Do you remember that game we used to play when we were younger with our friends – “close your eyes and fall back I’ll catch you?” We used to laugh, screaming “No I can’t you are going to let me fall!” The response we always got was: “You can trust me!”

So lately I’ve been thinking of just how much trust we put into the ladies of our lives. We will trust them with our lives and in the same sentence we would give our lives for our children… doesn’t this sound much like what God did for us? Shouldn’t we trust Him and His comfort the same way we trust our mothers? (see Isaiah 43:1-2)

Let me address something that got me thinking this week about the topic of motherhood as being the next obvious step to take. In today’s society we as women are expected to meet certain societal norms – the proverbial box when it comes to motherhood. And when it doesn’t happen or it takes time to happen it’s then not in line to meet those “standards” and is frowned upon. Although I am not a mother yet I too get the same questions you thought of while reading this and quite honestly I find it to be a sensitive topic for a lot of us even more so for those who are finding it hard to fall pregnant, those who can’t ever be mothers, those who decided only to have one child or even adopt or perhaps those who don’t wish to step into motherhood and are questioning themselves as to whether or not people will judge them for it. No doubt that some of us may have an internal battle with God, questioning His timing and finding trust to be incredibly difficult. All of us have our own opinions regarding this topic but irrespective of what I mentioned I know – and I hope you do too – that God is in control and He will make a way where there seems to be no way! I’m here to present you with God’s love, joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding doesn’t matter where you stand in womanhood or progressing into motherhood (see Philippians 4:6-7) you can trust Him because He is GOD! (see Psalm 62:8)

You are not alone.

I want to give you a few check-the-box options to show that you aren’t alone in your deep 4 a.m. thoughts

• I feel like I’m failing
• I’m not good enough
• I’m tired, depressed and anxious
•  I’m not a good wife or mother (I am struggling)
• How do I trust you more, Lord?

How many times have we made these statements? Once or twice a week?

Women in the Bible

Let us look at the following scriptures that will be your beacon of light and hope to show you that you aren’t alone in your thinking.

Can you imagine how Mary must have felt traveling through the desert for a day only to realize her son wasn’t walking with them (not just any son but the son of God!) and then stressing about where he could be while traveling back for another day – and only finding him after 3 days (see Luke 2:43-51). I always laugh out loud at this story because how on earth do you lose Jesus? Is it not then evident that God saw her as a good enough mother for His son? Why would you not be good enough? Always remember Psalm 139:13-14: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” and Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 

I want to further remind you dear sister of where your strength comes from and what is protecting you! Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil”

Let us reflect further on the book of Proverbs chapter 31:10-30 (NIV)( I’m sure you know where I’m going with this!) “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised!”

I’ll be honest the first time I read this passage I felt as if I was not anywhere close to all the things the Bible says a Proverbs 31 woman should be. But the more I read the passage during my devotionals with some serious introspection, I came to realize that we aren’t perfect and will probably not meet this Biblical standard but what we can do is strive to become more and more like a Proverbs 31 women with the Lord’s help! – what encouragement!

Depression takes the form of hopelessness in the Bible and believe me many characters in the Bible like Cain, Elijah David, and Paul had this very feeling. Let us reflect on Psalm 102 for instance, “A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!” (Psalm 102:1-2 ESV) The Psalmist was so grief-stricken with being held captive with a severely broken heart, feeling as if God was far away BUT this ends with HOPE “but you are the same, and your years have no end. The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.” (Psalm 102:27-28 ESV) and what about 1 Peter 5:7 which also tells us to throw ALL of our anxiety and burdens onto Him because He cares for us.

Therefore, it does not matter what affliction you face or will face, be still and know that He is God and it will soon subside but the one thing that never ceases to exist or forsake you is our Heavenly Father! Renewed hope ONLY God can give! (see Hebrews 13:8)

Reflection

Simply put we can trust the Lord with every fiber of our being: why? God plans every event in our lives to absolute perfection – for our good and His glory even though the adversities we face don’t seem ideal and are NOT perfect in our eyes but always remember God doesn’t make mistakes. He didn’t make a mistake when He created us in His image. He didn’t make a mistake when He wove us together in our mother’s womb and He most certainly didn’t make a mistake when He died for our sins on that cross so that we can live with Him in paradise!

Hallelujah and thank you, Lord!

I’ll leave you with a quote my dear friend wrote to me in times of difficulty:

“We are overwrought and savaged upon the sea of humanity but I know a carpenter who can fix your boat!” – Linda-Ann

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel distant from You like many-a psalmist but I know deep down in the core of my heart You are always there for me and that You have never left me.

Lord, I want to thank You for everything You do, even the little things we so often take for granted. I’m so thankful that You are all-knowing, all-powerful and that You orchestrate the universe in the palm of Your mighty hand. No one could do it better!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sylvia van Jaarsveld

I’m a volunteer blogger. Welcome to my blog posts! May my writings be an inspiration to you and an aid to get you into a biblical mindset: “It’s never me but God!”
Let us grow together!
~Col 2:6-8

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