GOD KNOWS AND CARES

FEBRUARY 12

Psalm 31

Psalm 31:7, “You have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.”

Two deaths in one week in one home demanded my attention. The passing of the hospice patient was anticipated, but the other was not. Such sorrow in a household—two losses in quick succession—is a heavy burden. As I made my way to visit, these thoughts consumed my mind. Whom am I to offer comfort? How can I? I prayed for God to lead me, realizing that some depths of pain and sorrow are beyond human understanding—only the God of all comfort can truly attend to them (2 Corinthians 1:3).

God, the Creator, knows us intimately. In His omniscience, He understands us completely. It was He who knit us together in the womb (Psalm 139:13). He is acquainted with all our ways (Psalm 139:2-3), and He knows what we will say before we speak (Psalm 139:4). He ordained the number of our days before our first (Psalm 139:16). Nothing in our lives surprises Him. This is a comfort, especially in times of distress.

But God’s knowledge goes beyond mere awareness—He also cares. In love, He sent His Son, who endured unimaginable suffering. “Because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). As our High Priest, He “can sympathize with our weaknesses,” having been tempted in every way we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:16). He is the expert in affliction, and we can bring our troubles to Him with the assurance that He understands and knows how best to handle them. With this knowledge, we are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence, seeking help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I often say: No one knows us better, cares more deeply, or is more capable of intervening than God. While others may not grasp the specifics of our pain, He does. While it may seem that no one else cares, God does. And when earthly resources fall short, God is more than capable of turning things around (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we do well to place our trust in Him, always.

It is God, who knows me intimately and loves me intentionally, who is best able to help me in times of trouble!

Application Questions: Do you sometimes feel as if no one understands what you are going through?  The hymn says, “Jesus knows all about our struggles.”  Why is it important to keep that truth in mind?  He knows and cares—pray accordingly.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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