Mother Knows Best
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.”- Isaiah 49:15-16
Mothers just seem to know! They have this God-given intuition implanted in their framework which causes them to always be aware and always on alert for their kids. A loving mom reminds me of a Jedi from Star Wars, who will sense “a disturbance in the force”, whether it is nearby or in a different star system. With just one glance, a mom can immediately and instinctively tell that their precious child needs something…a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a sweet treat after a difficult day, space to themselves, or the right question to spark a meaningful conversation. But what makes a mother’s love and care go to the next level, is they have such a deep connection and compassion that even when they are not physical present with their son/daughter, that child (no matter the age) is on their mind. Like clockwork, that mother goes into “Wonder Woman” mode sending up prayers for their kid(s) and/or making a call to check in and say, “Momma loves you and Momma is here!”
If the popular phrase, “A Mother’s Work is Never Done” is an accurate description of the woman who blessed you, then we would do well to adopt a phrase to articulate our appreciation for their love and labor. How about, “A Child’s Praise is Never Quiet” when it comes to praising the person who has given so much. Proverbs 31:28 says of the noble woman, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” On this special day we honor and celebrate the nurturing love, care, and strength we have received from the mom’s in our lives (whether biological, spiritual, or adopted). From the note that made our day to making our favorite meal to the model of godly patience, passionate faith, and perseverance, we have been blessed beyond measure by our moms. It is good to say “thank you” for the sacrificial love, for the selfless service, and for making family the top assignment each day.
There are many qualities of a godly mom, but the one I have focused on in this article, of their UNDERSTANDING/KNOWLEDGE, is the truth promise that I want us to receive afresh and anew, as it relates to God’s care for us. The word for us today is that God KNOWS US! Because the Almighty is omniscient (all-knowing), He intimately, continually, and perfectly knows us. Repeatedly, the Bible teaches us that the God of the Universe knows us at every dimension:
He is our MAKER who knew us even before we took our first breath.
“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb…Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”- Psalm 139:13, 16
He is our AUTHOR who knows the perfect plan for our lives.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in His way.”- Psalm 37:23
He is our CAREGIVER who knows each detail and daily need of our lives.
“And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”- Matthew 10:30-31
He is our COMFORTER who knows that our lives are limited.
“For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.”- Psalm 103:14
He is our FATHER who knows that we need loving care.
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”- Psalm 27:10
There is a confidence and a calm that the Holy Spirit wants to speak to the storms of our hearts. The Lord wants to speak and send His love to you today, so that you never question that He knows where you are, what you feel, and what you need. You may feel the DEFICIT of not having a loving parent, family living nearby, or a solid support system of friends, but the Lord is with you through the loneliness, because He knows! You may feel suffocated by the DESPAIR of not knowing how to pay the bills, how to parent a challenging child, or how to deal with a debilitating physical ailment, but the Lord will help you and answer you with His provision and powerful touch, because He knows! You may be riddled with DOUBT when it comes to whether God loves you, whether you are truly saved, and whether the manner which you are living is worthy in His eyes, but the Lord speaks His affirming love to answer the lies of accusation and condemnation, because He knows! What a Faithful God and Father, who gifts us with His faithful love, complete wisdom, and unyielding care. Thank you, Jesus, or Your words of loving presence and promise, which are the perfect gift on this Mother’s Day, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)