MESSAGE FOR SUNDAY NIGHT, JULY 6, 2008

CHRISTIAN HOPE CHURCH OF CHRIST, PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA

by Reggie A. Braziel, minister

(This message is a revision of a message by this same title I first preached DECEMBER 1, 2004.….

my beautiful Lindy Susan’s birthday)

DOES JESUS CARE? DOES JESUS CARE? DOES JESUS CARE? DOES JESUS CARE? I Peter 5:7 I Peter 5:7 I Peter 5:7 I Peter 5:7

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction TTTTonight’s message is actually drawn from two sources: OUR BIBLES and OUR HYMNBOOKS. *Turn in your BIBLES Turn in your BIBLES Turn in your BIBLES Turn in your BIBLES to I PETER 5:7I PETER 5:7I PETER 5:7I PETER 5:7 *And tur *And tur *And tur *And turn in your HYMN BOOKS to Hymn #_______n in your HYMN BOOKS to Hymn #_______n in your HYMN BOOKS to Hymn #_______n in your HYMN BOOKS to Hymn #_______

**************************************************************************************************** First let’s read from our scripture text in I PETER 5:7First let’s read from our scripture text in I PETER 5:7First let’s read from our scripture text in I PETER 5:7First let’s read from our scripture text in I PETER 5:7 Now lNow lNow lNow let’s read the FOUR VERSES of that great hymn, “Does Jesus et’s read the FOUR VERSES of that great hymn, “Does Jesus et’s read the FOUR VERSES of that great hymn, “Does Jesus et’s read the FOUR VERSES of that great hymn, “Does Jesus Care?” (Read out of hymnbooks)Care?” (Read out of hymnbooks)Care?” (Read out of hymnbooks)Care?” (Read out of hymnbooks) vs. 1 Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth and song? As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and strong. vs. 2 Does Jesus care when my way is dark, with a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near? vs. 3 Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed, to resist some temptation strong? When for my deep grief, I find no relief, tho my tears flow all the night long. vs. 4 Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye, to the dearest on earth to me? And my sad heart aches, til it nearly breaks, is it aught to Him does He see?

PRAYERPRAYERPRAYERPRAYER

DOES JESUS TRULY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU DOES JESUS TRULY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU DOES JESUS TRULY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU DOES JESUS TRULY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU AND I GO THROUGH IN THIS LIFE?AND I GO THROUGH IN THIS LIFE?AND I GO THROUGH IN THIS LIFE?AND I GO THROUGH IN THIS LIFE? OOOOur scripture text tells us JESUS DOES INDEED CARE.ur scripture text tells us JESUS DOES INDEED CARE.ur scripture text tells us JESUS DOES INDEED CARE.ur scripture text tells us JESUS DOES INDEED CARE. Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. That word “cast” “cast” “cast” “cast” means to “lay aside” “to roll over upon.”“lay aside” “to roll over upon.”“lay aside” “to roll over upon.”“lay aside” “to roll over upon.” ILLUSTRATION: Last year we were helping this family move ILLUSTRATION: Last year we were helping this family move ILLUSTRATION: Last year we were helping this family move ILLUSTRATION: Last year we were helping this family move out of the house the out of the house the out of the house the out of the house they had been renting. After getting all theiry had been renting. After getting all theiry had been renting. After getting all theiry had been renting. After getting all their things out of the house we had to move this old upright piano things out of the house we had to move this old upright piano things out of the house we had to move this old upright piano things out of the house we had to move this old upright piano from the garage back inside the house where the owner from the garage back inside the house where the owner from the garage back inside the house where the owner from the garage back inside the house where the owner originally had it. This thing probably w originally had it. This thing probably w originally had it. This thing probably w originally had it. This thing probably weighed as much as aeighed as much as aeighed as much as aeighed as much as a 1949 Buick. Making the task even more difficult was the fact 1949 Buick. Making the task even more difficult was the fact 1949 Buick. Making the task even more difficult was the fact 1949 Buick. Making the task even more difficult was the fact we had to we had to we had to we had to take the piano up two steps to even get it inside take the piano up two steps to even get it inside take the piano up two steps to even get it inside take the piano up two steps to even get it inside the house. the house. the house. the house. Well six of us spaced ou Well six of us spaced ou Well six of us spaced ou Well six of us spaced ourselves around the piano.rselves around the piano.rselves around the piano.rselves around the piano. We put Wesley, the biggest and strongest among us We put Wesley, the biggest and strongest among us We put Wesley, the biggest and strongest among us We put Wesley, the biggest and strongest among us on the on the on the on the end that would have to go in first. When we gotend that would have to go in first. When we gotend that would have to go in first. When we gotend that would have to go in first. When we got the piano to the doorway it was very obvious those of us the piano to the doorway it was very obvious those of us the piano to the doorway it was very obvious those of us the piano to the doorway it was very obvious those of us on the sides could go no further. That meant we had to on the sides could go no further. That meant we had to on the sides could go no further. That meant we had to on the sides could go no further. That meant we had to “lay aside” or “roll our burde “lay aside” or “roll our burde “lay aside” or “roll our burde “lay aside” or “roll our burden” over on to Wesley and wen” over on to Wesley and wen” over on to Wesley and wen” over on to Wesley and we all moved toward the back of the piano. With a giant heave all moved toward the back of the piano. With a giant heave all moved toward the back of the piano. With a giant heave all moved toward the back of the piano. With a giant heave Wesley picked his end of the piano just high enough to getWesley picked his end of the piano just high enough to getWesley picked his end of the piano just high enough to getWesley picked his end of the piano just high enough to get it over the floor molding and inside the house. it over the floor molding and inside the house. it over the floor molding and inside the house. it over the floor molding and inside the house.

