Are You Dealing With the Sandwich Generation Issues of Caring for Elderly Parents With Major Health Problems?

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Have you ever checked your email and found a note from a friend or relative having major trials? That happened to me yesterday. I checked my email for any priority emails from friends and family before settling into my daily Bible study and discovered a dear friend was knee deep in the middle of a crisis only God could solve. I could so relate as I have been in that boat many times myself. And I suspect many of us in the Sandwich Generation, caring for elderly parents and grandkids, have been as well!

I immediately wrote her I was PRAYING with capital letters. When time is ultra short, I often will just write that to let a loved one know I got their message and that I immediately prayed. But this time, God was tugging at my heart to go even further. 

The day before, as I did my Bible study, He had stopped me for awhile at Psalm 57. I read that two or three times and was so comforted and encouraged by it and I knew He wanted me to share it with my friend – and with you.

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth. My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O God ; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre ! I will awaken the dawn. I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

So often, when we are going through a trial and read something like this, we may think, "I don't have lions out to get me – or enemies digging pits. I'm dealing with cancer or money woes or an aging parent with end stage Parkinsons Disease or dementia symptoms!" But that's when we have to stop and remind ourselves that we are also in the midst of a spiritual battle and this Psalm applies to that as well!  I've learned that when I think about this Psalm in light of physical AND spiritual problems, I am doubly blessed!

As I finished typing the verse, it reminded me of a couple of older praise and worship hymn songs we used to sing in church using these words. I couldn't quite put my finger on them to be able to find them (If any of you know, I'd love to be reminded 🙂 ), but I wanted to encourage her, and you, with comforting music so I went through the music and lyrics of several songs in my iTunes. I enjoyed listening to On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand, In Christ Alone,  and several others before finally deciding on God Will Make A Way, a sweetly encouraging song by Don Moen.

No matter how dark things look, our GOD is IN CONTROL and He can and will take care of us and provide for us, His children, as we rest in His care. He has proven this over and over and this song is a comforting reminder, along with the encouraging Bible verses from Psalm 57.

Dealing with the issues of caring for elderly parents can be a tough road, especially as their health declines. Throw in the other Sandwich Generation issues including raising children or helping with grandchildren, and life can often feel like a pressure cooker. If you, too are walking through this Advent season with more tears than smiles, I pray that you would wrap the words of this Psalm and this music close to your heart and know that they are hugs from God especially for you!  And for more encouraging Bible verses and praise and worship songs…