A Mother's Comfort

Scripture of the Day (a day early in honor of Mother’s Day): Isaiah 66:13a

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”

That verse hits me particularly hard today because I currently have a sick little guy. And if you have children, I think you will understand when I say that I would do just about anything in the world to help him when he is sick. There is no helpless feeling that is somehow quite as helpless as when your child is sick. You would rather be sick yourself, or snap your fingers and make it all better! Think of how you attempt comfort for your sick children – cuddles, extra hugs and kisses, whatever food they want (that won’t make the illness worse), favorite movies, security items, sleeping in bed with you…and the list goes on and on.  In the future, I can only imagine when my child needs other comforts that may come from hurt feelings, misunderstandings, or a broken heart! What I can tell you, is that I will always be there trying to offer comfort in whatever way I can.

Let’s progress this train of thought. Go through your head and think of all the ways you have offered comfort to your own children. Then take a moment to relish in the fact that God will (and already has) comforted you in those ways! He doesn't want His children to be sick, or hurt, or lost in this world, so he comforts. When I think about that, it is as if I am being held in the safest, most protective arms that exist. There is no hug like a “God hug.” His arms can hold the world…but we are blessed enough that at times all we can see is that he is holding US.

So, on this day when we celebrate all mother’s out there for all the various comforts they provide, please take time to thank God for the comforts that He provides as well. For I have a sneaking suspicion that just as all a mother's attempts to comfort do not receive notice or praise, that we do not always notice the ways that God has comforted us! Sometimes His comforts come in ways we cannot understand, or through things we do not see.

Closing prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift you have given mother’s to comfort their children! And thank you, in turn, for using that gift to comfort us as well. There are times when we all need to be held, and what arms are better qualified to do that than yours? Please make us aware of the comfort you provide and help us always be thankful to you for it!