Jesus wants you and me to “lay aside” or “roll our Jesus wants you and me to “lay aside” or “roll our Jesus wants you and me to “lay aside” or “roll our Jesus wants you and me to “lay aside” or “roll our burdens over” on to His shoulders. We do this byburdens over” on to His shoulders. We do this byburdens over” on to His shoulders. We do this byburdens over” on to His shoulders. We do this by “not worrying or not being anxious about anything, butnot worrying or not being anxious about anything, butnot worrying or not being anxious about anything, butnot worrying or not being anxious about anything, but instead praying about everything” instead praying about everything” instead praying about everything” instead praying about everything” as Paul tells us as Paul tells us as Paul tells us as Paul tells us inininin Philippians 4:6. Or as I heard a godly black man say Philippians 4:6. Or as I heard a godly black man say Philippians 4:6. Or as I heard a godly black man say Philippians 4:6. Or as I heard a godly black man say one day, one day, one day, one day, “Tell it to the Lord, then leave it alone!” Then notice Peter doesn’t say “cast some of your“cast some of your“cast some of your“cast some of your anxieties” anxieties” anxieties” anxieties” on Him……..or…..on Him……..or…..on Him……..or…..on Him……..or…..”cast your BIGGEST ”cast your BIGGEST ”cast your BIGGEST ”cast your BIGGEST anxieties on Him.” anxieties on Him.” anxieties on Him.” anxieties on Him.” He said, “Cast ALL ……“Cast ALL ……“Cast ALL ……“Cast ALL ……Cast ALLCast ALLCast ALLCast ALL your anxieties on Him.” your anxieties on Him.” your anxieties on Him.” your anxieties on Him.”

Now this is where a lot of us get ourselves intoNow this is where a lot of us get ourselves intoNow this is where a lot of us get ourselves intoNow this is where a lot of us get ourselves into trouble. Sometimes our PRIDE and our SELF trouble. Sometimes our PRIDE and our SELF trouble. Sometimes our PRIDE and our SELF trouble. Sometimes our PRIDE and our SELF---- SUFFICIENCY won’t let us turn ALL our ANXIETIES SUFFICIENCY won’t let us turn ALL our ANXIETIES SUFFICIENCY won’t let us turn ALL our ANXIETIES SUFFICIENCY won’t let us turn ALL our ANXIETIES over to the LORD. Sometimes we have this attitude over to the LORD. Sometimes we have this attitude over to the LORD. Sometimes we have this attitude over to the LORD. Sometimes we have this attitude like, “ like, “ like, “ like, “Lord, I can handle my problems myself and if theyLord, I can handle my problems myself and if theyLord, I can handle my problems myself and if theyLord, I can handle my problems myself and if they ever get too big for me to handle, then I’ll turn it over to ever get too big for me to handle, then I’ll turn it over to ever get too big for me to handle, then I’ll turn it over to ever get too big for me to handle, then I’ll turn it over to you. you. you. you. PETER is tellin PETER is tellin PETER is tellin PETER is telling us to CAST ALL our anxieties ong us to CAST ALL our anxieties ong us to CAST ALL our anxieties ong us to CAST ALL our anxieties on HIM………Our BIG ANXIETIES…….OUR SMALL ANXIETIES HIM………Our BIG ANXIETIES…….OUR SMALL ANXIETIES HIM………Our BIG ANXIETIES…….OUR SMALL ANXIETIES HIM………Our BIG ANXIETIES…….OUR SMALL ANXIETIES and every ANXIETY in and every ANXIETY in and every ANXIETY in and every ANXIETY in----bbbbetween.etween.etween.etween. That word “ANXIETIES” is an allThat word “ANXIETIES” is an allThat word “ANXIETIES” is an allThat word “ANXIETIES” is an all----encompassing word: It means,encompassing word: It means,encompassing word: It means,encompassing word: It means, ALL OUR PROBLEMSALL OUR PROBLEMSALL OUR PROBLEMSALL OUR PROBLEMS ALL OUR BURDENSALL OUR BURDENSALL OUR BURDENSALL OUR BURDENS ALL OUR WORRIESALL OUR WORRIESALL OUR WORRIESALL OUR WORRIES ALL OUR ALL OUR ALL OUR ALL OUR FEARSFEARSFEARSFEARS ALL OUR DOUBTSALL OUR DOUBTSALL OUR DOUBTSALL OUR DOUBTS ALL OUR DISCOURAGEMENTALL OUR DISCOURAGEMENTALL OUR DISCOURAGEMENTALL OUR DISCOURAGEMENT ALL OUR DISAPPOINTMENTSALL OUR DISAPPOINTMENTSALL OUR DISAPPOINTMENTSALL OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS

AAAAnd WHY does JESUS want us to CAST ALL our ANXIETIES onnd WHY does JESUS want us to CAST ALL our ANXIETIES onnd WHY does JESUS want us to CAST ALL our ANXIETIES onnd WHY does JESUS want us to CAST ALL our ANXIETIES on

