Readings for today: Micah 5-7, Psalms 131
Sunday was Mother’s Day in the United States. A day set aside to honor mothers and their influence in our lives. Perhaps that’s why the words from the Psalmist stuck out to me this morning. “Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child.” (Psalms 131:2 CSB) Like many, I have been blessed with a strong, godly mother. My mom taught me how to pray. My mom taught me how to sing. My mom taught me the importance of worship. My mom was a strong influence in my life. She worked hard to raise three boys, sacrificing so much so to give us opportunities to succeed. My mom is an example of deep faith. Though she has suffered much over the years, her faith in Christ has only become more vibrant and powerful. My mom was a safe person for me as I grew up. She was tender-hearted and compassionate, always ready to listen. My mom was faithful. She never abandoned her responsibilities as a wife or as a parent. She has given so much of herself to our family over the years.
I credit my mom for my faith. Even before I became a Christian in college, I developed a comfort level with God. I sensed His abiding presence. I knew He was always there for me. God was a safe Person for me. I had no trouble “calming and quieting” my soul before Him like a “weaned child with its mother.” I honestly don’t remember a time when He wasn’t real to me on a deep, personal level. God has always been my present help in time of trouble. God has always been my refuge and strength. God has always been my sanctuary. I can remember as a young person stealing into the sanctuary of our church because of how peaceful it felt. I would often sit there in the dark by myself because it felt so safe and secure. I felt more at home there than any other place I’d been. Most of that is due to my mom’s godly influence in my life.
I know not everyone has had the benefit of a strong, godly mother. Tragically, some moms are abusive. Some moms are absent. Some moms are neglectful. Some moms are selfish and narcissistic. Some don’t know their moms. Some have been abandoned by their moms. Some have been deeply hurt by their moms. I’ve sat with many, many people over the years who struggle with their moms for all kinds of reasons. They are not good. They are not safe. They are not a comfort. So ideas like the one proposed by the Psalmist are scary. They create all kinds of anxiety and fear. And these feelings often get projected onto God. But God is greater than even the godliest mother on earth. He is kinder and gentler and more compassionate than we can possibly know. He is safe and secure and He invites you to calm and quiet yourself in His abiding Presence. God wants the same kind of relationship with you that a weaned child has with its mother. He invites you to know Him and to love Him like a weaned child does its mother. No matter what kind of relationship you have with your mom, let the Lord “mother” you today and every day with His deep love and grace.
Readings for tomorrow: Nahum 1-3, Psalms 132