"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Isaiah 66:12-14

 April 30

"For thus says the LORD: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the LORD is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies." - Isaiah 66:12-14 (NRSV)

In this beautiful passage from the prophet Isaiah, we have a picture of God's comprehensive amazing motherly love that conveys our Lord's total provision for us. While we often think of God as only a Father, Isaiah is clear that God is also our Mother. God's love for us not only provides a Father's strength and power but also includes all the wonderful aspects of a Mother's love including: comfort, healing, protection, health, life, nourishing food, watchfulness, and playfulness.

Just as God's love did not abandon the Jews when Jerusalem was under attack by enemies, God's love will never abandon us or leave his perfect plan for us unfinished. In this powerful prophecy through Isaiah, God reassures us he will accomplish what has been promised. These verses reaffirm God's profound love for his people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to his love.

Don't let fear, attacks, or suffering drive you away from God! Let our Lord's motherly and fatherly love reach out and protect and heal you. This scripture contains some of the most comforting promises in the Bible. Believers have always faced hardships that can cause us to fear we may have been abandoned by God. But Isaiah proclaims it is impossible to be separated from our Lord's amazing love. We never have to worry God will run out of love, because divine love flows from an eternal well that never runs dry.

Prayer: God, Thank you for your mothering love. Amen

Meditation For The Day: Love heals. Fear steals.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)