“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
I helped babysit my sister’s nine-month-old grandson last weekend. It reminded me of the almost-forgotten days of caring for my own kids when they were young. After giving birth to my oldest son, I started to realize I was much more used to working than to tending to a baby and household chores. It took a lot of effort to adjust to my new role as a mother. I left my job when I was pregnant with my second child and became a stay-at-home mother. Caring for my younger one was not an easy task. She cried incessantly for the first few months. She also grew into a very stubborn, strong-willed toddler very quickly. She could drive me crazy and cause me to break down from time to time. As a mother of very young kids, my hands were full but my heart was empty and lonely. For the very first time, I came to understand my own weaknesses and darkness. My life would have been one of desperation if I had not experienced His power during that time.
We all go through stormy seasons in life when we feel overwhelmed and lost. As I’ve grown older, my greatest gain is to have learned how to stay calm in
he midst of storms and pain. I haven’t learned this because I am better than others. Instead, I’ve learned it because of God’s grace. I only get to know my Lord more through the days that He walked with me. I’ve also grown to know myself better and to understand how much I can handle in terms of the unique blessings and challenges He has given to me. The traces of God’s intervention in my life have assured me of His resurrection power and faithfulness. He never abandons nor forsakes me. In spite of life’s hurdles, we can stay calm, for we know who’s walking with us. We can rest and be still in Him, and in Him we find comfort and strength.
Reflection Questions:
- Reflect on your past experiences. Was there a time when you learned more about God and about yourself?
- Have there been any hurdles in your life recently? How have you been able to find comfort and rest in Him?
Written by Lily Ma. Artwork by Carol Li