I had the privilege of preaching yesterday at Southside Church. I was delivering a message as part of a 7-week series called “Big Questions” and yesterday’s message answered the question, “Does God really care about me?” I know this is a biased statement, but I’m not sure how you could have heard that message without being fully convinced that you are indeed cared for deeply and desperately by God.

For all that was shared during our time together, there’s far more to share. I just thought I’d throw in a “p.s.” of sorts to act as further evidence I can personally present to you that not only does God care about your soul, but He cares about your day. Every minuscule detail of your daily life is in his full view. God cares about what’s going on in your mind right now.

Let me take you back about 20 years or so. It was summertime, and the high school mission trip I was leading as the youth pastor was quickly approaching. My wife and I have 4 kids, and at that point, they ranged from toddler to early elementary school age. So here I was, the dad/youth pastor, going out of the country and leaving my wife to deal with these four little humans who need her constantly. Wanting for that time away to go as smoothly as possible for her, I had a long list of things to get done before I left for that mission trip, things that I hoped would make for a less difficult time of being separated.

I’m happy to report to you that I got all the things done on my list. Well. Except for one. My son Crews had a battery-operated remote control racecar that he loved to play with. The problem was that the metal antenna that extends from the controller (that controls the racecar) had broken. I had hoped to get a replacement antenna before leaving. But I had failed. I felt bad about it because it would’ve allowed him to enjoy playing with that car while I was gone.

Before I continue, let me repeat what I said a minute ago: God cares about the smallest details of your daily life.

So, now I’ve been out of the country for several days, and it’s my last day of this mission trip. It’s a Sunday, and I’m getting myself ready for church. I’m getting dressed and pulling on the khakis I packed to wear that day. As I get them on, I feel something in the pocket. I reach into the front pocket of those pants I’d be wearing when I see my son later that day. And can you even guess what was in that pocket?

I kid you not. That very antenna right there. I have no logical human explanation of how it got there. I have simply come to believe and be convinced that God put it there. I truly believe that God, this Good Father we have, cares deeply about the things we care about.

So later that day I was reunited with my family and was able to give my young son the thing that would allow his racecar to race again.

By the way, I took that photo this morning. I’ve kept that antenna for all these years as a reminder that God cares deeply about what’s going on in my life right now and always.

Now, let me add that as time has gone on, the truth this story taught me has evolved and grown. I don’t merely think that God cares about things like little boys’ remote control cars, though He clearly does. I also believe the “why” because God’s care for us is this:

God cares about the things that we care about because He’s inviting us to care about the things He cares about:

So that situation that tempts you to feel like you’ve been forgotten? He’s there.

That problem that seems to have far more question marks than exclamation points? He’s there.

That relationship that feels beyond repair? He’s there.

That situation at school with that teacher no one likes? He’s there.

That frustrating person at work that no one likes? He’s there.

That issue that you seem to be at odds with people over? He’s there.

That hurt you have that you’ve been hiding from others? He’s there.

The dream of a future that still seems unfulfilled? He’s there.

Because…

That coworker who always seems negative? It’s because of pain and He wants you there.

That neighbor who doesn’t know your name yet? He wants you there.

That person you see who’s always eating alone? He wants you there.

That acquaintance who clearly has different spiritual views? He wants you there.

That cashier who seems beaten down and never seems to smile? He wants you there.

That hungry family who can’t seem to catch a break? He wants you there.

The overlooked, marginalized, and vilified of our culture? He wants you there.

God is caring right now about what you care about because He wants you to care about the people He cares about.

Okay, so if you still need convincing that God cares for you, then read each of these verses:

• 1 Peter 5:7
• Psalm 23
• John 3:16
• Isaiah 41:10
• Romans 8:31
• Psalm 121:5-8
• 1 John 4:16