Dear Mama... (In Times Like These)

Dear Mama,

I’m having a hard time keeping my kids’ breakfast crusts down thinking about the tragedies in our world.

I feel nauseous wondering why I have four happy kids at my feet while there are dozens of Mama’s without their’s this morning. If I’m being completely honest, I don’t even want to think about how these Mama’s are feeling because it can be too scary to imagine someone else’s reality.

But in order to respond well, I have to think about it. Thankfully though, not on my own, but rather with someONE who understands why tragedy happens.

To the Mama who feels anxious about sending her kids to school every morning…. I know it’s hard to not let your mind go there. Don’t let it. The Psalmist wrote during a very fearful time, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4

Give HIM your anxiety today.

To the Mama who wants to pull their kids from a brick and mortar school and homeschool for the sake of protection… slow down. Tragedy can strike anywhere, not just at a school. Dwell on what God Himself wrote, “Fear not, for I am with you (and your child *added for emphasis); be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

Hand HIM your fear today.

To the Mama who wants to take on God’s sovereignty as their own…That was never meant to be ours. Give it back to God and trust HE knows best. King David, a man after God’s own heart, was tempted to control situations around him. That unfortunately got him into a lot of trouble. He wrote, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2

Release control and trust HIM.

So, what are we as mothers supposed do with our fears and anxieties the world (well, actually Satan himself) is throwing in our faces?

• Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).
• Pray for those that grieve (Matt 5:4)
• Pray for those that are sick and do not have sound minds.
• Pray for YOURSELF that you would not have a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
• And of course, pray for your child’s protection. (2 Thess. 3:3)

The hymn writer Ruth Caye Jones wrote these poignant lyrics:

IN TIMES LIKE THESE

In times like these, we need a Savior
In times like these, we need an anchor,.
Be very sure, Be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.

This rock is Jesus, yes He’s the One.
This rock is Jesus, the only One.
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.

Sister, would you grip the solid rock with me today and nothing else?