Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Dissapointed: Learning to Say His Name



                *As always, you can listen to this blog and content on the See Good Things Podcast

She bent over her son’s crib, fighting back tears and exhausted from having to redirect his strong-willed nature once again. It was only 12:30 in the afternoon but it felt like the sun could set at any moment. Her whole existence seemed to be wrapped up in keeping him out of harm's way. Evenings were often occupied with thoughts about him growing up and she feared that she’d never be able to understand how to best love him. He was fast approaching his second birthday and still hadn’t said her name. He hadn’t said any words, really. Nothing consistently, anyway. She worried about his well-being, his development, and the delays she was seeing. Her heart longed to connect to her baby boy who'd roughed himself into a rip-roaring toddler. 

He was strong as an ox, riding around on balance bikes, and climbing out of his crib like a champ. While incredibly delightful and zany, he had an undeniably quick-temper. Most days, there was a "story" to tell, that ended with some sort of bruise or abrasion. When he’d exhausted all other options and finally calmed down from crying, he’d walk over and stumble headfirst into her lap. Still, the one thing she desired most was to hear him say her name, Momma, but he wouldn't say it. 


It was at this moment, riddled with worry, that this young mother realized the source of her exhaustion wasn’t fatigue.


It was disappointment. 


In that confession, the fight for control was suddenly over. Tears flooded her eyes and down the sides of her face. She wiped her cheek with the sleeve of her sweatshirt and whispered “So, this is what it feels like to be You, Father.” 


Friend, are you in a season of disappointment? Are things not working out the way that you intended them to be? Are people not living up to your expectations of them? Do you feel lost and disconnected in some way? 


We have all been there. Wishing things were different and not understanding the season that we’re in. My reminder to you this week is that you have a Father that longs for you to look up and say His name. He differs from this young mother in that He knows the plans He has for you. He knows the season that you’re in and where you’re headed. He’s not worried about you and He’s not disappointed in You. He’s ready and waiting for you. The young mother will be incredibly grateful when her son finally says Momma” and a new level of connection can occur- but she will be most benefited by reconnecting to her Father in Heaven and remembering how to say His name. 


I should know. 

Because I am her.





Pray

God cares about the things we care about. I tell this to my daughter all of the time and we pray it often as we give thanks to God for things He has done. I want to pray this over anyone reading my thoughts today. Wherever it may find you. I hope it becomes a staple prayer for you as well.


Lord, you care about the things that we care about. Even the little things. The things that upset us and hurt our hearts. You love us and you care about those things. Help us to see the ways in which you are holding us and healing us even in the little things. You are a Good God. Amen


Reflect

Take time to write your responses down.


1. Are you in a season of disappointment? How so?


2. So you feel disconnected in some way? Explain.


3. Do you find yourself putting more expectations on yourself or on others? Why do you think that is?



Do Something

  • Think of someone in your community or church body that is going through a time of difficulty. How could you help? Send a not of encouragement? Give a gift card or bring over a meal? Reach out and lighten someone's load today. Do it all in the name of Jesus, and remind them to say His name in their time of worry and disappointment:) 
  • Find a Psalm to pray over your week. Most of the Psalms are honest, vulnerable, and authentic in their reach and pursuit of the Father. Be held by them. 



Further Reading


My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121: 4-6

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43: 5



Listen

This week, let's try and listen to actual scripture being sung over us. The two songs below contain lyrics taken directly out of the text from Psalm 43. Happy listening! 



Send Out Your Light by Sandra McCracken 



I Am Satisfied In You by The Sing Team 


*This Blog was originally written on  November 18, 2021







No comments:

Post a Comment

This Week's Devotional

The Little Blue Tractor- A Mother's Investment

About a week ago, the kids and I met my in-laws out on a ranch in Brownwood where my father in law, Jake,  was doing some remodeling work. W...