HIM?HIM?HIM?HIM? Because He Cares For You!Because He Cares For You!Because He Cares For You!Because He Cares For You! ******************************************************************** FFFFrank rank rank rank GGGGraeff, who wrote that beautiful hymn, raeff, who wrote that beautiful hymn, raeff, who wrote that beautiful hymn, raeff, who wrote that beautiful hymn, “Does Jesus Care”“Does Jesus Care”“Does Jesus Care”“Does Jesus Care” knew what it was knew what it was knew what it was knew what it was like to have DOUBTS, as we sometimes do, as to like to have DOUBTS, as we sometimes do, as to like to have DOUBTS, as we sometimes do, as to like to have DOUBTS, as we sometimes do, as to whether or not JESUS REALLY CARES about what we’re going whether or not JESUS REALLY CARES about what we’re going whether or not JESUS REALLY CARES about what we’re going whether or not JESUS REALLY CARES about what we’re going through.through.through.through.

IIIIn the foun the foun the foun the four stanzas of this hymn, FRANK GRAEFF considersr stanzas of this hymn, FRANK GRAEFF considersr stanzas of this hymn, FRANK GRAEFF considersr stanzas of this hymn, FRANK GRAEFF considers FOUR PAINFUL AREAS of human experience and with each FOUR PAINFUL AREAS of human experience and with each FOUR PAINFUL AREAS of human experience and with each FOUR PAINFUL AREAS of human experience and with each experience he asks t experience he asks t experience he asks t experience he asks that question: DOES JESUS CARE?hat question: DOES JESUS CARE?hat question: DOES JESUS CARE?hat question: DOES JESUS CARE?

UUUUsing the four stanzas of this hymn as our main points, let’s sing the four stanzas of this hymn as our main points, let’s sing the four stanzas of this hymn as our main points, let’s sing the four stanzas of this hymn as our main points, let’s consider these four painful areasconsider these four painful areasconsider these four painful areasconsider these four painful areas of human experience and see if of human experience and see if of human experience and see if of human experience and see if Jesus really does care.Jesus really does care.Jesus really does care.Jesus really does care. ********************************************

First of all……..First of all……..First of all……..First of all……..

I. Does Jesus Care About My Heavy Burdens?I. Does Jesus Care About My Heavy Burdens?I. Does Jesus Care About My Heavy Burdens?I. Does Jesus Care About My Heavy Burdens? Let’s read the first stanza of this hymn again. Let’s read the first stanza of this hymn again. Let’s read the first stanza of this hymn again. Let’s read the first stanza of this hymn again. Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song; As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long.

1. In life, there are two kinds of burdens:1. In life, there are two kinds of burdens:1. In life, there are two kinds of burdens:1. In life, there are two kinds of burdens: First, there are NORMALFirst, there are NORMALFirst, there are NORMALFirst, there are NORMAL BURDENS. Normal burdens are those BURDENS. Normal burdens are those BURDENS. Normal burdens are those BURDENS. Normal burdens are those routine responsibilities, obligations and chores we must take care routine responsibilities, obligations and chores we must take care routine responsibilities, obligations and chores we must take care routine responsibilities, obligations and chores we must take care of every day. of every day. of every day. of every day. Then, there are ADDED BURDENS. An added burden is anything Then, there are ADDED BURDENS. An added burden is anything Then, there are ADDED BURDENS. An added burden is anything Then, there are ADDED BURDENS. An added burden is anything that adds additiona that adds additiona that adds additiona that adds additional weight, stress, pressure or anxiety upon us.l weight, stress, pressure or anxiety upon us.l weight, stress, pressure or anxiety upon us.l weight, stress, pressure or anxiety upon us. An added burden is anything that disturbs our peace or weighs An added burden is anything that disturbs our peace or weighs An added burden is anything that disturbs our peace or weighs An added burden is anything that disturbs our peace or weighs heavily upon our mind and heart. heavily upon our mind and heart. heavily upon our mind and heart. heavily upon our mind and heart.

2. Sometimes life throws us an “unexpected curve ball” and2. Sometimes life throws us an “unexpected curve ball” and2. Sometimes life throws us an “unexpected curve ball” and2. Sometimes life throws us an “unexpected curve ball” and all the sudden all the sudden all the sudden all the sudden we find ourselves dealing with a circumstance we find ourselves dealing with a circumstance we find ourselves dealing with a circumstance we find ourselves dealing with a circumstance that seems totally out of our control. that seems totally out of our control. that seems totally out of our control. that seems totally out of our control. Those are ADDED BU Those are ADDED BU Those are ADDED BU Those are ADDED BURDENS………burdens that make lifeRDENS………burdens that make lifeRDENS………burdens that make lifeRDENS………burdens that make life harder and more complex. harder and more complex. harder and more complex. harder and more complex. ----Perhaps a health crisis.Perhaps a health crisis.Perhaps a health crisis.Perhaps a health crisis. ----Or a fiOr a fiOr a fiOr a financial crisis.nancial crisis.nancial crisis.nancial crisis. ----Or an injury that causes you to lay out of work and miss aOr an injury that causes you to lay out of work and miss aOr an injury that causes you to lay out of work and miss aOr an injury that causes you to lay out of work and miss a few paychecks. few paychecks. few paychecks. few paychecks. ----Or perhaps it’s a sudden crisis involving one of yourOr perhaps it’s a sudden crisis involving one of yourOr perhaps it’s a sudden crisis involving one of yourOr perhaps it’s a sudden crisis involving one of your children. children. children. children. ----Or conflict with a spouse or with aOr conflict with a spouse or with aOr conflict with a spouse or with aOr conflict with a spouse or with a relative or someone relative or someone relative or someone relative or someone you work with. you work with. you work with. you work with. ----Or getting the news your job may be in jeopardy becauseOr getting the news your job may be in jeopardy becauseOr getting the news your job may be in jeopardy becauseOr getting the news your job may be in jeopardy because of company layoffs. of company layoffs. of company layoffs. of company layoffs.

ILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATION Several years ago I went to visit someone at Beaufort County HospitalSeveral years ago I went to visit someone at Beaufort County HospitalSeveral years ago I went to visit someone at Beaufort County HospitalSeveral years ago I went to visit someone at Beaufort County Hospital in Washington. When I arrived, in Washington. When I arrived, in Washington. When I arrived, in Washington. When I arrived, I knocked on the closed door. Soon I knocked on the closed door. Soon I knocked on the closed door. Soon I knocked on the closed door. Soon a nurse came to the door and told me it would be a few minutes before a nurse came to the door and told me it would be a few minutes before a nurse came to the door and told me it would be a few minutes before a nurse came to the door and told me it would be a few minutes before I could see the patient. I could see the patient. I could see the patient. I could see the patient. As I stood out in the hallway, I looked out the window and noticed As I stood out in the hallway, I looked out the window and noticed As I stood out in the hallway, I looked out the window and noticed As I stood out in the hallway, I looked out the window and noticed a white van in the parking lot below. Soon a woman pushing a a white van in the parking lot below. Soon a woman pushing a a white van in the parking lot below. Soon a woman pushing a a white van in the parking lot below. Soon a woman pushing a man in a wheel chair came to the van and o man in a wheel chair came to the van and o man in a wheel chair came to the van and o man in a wheel chair came to the van and opened the side door.pened the side door.pened the side door.pened the side door. I presumed the man in the wheel chair to be her husband, but I didn’t I presumed the man in the wheel chair to be her husband, but I didn’t I presumed the man in the wheel chair to be her husband, but I didn’t I presumed the man in the wheel chair to be her husband, but I didn’t know for su know for su know for su know for sure. But it soon became obvious he was totally helpless.re. But it soon became obvious he was totally helpless.re. But it soon became obvious he was totally helpless.re. But it soon became obvious he was totally helpless. As the woman prepared to move the man from the wheel chair As the woman prepared to move the man from the wheel chair As the woman prepared to move the man from the wheel chair As the woman prepared to move the man from the wheel chair to theto theto theto the van, she lifted his arms and put them around her neck. She then put van, she lifted his arms and put them around her neck. She then put van, she lifted his arms and put them around her neck. She then put van, she lifted his arms and put them around her neck. She then put her arms around his back and her arms around his back and her arms around his back and her arms around his back and slowly began to pull the man forwardslowly began to pull the man forwardslowly began to pull the man forwardslowly began to pull the man forward and upward until he was standing on his feeble legs. Then placing and upward until he was standing on his feeble legs. Then placing and upward until he was standing on his feeble legs. Then placing and upward until he was standing on his feeble legs. Then placing he he he her legs next to his so his legs wouldn’t collapse, they began to dor legs next to his so his legs wouldn’t collapse, they began to dor legs next to his so his legs wouldn’t collapse, they began to dor legs next to his so his legs wouldn’t collapse, they began to do this “awkward dance’ to turn him around so she cou this “awkward dance’ to turn him around so she cou this “awkward dance’ to turn him around so she cou this “awkward dance’ to turn him around so she could sit him downld sit him downld sit him downld sit him down on the floor of the van. I could see she had some kind of a special on the floor of the van. I could see she had some kind of a special on the floor of the van. I could see she had some kind of a special on the floor of the van. I could see she had some kind of a special LOW sitting seat she w LOW sitting seat she w LOW sitting seat she w LOW sitting seat she was going to maneuver him into……..a seat thatas going to maneuver him into……..a seat thatas going to maneuver him into……..a seat thatas going to maneuver him into……..a seat that had a rather complicated looking harness to secure the man once had a rather complicated looking harness to secure the man once had a rather complicated looking harness to secure the man once had a rather complicated looking harness to secure the man once she got him in place.she got him in place.she got him in place.she got him in place. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought to myself, “How many times Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought to myself, “How many times Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought to myself, “How many times Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought to myself, “How many times has this wom has this wom has this wom has this woman had to go through this slow, painstaking routine?”an had to go through this slow, painstaking routine?”an had to go through this slow, painstaking routine?”an had to go through this slow, painstaking routine?” This is a BURDEN that woman bears every day of her life. This is a BURDEN that woman bears every day of her life. This is a BURDEN that woman bears every day of her life. This is a BURDEN that woman bears every day of her life.

3. 3. 3. 3. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT THAT WOMAN’S HEAVY DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT THAT WOMAN’S HEAVY DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT THAT WOMAN’S HEAVY DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT THAT WOMAN’S HEAVY BURDEN? DOES HE CARE ABOUT YOURS’ AND MINE? BURDEN? DOES HE CARE ABOUT YOURS’ AND MINE? BURDEN? DOES HE CARE ABOUT YOURS’ AND MINE? BURDEN? DOES HE CARE ABOUT YOURS’ AND MINE? 4. What did PETER say in our text 4. What did PETER say in our text 4. What did PETER say in our text 4. What did PETER say in our text from from from from I PETER 5:7I PETER 5:7I PETER 5:7I PETER 5:7???? Cast ALL your anxiety on Him, BECAUSE HE CARESCast ALL your anxiety on Him, BECAUSE HE CARESCast ALL your anxiety on Him, BECAUSE HE CARESCast ALL your anxiety on Him, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU! FOR YOU! FOR YOU! FOR YOU!

