Abounding in Love to All Who Call to You

Jesus, the name that calms our fears

That bids our sorrows cease

I was praying what I should write about today.  Sometimes the drive to write is great, but there are dozens of ideas bouncing around inside my head.  The words that surfaced to the top in answer to my prayer are the ones written above.  Can Jesus' name really do these things?  

I have helicopter mom tendencies.  The hardest part of being a mother for me is trying to protect my children from pain and suffering.  The past month has pushed me to some new limits- experiences that demonstrate how truly helpless I am in keeping my children safe.  On the less harmful end of the spectrum, my two year old started giving our baby love bites.  She gets so wrapped up in her excited affection that kisses simply don't cut it (literally!).  As she tries to show her love, she will end up harming the chubby little object of all her feelings.  My four year old has also recently taken on a protective role over his younger siblings.  In an effort to shepherd his sister, he will occasionally tackle, push, or squeeze her mightily.  All of this makes parenting feel like an athletic event in which I'm a referee.  

On the scarier end of anxiety-inducing events, we had two very close calls with our boys.  My four year old discovered how to unlatch and open his bedroom window on our second story.  We don't know how long ago he figured out how to do this, but by God's grace the loud A/C unit started while I was hanging out with him.  The A/C is on the ground outside, and it sounded much louder than normal thus revealing a window slightly cracked.  I have had no darker thoughts than imagining what could have happened had I not learned about this.  

The second instance again reveals the loving heart of our two year old toward our baby.  When Kyle gets home from works, he routinely snacks on almonds as he prepares supper.  Naturally, he shares with the kids as they eagerly ask for some.  Our little girl has a generous spirit; she truly loves to share.  She took one almond and popped it right into the mouth of our 5 month old.  Again, it could easily have been missed had I been in another room or distracted.  Again, God permitted me to take my child out of danger before something terrible occurred.  

I have never been so great at handling stress.  I may actually be the worst at it.  In the toughest parts of my day, I often speak the name "Jesus" aloud.  Not in the exasperated curse we often hear in tv shows or out of our peers' mouths.  I call out to him and just say his name.  He knows my struggles, and he wants me to call out to him.  I ask for forgiveness in trying to control situations.  I ask him to grow my trust in him because he's actually the one in control.  I pray that he knows my heart-- he,too, is a rescuer.  I pray he'd refine my desire to be a rescuer of my children to be more like him.  Jesus came to bear the pain and suffering of death on a cross so that forever I can live with him and experience peace.  Peace is always what I crave and think about when I'm frazzled to the max.  Jesus, the giver of peace, help me shoulder the responsibilities of being a mother in a way that glorifies you.

Yes, to the question I asked earlier.  Jesus' name can calm our fears and put an end to our sorrows because of who he is and what he has done and what he is doing now.  He is savior.  He is my friend.  He gives me an example to follow.  He rescued his children from death.  He promised to be with me.  He promised that one day there will be an end to pain and loss.  He gave me my children.  He intercedes on my behalf even now.  He desires my prayers and he will answer.  When I say his name, I acknowledge all of these things.  I have confidence in my Jesus.

I will add one final thought~ this entry was semi-inspired by Psalm 86 which I will leave for you to read below.  Thank you for reading, friend.

Hear me, Lord, and answer me,

    for I am poor and needy.

Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;

    save your servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord,

    for I call to you all day long.

Bring joy to your servant, Lord,

    for I put my trust in you.

You, Lord, are forgiving and good,

    abounding in love to all who call to you.

Hear my prayer, Lord;

    listen to my cry for mercy.

When I am in distress, I call to you,

    because you answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;

    no deeds can compare with yours.

All the nations you have made

    will come and worship before you, Lord;

    they will bring glory to your name.

For you are great and do marvelous deeds;

    you alone are God.

Teach me your way, Lord,

    that I may rely on your faithfulness;

give me an undivided heart,

    that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;

    I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me;

    you have delivered me from the depths,

    from the realm of the dead.

Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;

    ruthless people are trying to kill me—

    they have no regard for you.

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Turn to me and have mercy on me;

    show your strength in behalf of your servant;

save me, because I serve you

    just as my mother did.

Give me a sign of your goodness,

    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,

    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.