A Mother's Heart

April 3, 2021

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

~Luke 2:19~

After Jesus was born into this earth, word got around pretty fast and all those marveled at the King's arrival. They began to worship Him and understand what this meant. The Promise had arrived. Victory was on the way. A newborn babe in the arms of Mary was fulfilling the prophecies spoken of. As the shepherds began to marvel towards the things spoken of Jesus by the angel from heaven, Mary did something so gentle, so simple and so motherly; she kept these things and pondered them in her heart. As a mother we tend to hold our children very close to our hearts. We ponder many things that people speak of our children. We wonder. We wait. We investigate. Mary remained calm, content and secure with what God did with her.

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."

(Philippians 4:11)

Mary was in a very interesting state of mind since the moment she was visited and told that she would be pregnant with God's Son. She endured a suprise, months of pregnancy and labor for a Child that would one day give her freedom. The Holy Spirit sung the song "Mary Did You Know" into my heart today and I could not stop thinking about it. I did not know why until He spoke this verse for me to write on. "Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?" Mary truely didn't know what was about to be had after giving birth to baby Jesus. Even as the grown men came to bow to her newborn she remained silent and content as she pondered these things in her heart. A mother's heart is full of many thoughts, concerns, cares and actions they are willing to take instantly for their children once they enter this world. This verse is so simple just as Mary's stillness to the change that had taken place in her life. Mary responded as a godly mother; she pondered the concept of her Son being the Messiah, she pondered being chosen by God, she pondered the wonders taking place as gifts were brought to Him. She pondered and remained quiet. A true sense of peace that came within her as she birthed the Prince of Peace. What a beautiful connection one makes to their child. "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world." (John 16:21)

Although a virgin during child birth, Mary was in peace as she held Jesus close to her and remained content. Forgetting all the fears that may have came over her in times leading up to His arrival. She truely didn't know the miraculous events her baby would perform, so she pondered. What a gift of being so patient and willing as a mother. "For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have."

(II Corinthians 8:12)

I believe as Mary pondered her heart uttered the same words her Son would also speak to the Father; "Not my will but Yours be done."

If these things were true that was being said of Jesus; she would have nothing to say but rather commit just as she did saying yes to conception. Her heart was that of a submissive mother. A godly woman truely wondering yet content with what she had in front of her. When we as parents begin to think we have it all "figured out," like we know who our child is or will be or understand truely who we have birthed; we should stop for a minute and ponder our own assumptions. We should be content with God's control. We should never assume who our children are but rather keep them dear to our heart and submit them to the Father. For even Mary did not know her Son would go on to do the things He did. If there was anyone who could make any type of assumptions at all it would of been her, yet she did not. She kept them in her heart and she lived day by day with and for her Son right up to the point she stood by the cross that He hung upon; "When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” (John 19:26)

Oh the pain she must of felt watching the One she held so close to her breast, now hanging on a cross bleeding out. Yet even then, she remained submissive and she kept these things in her heart. She would never let go of her beloved Child, yet not as her will but His will be done. Let us be content with what so ever God has for our children. Let us be confident in what God has for each of them. Let us ponder in our heart the possibilities and experiences Jesus can lead them to. His mother did, let us do the same.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for the gift of patience within my heart that can only come from You. Lord help me to submit in the same way as a mother/father just as Mary did. Guide me to be the godly parent You desire me to be. I submit my children to You Jesus, for I know You are in control of all things in their life. Thank you for Your protection, strength and peace that will fill the hearts of them as they live each day You bless them with. May Your Name be glorified through my children as they venture out into the world. Raise up a generation of strong godly men and women. Not my will Father, but Your will be done. I praise Your wondrous plans that I know are always best even when I can't understand them. I receive blessings over my family today in Jesus Powerful Name. Amen.