And remem And remem And remem And remember what Jesus invites us to do in ber what Jesus invites us to do in ber what Jesus invites us to do in ber what Jesus invites us to do in Matthew 11:28Matthew 11:28Matthew 11:28Matthew 11:28----30...30...30...30... Come unto ME all you who are weary and burdened, and I wCome unto ME all you who are weary and burdened, and I wCome unto ME all you who are weary and burdened, and I wCome unto ME all you who are weary and burdened, and I willillillill give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in am gentle and humble in am gentle and humble in am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your heart, and you will find rest for your heart, and you will find rest for your heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

5. Does Jesus c5. Does Jesus c5. Does Jesus c5. Does Jesus care about MY HEAVY BURDENS….are about MY HEAVY BURDENS….are about MY HEAVY BURDENS….are about MY HEAVY BURDENS….”O yes, He cares………I KNOW HE CARES!”

Secondly……….Secondly……….Secondly……….Secondly……….

II. Does Jesus Care About My Hurting Spirit?II. Does Jesus Care About My Hurting Spirit?II. Does Jesus Care About My Hurting Spirit?II. Does Jesus Care About My Hurting Spirit? LET’S READ THE SECOND VERSE OF OUR HYMN….. LET’S READ THE SECOND VERSE OF OUR HYMN….. LET’S READ THE SECOND VERSE OF OUR HYMN….. LET’S READ THE SECOND VERSE OF OUR HYMN….. Does Jesus careDoes Jesus careDoes Jesus careDoes Jesus care, when my way is dark?, when my way is dark?, when my way is dark?, when my way is dark? With a nameless dread and fear? With a nameless dread and fear? With a nameless dread and fear? With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, As the daylight fades into deep night shades, As the daylight fades into deep night shades, As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near? Does He care enough to be near? Does He care enough to be near? Does He care enough to be near?

1. Do you ever have days when you are so depressed you 1. Do you ever have days when you are so depressed you 1. Do you ever have days when you are so depressed you 1. Do you ever have days when you are so depressed you can hardly f can hardly f can hardly f can hardly function?unction?unction?unction? ……Days when you feel overwhelmed with a sense of sadness……Days when you feel overwhelmed with a sense of sadness……Days when you feel overwhelmed with a sense of sadness……Days when you feel overwhelmed with a sense of sadness and hopeless? and hopeless? and hopeless? and hopeless? … … … ……Days when you don’t want to be around people?…Days when you don’t want to be around people?…Days when you don’t want to be around people?…Days when you don’t want to be around people? …….Days when you just shut yourself up in the house and all you …….Days when you just shut yourself up in the house and all you …….Days when you just shut yourself up in the house and all you …….Days when you just shut yourself up in the house and all you feel like doing is sleeping? feel like doing is sleeping? feel like doing is sleeping? feel like doing is sleeping?

2. According to a recent study, 50% of Americans say THEY 2. According to a recent study, 50% of Americans say THEY 2. According to a recent study, 50% of Americans say THEY 2. According to a recent study, 50% of Americans say THEY or at or at or at or at least one member of their family suffers from severe least one member of their family suffers from severe least one member of their family suffers from severe least one member of their family suffers from severe depression. depression. depression. depression. 3. I dare say every one of us here tonight 3. I dare say every one of us here tonight 3. I dare say every one of us here tonight 3. I dare say every one of us here tonight at times gets a at times gets a at times gets a at times gets a case of “the blues.” But perhaps some of you battle case of “the blues.” But perhaps some of you battle case of “the blues.” But perhaps some of you battle case of “the blues.” But perhaps some of you battle deep dark depression almost every da deep dark depression almost every da deep dark depression almost every da deep dark depression almost every day.y.y.y. ILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATION Many years ago, a young Midwestern lawyer suffered fro Many years ago, a young Midwestern lawyer suffered fro Many years ago, a young Midwestern lawyer suffered fro Many years ago, a young Midwestern lawyer suffered from suchm suchm suchm such severe depression, his friends thought it best to remove all knives severe depression, his friends thought it best to remove all knives severe depression, his friends thought it best to remove all knives severe depression, his friends thought it best to remove all knives and razors from his home. and razors from his home. and razors from his home. and razors from his home. In his journal, that lawyer wrote: In his journal, that lawyer wrote: In his journal, that lawyer wrote: In his journal, that lawyer wrote: “I question my life’s calling and I wonder if I should ever follow through with it. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell.” That young lawyer’s nThat young lawyer’s nThat young lawyer’s nThat young lawyer’s name was ABRAHAM LINCOLN.ame was ABRAHAM LINCOLN.ame was ABRAHAM LINCOLN.ame was ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION One of the greatest evangelist of our modern time was Charles Haddon One of the greatest evangelist of our modern time was Charles Haddon One of the greatest evangelist of our modern time was Charles Haddon One of the greatest evangelist of our modern time was Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a man who won thousands of Spurgeon, a man who won thousands of Spurgeon, a man who won thousands of Spurgeon, a man who won thousands of people to Christ. people to Christ. people to Christ. people to Christ. But what many never realized was that Charles Spurgeon battled But what many never realized was that Charles Spurgeon battled But what many never realized was that Charles Spurgeon battled But what many never realized was that Charles Spurgeon battled such severe dep such severe dep such severe dep such severe depression that his Church leaders often had to go toression that his Church leaders often had to go toression that his Church leaders often had to go toression that his Church leaders often had to go to his house on Sunday mornings and practically carry him to the C his house on Sunday mornings and practically carry him to the C his house on Sunday mornings and practically carry him to the C his house on Sunday mornings and practically carry him to the Churchhurchhurchhurch building in order to preach his Sunday sermon. building in order to preach his Sunday sermon. building in order to preach his Sunday sermon. building in order to preach his Sunday sermon.

