“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. That includes the weight you carry as a pastor.
The disciples once found themselves in a boat with Jesus when a fierce storm blew in (Mark 4:35-41). Most of the disciples were professional fishermen, but they panicked. The boat was taking on water. And Jesus? He was asleep in the back of the boat.
In desperation, they cried out, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?”
It’s a question pastors ask too—but not always with words. Maybe it comes out in thoughts like:
“Lord, did you see the conflict I had to navigate yesterday? Don’t you care?”
“You know the loneliness I feel in leadership. Don’t you care?”
“You saw how few people responded to the message I poured my heart into. Don’t you care?”
“I’m carrying more than I can handle. Don’t you care?”
The answer—then and now—is yes. Yes, he cares. In fact, he cares even more than you do. He knows how heavy your burdens are, and he carries them with you. His compassion isn’t reserved for the congregation—it’s for you, too.
The Bible says: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).
If you could see just how attentively your Father is watching over you today, how gently he’s moving toward your weariness, how completely he understands what you’ve been through this weekend—you’d never doubt his care again.
Pastor, you are not alone on the boat. The storm may rage, but Jesus is with you. He cares. He’s got you. And his compassion will carry you into this new week.
Take a few minutes today to release the weight you’re carrying. He’s listening—with the heart of a Father.