Much We Need Thy Tender Care (Brooks)

We know that God cares for his people. We’re called to cast all our anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). He’s mindful of his children (Ps. 40:6). It’s very clear throughout Scripture that the children of God are cared for!

In his booklet “A Heavenly Cordial”, Thomas Brooks gave a brief but detailed explanation of God’s care for us. Here it is (edited slightly for length and readability).

God’s care …

Is an extensive care, a care that reaches, that extends itself to all the saints, whether rich or poor, high or low, slave or free, etc. 2 Chr.16:9, Zech. 1:10,11.

Is an intensive or earnest care: he cares for all as if he had but one to care for (Zech. 1:14).

Is a pleasant and delightful care (Is. 31:5) and not a wearying, tearing, tormenting care. It is such a pleasant care as an indulgent father exercises towards a son, an only son, a son that serves him (Mal. 3:17).

Is an effectual, prosperous, and successful care, a flourishing care. Men many times rise early and go to bed late and take a great deal of care at home and abroad, with nothing to show for it. But the care of God is always successful (Dt. 11:12).

Is a singular, peculiar care. God cares more for them than he does for all the world besides. The father’s care over the child is a peculiar care, and so is the Lord’s care over his people a peculiar care. God’s general care extends to the whole creation, but his special care centers on his saints (Zeph. 3:16-20, Ps 36:6).

It is a very tender care. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather the lambs with his arms and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” Is. 40:11.

It is an abiding care, a lasting care. “They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides forever” (Ps. 125:1, 2). “He that keeps you will not slumber” (Ps. 121:3, 4). …This constant care of God over his people was signified by these two types, the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud that did not leave Israel until they were in possession of the land of Canaan, which was a type of heaven.

It is an active care, a care in which the Lord actively preserves his people, protects them, makes provision for them, stands by them, and so on. God surrounds his people with care. He is on their left and on their right, in front of them and behind them.

You can find this discussion on page 420-421 of Thomas Brooks’ Works, volume 6.

Shane Lems
Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Hammond, WI, 54015