As I sit and write this devotional, a good portion of California’s forests are on fire. All of the skies have turned gray from the ashes. It is dark and gloomy, and the air isn’t too great to breathe. It would be easy to get depressed since our summer days have been taken away. God cares for you no matter what the circumstances are, and He is often closer during the most trying times.
Ezekiel 34:12
“As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.”
Scattered All Over
Ezekiel, the prophet, brings encouraging words that the people of Israel weren’t getting from the priests. God would care for people wherever they were scattered. By the time Ezekiel is writing this, the people of Israel have been scattered all over the known world. First, the ten tribes were taken away by Assyria, never to return. Then Babylon came and took the people of Judah, and they are scattered all over that kingdom. God wanted the people to know that He knows who they are, and He is caring for them during this challenging period.
Does your life feel scattered and gloomy right now? Do you feel lost and unsure of where to go? We all go through periods like that, but I am here to tell you that Jesus is with you through all of it. He is caring for you even though you may not feel like it. He can deliver you from depression and hopelessness if you will push through the feelings and truly seek His face.
God Cares for You
God cares for you. You might want to read that again. He knows what is heavy on your heart and the struggles you are fighting through. Trust and lean upon Him. Ask Him questions and vent your frustrations. You will find that it will make you feel better, but it will also clear a lot of the junk out and draw you closer to Him. Don’t lose hope. Go to Him.