It is very helpful to join a community of others who are caregivers, whether online or in person. No matter what form this channel takes for you, have a way to express yourself freely that is outside of the person you are taking care of. And most importantly, talk to Jesus – daily and always.

Talking to Jesus is your lifeline. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. This can be focused prayer time or just talking to Him as you go about your day. However, wherever and whenever you communicate, He hears you.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for caregivers and the loved ones being cared for. We ask that You would provide strength, patience, faith, love, peace, joy, wisdom and hope to all caregivers. Bless those reading these words and fill them with comfort. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.