Bethesda Gardens in Thornton, Colorado, offers compassionate memory care services to support residents and their families. For caregivers of faith, the Bible also provides comfort, strength and encouragement through every season of their journey.

5 Passages for Peace and Strength

Scripture can remind caregivers they aren't alone, even in the heaviest of moments. Consider some of these passages in seeking reassurance, rest and comfort from God.

1. Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

This popular verse reminds caregivers that renewed strength is possible by placing their hope in God. God promised this level of renewal to the people of Israel, who'd been taken captive and held in seemingly spiritual deserts. Even when exhaustion sets in and you aren't sure there's a way forward, God can restore and uplift you.

2. Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

When you're frustrated or exhausted from caregiving, it can be tempting to throw in the towel, so to speak. But this passage is a reminder that the love and kindness you pour out matters, even if you don't see the results right now. This type of faith-in-service can support strength and help you see the small harvests of gratitude and care available on earth.

3. 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

The strength of God shines in the weakest of human moments. You don't need all the answers or all the strength as a caregiver of faith. His grace is more than enough for you and your loved one.

The apostle Paul is the one who penned this passage. Consider the weight of the spiritual caregiving he might have felt. He felt called to share the Gospel and provide correction and teaching for churches across the land, yet he recognized that he only did so within the strength of Christ, and his work was only meaningful when he himself was connected to Jesus.

4. John 13:13-15

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

In the passages from John regarding the Last Supper, Jesus models humble hands-on service. Caregiving can be a humbling sort of service, especially when you may be caring for an older parent and previous family roles are reversed. However, by reflecting on the work of Christ, you can see that your daily acts of love and sacrifice are meaningful and Christlike when completed with the right heart.

5. Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Caregivers wear many hats. Some people are full-time caregivers, while others offer occasional support. Whatever you do, whether it's preparing a meal, helping someone dress or navigating complex medical topics and research for a loved one, consider service an act of worship. Caregiving done in faith and love can honor and point to God.

Bonus Passage: Exodus 17:10-12

In Exodus 17, God fights for his people against the Amalekites. As Joshua leads the Israelites in battle, Moses stands on a hilltop with his arms raised. As long as his arms are raised, the Israelites prevail; when he tires and lowers his arms, they begin to lose. Aaron and Hur take hold of Moses' arms and hold them up, ensuring they remain raised until sunset.

This story is a powerful and beautiful illustration of how you never fight alone when you're aligned with the will of God and in fellowship with his people. As a caregiver, you may feel like you're standing on that hilltop alone, but God is with you. And his people can also help hold you up — consider whether a faith-based memory care community might be a way you can rely on others in this journey of care for your loved one.

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