“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
     and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
     I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
     your walls are ever before me.”
—Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV

The music reverberated in the background as hundreds of my brothers and sisters in Christ waited for the gospel presentation to begin. Both the speaker and worship leader proclaimed the Gospel, reminding believers of who we are in Christ, but more importantly, who God is and what He is doing across the globe. In the end, they shared the work of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection, and how anyone who believes could also accept Jesus as their Savior. That night, we were filled with joy as we witnessed the salvation of more than 100 souls, each beginning a new life in Christ.

In a very real sense, I am also celebrating new life—as a first-time grandparent! I’m still getting used to the title “grandma,” but the reality of the role and the beauty of new life are quite extraordinary and rewarding. How is it that a newborn can bring so much joy? They can’t communicate, serve, or even stay awake very long! Yet, we love them deeply and unconditionally. I believe it’s because God created us for a new life filled with His grace and His unconditional love—then His Holy Spirit gives us the ability to love in that way, too. No wonder that’s how God feels about us! Yet, I was not an innocent baby when I was saved; while I was still a sinner, He died for me. That’s love.

Furthermore, we are spiritually just as helpless as newborns and need God daily to thrive in the very real spiritual world. We can think, reason, fend for ourselves, and even work. Yet we are poor and helpless, like David, who cried out to God, saying, “But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay” (Psalm 40:17 NIV). What a humble, loving prayer of confession! “I am poor and needy.”

Our physical, emotional, and intellectual maturity can make us feel independent, but the spiritual mirror reveals a frail, weak, and dependent reflection. We don’t like to think of ourselves as weak, but God doesn’t condemn us for it; He uses it. Humility and meekness are not signs of weakness, but of strength and virtue. Interestingly, these are virtues even a baby possesses! In Matthew 18, Jesus encourages us to have faith like a child, reminding us of the value of humility and meekness in His kingdom when He said,

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3b-4 NIV

This month, as you ponder all the things you are grateful for, thank Him for new life. Remember that He is your good Father in Heaven who has compassion on you (see Psalm 103:13). Be thankful for your weakness and need for Jesus in your daily walk. But most importantly, remember that God loved you before you were born and every day after, not because you could do anything for Him but simply because you are His dearly loved child.

Abba, Father, thank you for loving me like a mother loves her newborn child. That is a great love, indeed.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
in peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

Donate
If you’ve been blessed, keep the blessing going!
Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

Share it. Pin it