Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15, HCSB)
I stood in the middle of the congregation as everyone sang a familiar hymn. A couple of rows in front of me, a woman cradled her child in her arms, swaying slightly to the music. I felt a lump form in my throat. How I ached for time to rewind and to once again be holding our oldest son safely in my arms.
Instead I was left fighting back tears, knowing that my baby was half a world away on deployment in the Middle East. I clenched my hands as longing filled my heart and sadness turned to something darker. It wasn’t fair. I wanted my son here with me, not facing who-knew-what in a war zone.
Read More: Hearing God’s Voice
As I gave in to the anger and frustration that drowned out the music, I felt the whisper of God’s Spirit in my soul. He reminded me that as intensely as I loved my son, His love was greater. He pointed out that what I felt for my child was just a drop in the bucket compared to what He felt.
He used my longing to remind me how much greater His longing is for us. And unlike me, He’s able to be with those I love—no matter where they are. He promised that He was—at that very moment—there with my son. He had His arms around him and was keeping my baby safe.
My emotions settled as the song slowed. And for just a moment, I felt that little boy’s head nuzzle beneath my chin. I looked down, and my arms were empty. But I knew that God had given me that physical touch to remind me that He would never forget or abandon my son.
