Free PDF eBook containing all of Year 1
Print PDF of this lesson
When Jesus was about to send out His disciples to preach the gospel of the coming kingdom, He warned them of the problems they would have and the dangers they would face. But He said they should not be afraid: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt. 10:29–31). It is greatly comforting to know that we worship and serve a God who knows us personally and cares about us. Since He is intimately involved in everything that concerns our well-being, we may rest in the assurance of His help.
God’s love causes Him to be steadfast in the help He gives. He is trustworthy and dependable. We may confidently entrust ourselves to His care, knowing that He will be not only good to us but also wise in His goodness. In the Old Testament, hesed (“lovingkindness” in the KJV) is translated in the English Standard Version as “steadfast love.” That’s exactly what God’s love is: a trustworthy love that can be counted on because God has entered into a covenant with us.
Peter wrote, “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Pt. 4:19). Because He “cares” for us, we may cast our “care” upon Him: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pt. 5:6,7). God loves us with a benevolent, active love. When all other sources of help in this world have failed us, our Heavenly Father will be there to graciously fill our needs.
There are those who observe the pain and heartache in the world and question whether God is there, or at least whether He cares. But the evidences of God’s concern are literally all around us every day. And we should stop often to think that God shows His love in the help that He gives us. This week, let’s make it our aim to more fully appreciate the wondrous love with which our God loves us. And let’s more fully express our gratitude for His help by devoting ourselves to the work and worship of God.
Monday: 1 Samuel 17:31–37
Key Idea: God will help us when we need Him.
Questions for Family Growth: In this story, what needed to be done that all the soldiers in Israel were afraid to do? Why did David think he could do this? Had God ever helped David before? How can we be like David in this regard?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:31.
Tuesday: Psalm 23:1–6
Key Idea: God provides for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
Questions for Family Growth: What are some things a shepherd does to care for his sheep? What are some things God does to care for us? Is there any kind of help that would be too much for God to give us? In v.4, why did David say he would fear no evil?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:1.
Wednesday: Romans 5:6–11
Key Idea: God gave His Son for us.
Questions for Family Growth: According to v.6, what condition was the human race in when Christ died for us? According to v.8, what does the death of Christ demonstrate to us? Should we ever doubt that God wants to help us?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:2.
Thursday: Hebrews 4:14–16
Key Idea: We should not be afraid to ask God for His help.
Questions for Family Growth: What are some characteristics that make Jesus a perfect high priest for us? What does it mean that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace” (NKJV)? What will we find when we do that?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:3.
Friday: 1 Peter 5:6,7
Key Idea: We may cast all our care upon God, because He cares for us.
Questions for Family Growth: What are our “cares”? What should we do with them? What does it mean that God “cares” for us? What did Jesus say that we should do in Mt. 7:7–11? How can we thank God for the help He gives us?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:4.
Gary Henry — WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