4. Does Jesus care when my spirit is hurting? Does He ca 4. Does Jesus care when my spirit is hurting? Does He ca 4. Does Jesus care when my spirit is hurting? Does He ca 4. Does Jesus care when my spirit is hurting? Does He care that Ire that Ire that Ire that I often feel sad and depressed? often feel sad and depressed? often feel sad and depressed? often feel sad and depressed? Would it surprise you to know Jesus experienced depression Would it surprise you to know Jesus experienced depression Would it surprise you to know Jesus experienced depression Would it surprise you to know Jesus experienced depression at times? at times? at times? at times? Isaiah 53:3 Isaiah 53:3 Isaiah 53:3 Isaiah 53:3 says says says says He was a man of sorrows and familiarHe was a man of sorrows and familiarHe was a man of sorrows and familiarHe was a man of sorrows and familiar with with with with suffering.suffering.suffering.suffering. And remember what Jesus said in And remember what Jesus said in And remember what Jesus said in And remember what Jesus said in MARK 14:34MARK 14:34MARK 14:34MARK 14:34 in the in the in the in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of Garden of Gethsemane on the night of Garden of Gethsemane on the night of Garden of Gethsemane on the night of his betrayal?his betrayal?his betrayal?his betrayal? He said, He said, He said, He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of point of point of point of death.”death.”death.”death.” 5. JESUS can identify with our darkest emotions of sadness 5. JESUS can identify with our darkest emotions of sadness 5. JESUS can identify with our darkest emotions of sadness 5. JESUS can identify with our darkest emotions of sadness and depression because He has experienced those sa and depression because He has experienced those sa and depression because He has experienced those sa and depression because He has experienced those samemememe emotions. emotions. emotions. emotions. PSALM 34:18 PSALM 34:18 PSALM 34:18 PSALM 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenheartedThe Lord is close to the brokenheartedThe Lord is close to the brokenheartedThe Lord is close to the brokenhearted a a a and saves those who are crushed innd saves those who are crushed innd saves those who are crushed innd saves those who are crushed in spirit. spirit. spirit. spirit. 6. Does Jesus care about MY HURTING SPIRIT? 6. Does Jesus care about MY HURTING SPIRIT? 6. Does Jesus care about MY HURTING SPIRIT? 6. Does Jesus care about MY HURTING SPIRIT? O yes He cares, I know He cares. ****************************************************************************************************************

Thirdly……….Thirdly……….Thirdly……….Thirdly……….

III. Does Jesus Care About My Humiliating Failure?III. Does Jesus Care About My Humiliating Failure?III. Does Jesus Care About My Humiliating Failure?III. Does Jesus Care About My Humiliating Failure? Let’s read the third verse of our HYMN again…….. Let’s read the third verse of our HYMN again…….. Let’s read the third verse of our HYMN again…….. Let’s read the third verse of our HYMN again…….. Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong? When for my deep grief, I find no relief, Tho’ my tears flow all the night long.

1. One of the most touching scenes in all the New Testament is there in JOHN chapter 21JOHN chapter 21JOHN chapter 21JOHN chapter 21 after Jesus’ resurrection. after Jesus’ resurrection. after Jesus’ resurrection. after Jesus’ resurrection. Remember shortly after Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane, Peter was questioned about his association with Jesus. THREE TIMES Peter boldly denounced he had any connection with Jesus at all. After his HUMILIATING FAILURE, Matthew’s gospel tells us, “Peter went out and wept bitterly.”“Peter went out and wept bitterly.”“Peter went out and wept bitterly.”“Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75) (Matthew 26:75) (Matthew 26:75) (Matthew 26:75) But in But in But in But in JOHN 21 JOHN 21 JOHN 21 JOHN 21 we find Jesus rewe find Jesus rewe find Jesus rewe find Jesus re----instating Peter as aninstating Peter as aninstating Peter as aninstating Peter as an apostle. In spite o apostle. In spite o apostle. In spite o apostle. In spite of Peter’s HUMILIATING FAILUREf Peter’s HUMILIATING FAILUREf Peter’s HUMILIATING FAILUREf Peter’s HUMILIATING FAILURE Jesus gave Peter His vote of confidence. Jesus gave Peter His vote of confidence. Jesus gave Peter His vote of confidence. Jesus gave Peter His vote of confidence. 2. Try as hard as we may, there’s not 2. Try as hard as we may, there’s not 2. Try as hard as we may, there’s not 2. Try as hard as we may, there’s not a one of us here tonighta one of us here tonighta one of us here tonighta one of us here tonight who hasn’t failed the Lord miserably at times. who hasn’t failed the Lord miserably at times. who hasn’t failed the Lord miserably at times. who hasn’t failed the Lord miserably at times. ……..How many times have we……..How many times have we……..How many times have we……..How many times have we had an opportunity to take a had an opportunity to take a had an opportunity to take a had an opportunity to take a stand for Christ and didn’t do it? stand for Christ and didn’t do it? stand for Christ and didn’t do it? stand for Christ and didn’t do it? ……….How many time ……….How many time ……….How many time ……….How many times have we promised the Lord we would nevers have we promised the Lord we would nevers have we promised the Lord we would nevers have we promised the Lord we would never commit a certain sin ever again, and yet we did? commit a certain sin ever again, and yet we did? commit a certain sin ever again, and yet we did? commit a certain sin ever again, and yet we did? ………..How many times have we promised the Lord we were going ………..How many times have we promised the Lord we were going ………..How many times have we promised the Lord we were going ………..How many times have we promised the Lord we were going to start praying more or reading to start praying more or reading to start praying more or reading to start praying more or reading our Bible more or sharing ourour Bible more or sharing ourour Bible more or sharing ourour Bible more or sharing our faith more………and we didn’t follow through with it? faith more………and we didn’t follow through with it? faith more………and we didn’t follow through with it? faith more………and we didn’t follow through with it?

