Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
(Luke 2:34-35 NKJV)
Am I going to make it out of the store without hearing the dreaded words? The cashier grabbed my last bag and offered it to me. Then it happened, with a smile in her voice. “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Her tone offered kindness as it slammed the door on my initial response. What’s so happy about it?
Unaware that her words sliced another chunk from my already shattered heart, she didn’t deserve my anger. With a forced smile, I returned the sentiment. “Happy Mother’s Day.”
Friend, if the annual celebration of moms brings a tear or two to your eyes, allow me to slip my arm around you and give you a hug as I whisper, “I know.” I might not understand your exact situation, but I do understand a heart crushed into a million pieces. Even more, Jesus knows.
Jesus had a front row seat to His mother’s pain. He grew up hearing the slurs and seeing the cold stares she received as they walked the dusty streets of Nazareth. He watched from afar when Mary thought no one could see her weeping. When Mary and Joseph had other children, they were astonished at the unbelief of Jesus’ half- siblings. Visiting Elizabeth, Zacharias and little John always brought a relief from the murmurings of other family members. They belonged to a small group of friends and family that believed Mary had not been unfaithful to Joseph. Mary didn’t even have to tell Elizabeth she was pregnant with the Messiah. Baby John testified of it while he was still in Elizabeth’s womb with a sudden leap at the sound of Mary’s voice.
Mary awaited the day Jesus would begin His earthly ministry, but her hopes were soon dashed. She cringed at the hatred and berating the religious elite poured out on her Son. Why couldn’t they see He was their Savior?
Finally, the day arrived that Simeon had spoke about so long ago in the temple. Jesus was nailed to Calvary’s cross. Mary stood by Him, as always. She endured an emotional blow to her own body each time the hammer drove the spikes into His hands and feet. The Apostle John stood by her side as Jesus breathed His last, and Mary sobbed from the depths of her soul.
If Jesus could have prevented the tremendous pain His mother suffered, He would have. But Jesus can do all things! Why didn’t He comfort her? Jesus loved Mary dearly, but He also loves you and me. In order to spend eternity with us all, He had to face crucifixion. Jesus knows the anguish of a hurting momma.
Are you struggling today with open wounds? Friend, Jesus understands your pain, and He has given you the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to help you. I can’t ease your sorrow today, but I can tell you that Jesus wants to hold you while you cry. Run into His arms. They are strong enough to hold you and your pain.
Lord Jesus, the corridors of my mind are filled with wonderful memories, what-could-have-beens, and what will never be. I feel powerless over this gnawing angsts. I know the Holy Spirit lives within this pain-soaked soul. Let me stay here with You for just a bit longer today because today is so hard. Thank You for caring about this intense brokenness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Isaiah 43:2 NKJV.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
HIKING THE TRAIL
The above verse doesn’t say “If” we walk through the waters. It says “When.” Suffering is unavoidable, but we are never alone. How does that bring comfort to you today?
RELATED RESOURCE
After enduring several battles with depression and months of discouragement, I wanted to write a devotional for those overwhelming seasons. Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious contains 30 devotionals to encourage you in your most difficult storms. Learn more here.
Originally posted on May 7, 2021 @ 3:00 am
Having people wish me a happy mothers day was always awkward because I am not a mother. Never wanted to be a mother. My inner frustration would bubble to the surface with the thought…”WHY does society “assume” all women are mothers?” “Why does society “assume” all women are married or even wanted to get married.” and worse yet…the almost unspoken assumption that if you are not married one of two things must be true…one you are gay or two something is wrong with you. I dread mothers day only because of societies immediate assumption of be based on the fact I am a woman.
Imagine how bad those women who can’t have children feel when people do that to them. Society shouldn’t assume.
Yes that has to be so heartbreaking for them as well. Society assumes too much and it is getting worse as time goes on.