“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 (NIV)

God is a caring, loving, compassionate Father. The Bible says in Psalm 103:13, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him” (NIV). He cares about everything in your life—compassionately.

The disciples experienced God’s compassion. Most of the disciples were professional fishermen. One day when they were out fishing with Jesus, Jesus got tired, laid down in one end of the boat, and went to sleep. But then a storm came up—and it must have been a big one because the disciples got scared.

The ship was rocking and rolling, and water was coming into the boat. The disciples were frantic and woke Jesus to ask him one of the most important questions in life: “Teacher, don’t you care?” (Mark 4:38 NIV).

You and I ask that question of God all the time in a thousand ways: “God, did you see that doctor’s report? Don’t you care? Do you see what a mess my marriage is in? Don’t you care? Do you see how little money we have in the bank and all the bills we’ve got? Don’t you care? Do you see how my kids are struggling in school? Don’t you care? You know this fear that grips my mind that I can’t seem to get rid of. Don’t you care?”

The answer is yes, God cares. In fact, he cares more than you care. He wants to help more than you want help. He knows what will help you more than you know what will help you. He is aware, and he cares.

The Bible assures us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

If you knew and felt how much your heavenly Father constantly and compassionately cares, you couldn’t help but love him back.

Do you feel like God is a million miles away? It’s because you don’t understand the kind of caring Father he really is. Take time today to cast your anxiety on God—and trust that he’ll receive it with care and compassion.

Talk It Over

• What things in your life are troubling you?

• Do you believe that God cares about those concerns? Why or why not?

• What does it mean to “cast” your anxiety on God?