3. We have ALL SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God! 3. We have ALL SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God! 3. We have ALL SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God! 3. We have ALL SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God! DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY HUMILIATING FAILURES? DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY HUMILIATING FAILURES? DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY HUMILIATING FAILURES? DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY HUMILIATING FAILURES? TURN WITH ME IN YOUR BIBLES TO TURN WITH ME IN YOUR BIBLES TO TURN WITH ME IN YOUR BIBLES TO TURN WITH ME IN YOUR BIBLES TO HEBREWS 4:15, 16HEBREWS 4:15, 16HEBREWS 4:15, 16HEBREWS 4:15, 16 READ: READ: READ: READ: HEBREWS 4:15,16HEBREWS 4:15,16HEBREWS 4:15,16HEBREWS 4:15,16

4. Does Jesus care about my HUMILIATING FAILURES? 4. Does Jesus care about my HUMILIATING FAILURES? 4. Does Jesus care about my HUMILIATING FAILURES? 4. Does Jesus care about my HUMILIATING FAILURES? O yes He cares, I KNOW HE CARES! ********************************* Finally……….Finally……….Finally……….Finally……….

IV. Does Jesus Care About My Horrible Loss?IV. Does Jesus Care About My Horrible Loss?IV. Does Jesus Care About My Horrible Loss?IV. Does Jesus Care About My Horrible Loss? LET’S READ THAT FOURTH STANZA OF OUR HYMN AGAIN…….. LET’S READ THAT FOURTH STANZA OF OUR HYMN AGAIN…….. LET’S READ THAT FOURTH STANZA OF OUR HYMN AGAIN…….. LET’S READ THAT FOURTH STANZA OF OUR HYMN AGAIN…….. Does Jesus care, when I’ve said goodbye,Does Jesus care, when I’ve said goodbye,Does Jesus care, when I’ve said goodbye,Does Jesus care, when I’ve said goodbye, To th To th To th To the dearest on earth to me?e dearest on earth to me?e dearest on earth to me?e dearest on earth to me? And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, Is it aught to Him, does He see? Is it aught to Him, does He see? Is it aught to Him, does He see? Is it aught to Him, does He see?

1. 1. 1. 1. While Jesus was here, he had many more enemies than friends. But one of the dearest friends Jesus had while on earth was a man from Bethany, named Lazarus.Lazarus.Lazarus.Lazarus. We know the story well, about how Jesus rec We know the story well, about how Jesus rec We know the story well, about how Jesus rec We know the story well, about how Jesus receivedeivedeivedeived word that Lazarus was gravely ill and near the point of word that Lazarus was gravely ill and near the point of word that Lazarus was gravely ill and near the point of word that Lazarus was gravely ill and near the point of death. JESUS didn’t leave for Beth death. JESUS didn’t leave for Beth death. JESUS didn’t leave for Beth death. JESUS didn’t leave for Bethany immediately,any immediately,any immediately,any immediately, but delayed going for several days. In the meantime, but delayed going for several days. In the meantime, but delayed going for several days. In the meantime, but delayed going for several days. In the meantime, LAZARUS died. LAZARUS died. LAZARUS died. LAZARUS died. Picking up the scripture record in Picking up the scripture record in Picking up the scripture record in Picking up the scripture record in JOHN 11:32 JOHN 11:32 JOHN 11:32 JOHN 11:32 andandandand following, we read………. following, we read………. following, we read………. following, we read………. When Mary reached th When Mary reached th When Mary reached th When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and sawe place where Jesus was and sawe place where Jesus was and sawe place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” my brother would not have died.” my brother would not have died.” my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come

along with her also weeping, along with her also weeping, along with her also weeping, along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved inhe was deeply moved inhe was deeply moved inhe was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. spirit and troubled. spirit and troubled. spirit and troubled. “Where “Where “Where “Where have you laid him?” he asked.have you laid him?” he asked.have you laid him?” he asked.have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. “JESUS WEPT.”…………. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. “JESUS WEPT.”…………. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. “JESUS WEPT.”…………. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. “JESUS WEPT.”………….

