Exodus 14:13-14(NLT) But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord RESCUE you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord HIMSELF will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Imagine the panic the Israelites felt as they saw the Egyptians chasing them! If there ever was a time to get help this was it. I find that when I’m in a panic, I run around in circles until realize that I CAN’T fix it myself. Let go of fear and see what the Lord can do!
Psalm 31:2(NIV) Turn You ear to me, come QUICKLY to my RESCUE; Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
Psalm 44:26(CEV) Do something! Help us! Show how kind you are and come to our RESCUE.
Psalm 50:15(AMP) Call on me in the day of trouble; I will RESCUE you and you shall honor and glorify Me.
Psalm 70:1(NLT) Please, God, RESCUE me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
We are approaching Mother’s Day, undoubtedly one of the most bittersweet days to a Mom who’s lost a child. A day when Mother’s are celebrated and honored for their love and dedication. Ideally from the very children responsible for the sleepless nights and prayer-filled days.
But, this Mother’s Day my heart is so heavy for the precious ladies that will be experiencing this day so very different from the last. This year stings! Another one of the “Firsts” that slap us in the face, reminding us that our heart isn’t bubbling over with the joy that once was.
The Meaning of the Word
The word “RESCUE” is mentioned in the Bible 213 times. It is a strong Hebrew word, painting the picture of a “an individual(a grieving parent…..), who is helpless and cannot deliver himself or herself in or from a very oppressive situation.
Sound like anyone you know? I’m surely jumping up and down with both arms raised. Another similar word is “Deliverance” which is mentioned 179 times.
Lately, the Lord has been drawing me back to my “physical” Bible. I love the convenience of the many Bible Apps and Devotional Websites on my devices, but I wanted to get back to the actual book itself. The Bible I’ve had for more than 30 years. The cover fell off years ago, not to mention the couple chapters in Proverbs that mysteriously disappeared when a preschooler was learning to use scissors. I laugh about it now! AAAH, who am I kidding? I laughed about it then, and that preschooler was Josiah.
As I read through the Psalms recently, the word RESCUE seemed to keeping jumping off the page. I began to go back and read the notes in the margins of what the Lord has done through the years. How He “Rescued” us from difficult situations where we just couldn’t deliver ourselves.
And I might add that He rescued me a Gazillion times way before I ever needed Him in my grief over Josiah. My Faithful Deliverer…TO…THIS…DAY!!
Losing a child leaves us in that oppressive state of helplessness and honestly a hopelessness that most days leave us wondering if it will ever get better. We need to be rescued…..and QUICKLY Lord if you don’t mind!
He Will Lift You Up
I received an order recently with instructions that it be shipped to the friend of the buyer. I learned that the Mom, for the last 5 months, has been learning to navigate life here without her son. Her story gripped my heart. I shared my info with her, hoping that we can “meet” one day. If nothing else, she will know that she has another Mom praying for her.
I also know a handful of Mom’s that will face this very first Mother’s Day without the usual celebration. With a lump in their throat and a handful of Kleenex, they’ll visit the cemetery.
Some of us have gotten through a few Mother’s Days, but we still cry. We still miss them with a longing in our heart to hear their voice again. To hug them so tightly and never let go.
When we go through such tragic loss, our heads are down. We’re down in our spirit, will, and emotions. But the Lord will lift you up.
This verse has reminded me over the years what He will do for us when our strength is gone. It’s one on my favorites and it could be one of your “RESCUE” verses as it has been for me.
“My Prayer for You”
In Jesus’ Name, I come to you feeling a brokenness for every Mom facing a Mother’s Day this weekend with their son or daughter no longer here in person. Rescue them Lord from the pain, that comes not only from the “Firsts”, but from day to day brokenness. Be the Lifter of their heads so they can go from Helplessness to Hopefulness. Thank you for your Deliverance!”