(Luke 2:48) . . . His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
It’s difficult to perceive Mary the mother of Jesus as being an anxious woman. But that’s exactly what the Bible portrays, and what she even said of herself. They had lost Jesus in the crowd of Passover pilgrims returning home from Jerusalem. The parents panicked and retraced their steps back to the city, and eventually found Jesus in the Temple after three days of interacting with the teachers. When they found Him, Mary chided her son. Jesus replied that He must be about His Father’s business.
You really can’t blame Mary for her anxiety. Jesus was a special child with a special birth. This was probably the first time something like this happened between Mary and Jesus. He was twelve years old and was now considered almost an adult. And yet you see Mary’s worry surfacing and overflowing by the incident. I hope this will encourage the most spiritual of mothers that anxiety will be something to deal with when it comes to growing children.
There’s so much to worry about as a mother. With that beautiful mama’s heart, you are all about your child’s safety, security, and progress in life. You’re happy when your child succeeds and concerned when they are struggling. But when does that concern cross the line into anxiety? It’s almost imperceptible because you are so naturally wrapped up in your child’s life. But you start feeling negative emotions and it begins to ring through your body and breed uneasy thoughts in your mind. Your apprehensions begin to get the best of you. Perhaps your husband tries to cool your jets, but you dismiss him by saying what does he know? So, what is a mom to do at this juncture? It’s time to pray! Here’s a verse for you.
(Phil 4:6-7) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As you turn your cares into prayers you will find peace coming back into your mother’s heart. Then you will be able to focus on God’s promise for your children:
(Isa 54:13) All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (see also Psa 112:1-2; Pro 22:6; Isa 49:25; Jer 31:17; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:39, 16:31)
There is peace for you, mom, and your anxious heart. Don’t be overly concerned about your kids. God is watching out for them, and they will grow up to be about their Father’s business!
Louie