JESUS WEPT! JESUS WEPT! JESUS WEPT! JESUS WEPT! Then the Jews said, “See how he loved Then the Jews said, “See how he loved Then the Jews said, “See how he loved Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” him.” him.” him.”

2. Those two words, 2. Those two words, 2. Those two words, 2. Those two words, “Jesus wep“Jesus wep“Jesus wep“Jesus wept” t” t” t” are perhaps the greatestare perhaps the greatestare perhaps the greatestare perhaps the greatest commentary on the CARE and the CONCERN and the commentary on the CARE and the CONCERN and the commentary on the CARE and the CONCERN and the commentary on the CARE and the CONCERN and the COMPASSION Jesus has for us COMPASSION Jesus has for us COMPASSION Jesus has for us COMPASSION Jesus has for us when we have sufferedwhen we have sufferedwhen we have sufferedwhen we have suffered a HORRIBLE LOSS in life. a HORRIBLE LOSS in life. a HORRIBLE LOSS in life. a HORRIBLE LOSS in life. 3. In our deepest grief there is an intense loneliness as t 3. In our deepest grief there is an intense loneliness as t 3. In our deepest grief there is an intense loneliness as t 3. In our deepest grief there is an intense loneliness as thoughhoughhoughhough we have been abandoned by the whole world. And there is we have been abandoned by the whole world. And there is we have been abandoned by the whole world. And there is we have been abandoned by the whole world. And there is a temptation to feel as though we have b a temptation to feel as though we have b a temptation to feel as though we have b a temptation to feel as though we have been abandoned byeen abandoned byeen abandoned byeen abandoned by THE LORD. THE LORD. THE LORD. THE LORD. We cry out, “Lord why did you let this happen?” “Why did you take them away from me?” “Don’t you care about my happiness?” JESUS WEPT (pause) JESUSJESUS WEPT (pause) JESUSJESUS WEPT (pause) JESUSJESUS WEPT (pause) JESUS WEPT. WEPT. WEPT. WEPT. 4. Does Jesus care about my HORRIBLE LOSS? 4. Does Jesus care about my HORRIBLE LOSS? 4. Does Jesus care about my HORRIBLE LOSS? 4. Does Jesus care about my HORRIBLE LOSS? O yes, HeO yes, HeO yes, HeO yes, He cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched wi cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched wi cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched wi cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched with MY GRIEF.th MY GRIEF.th MY GRIEF.th MY GRIEF. When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares. Savior cares. Savior cares. Savior cares.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONCONCLUSION NNNNot longot longot longot long ago I heard a preacher say something that really stuck ago I heard a preacher say something that really stuck ago I heard a preacher say something that really stuck ago I heard a preacher say something that really stuck with me. He said, “You’re Never As Alone As You Feel.”with me. He said, “You’re Never As Alone As You Feel.”with me. He said, “You’re Never As Alone As You Feel.”with me. He said, “You’re Never As Alone As You Feel.” “You’re Never As “You’re Never As “You’re Never As “You’re Never As Alone As You Feel.” Alone As You Feel.” Alone As You Feel.” Alone As You Feel.” Tonight we have looked at four painful areas of human Tonight we have looked at four painful areas of human Tonight we have looked at four painful areas of human Tonight we have looked at four painful areas of human experience we all go through. And when experience we all go through. And when experience we all go through. And when experience we all go through. And when we go throughwe go throughwe go throughwe go through these experiences there is often a feeling of being alone. these experiences there is often a feeling of being alone. these experiences there is often a feeling of being alone. these experiences there is often a feeling of being alone.

But the Lord has promised that But the Lord has promised that But the Lord has promised that But the Lord has promised that he would never leave he would never leave he would never leave he would never leave us or forsake us, FOR HE IS A FRIEND THAT us or forsake us, FOR HE IS A FRIEND THAT us or forsake us, FOR HE IS A FRIEND THAT us or forsake us, FOR HE IS A FRIEND THAT STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER! STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER! STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER! STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER! So take So take So take So take heart, YOU ARE NEVER AS ALONE AS YOU FEEL!heart, YOU ARE NEVER AS ALONE AS YOU FEEL!heart, YOU ARE NEVER AS ALONE AS YOU FEEL!heart, YOU ARE NEVER AS ALONE AS YOU FEEL! JesJesJesJesus cares about your HEAVY BURDEN.us cares about your HEAVY BURDEN.us cares about your HEAVY BURDEN.us cares about your HEAVY BURDEN. Jesus cares about your HURTING SPIRIT.Jesus cares about your HURTING SPIRIT.Jesus cares about your HURTING SPIRIT.Jesus cares about your HURTING SPIRIT. Jesus cares about your HUMILIATING FAILURE.Jesus cares about your HUMILIATING FAILURE.Jesus cares about your HUMILIATING FAILURE.Jesus cares about your HUMILIATING FAILURE. Jesus caresJesus caresJesus caresJesus cares about your HORRIBLE LOSS. about your HORRIBLE LOSS. about your HORRIBLE LOSS. about your HORRIBLE LOSS. OH YES HE CARES………I KNOW HE CARES……I OH YES HE CARES………I KNOW HE CARES……I OH YES HE CARES………I KNOW HE CARES……I OH YES HE CARES………I KNOW HE CARES……I KNOW JESUS CARES!KNOW JESUS CARES!KNOW JESUS CARES!KNOW JESUS CARES!