Traditionally we tend to think of God as masculine, especially in His capacity as Father, however last week we looked at 3 scriptures that speak of God in feminine terms, particularly with regard to motherhood. These examples, although feminine entities, were all animal representations of God e.g.
- Hosea 13:18, which describes God as a mother bear
- Deuteronomy 32:11-12, which describes God as a mother eagle
- Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34, which describe God as a mother hen
If you missed it, you can view that devotional here.
Today we are going to continue to explore what God has to teach us about femininity and motherhood but, this time, it will be with human examples in mind. If you prefer to listen to this devotional rather than continue to read, you can. Feel free to download and share it also. Either way, let’s begin!
God as Nursing Mother
In Deuteronomy 32:18, God describes Himself as the God “who begot” or gave birth to us. He then takes this analogy further in Isaiah 49:15-16 by asking:
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you…”
If you read the verse preceding this (Isaiah 49:14), you’ll see that God asked this question in response to the children of Israel saying “The Lord has forsaken me. And my Lord has forgotten me”. In moments when we are feeling the same way, as modern day Christians, this is God’s answer to us as well. It is something that we can cling to- even when it doesn’t feel like it or look like it, God said “I will not forget you”. Even in moments when the people closest to us seem to forget or forsake us, God says “I will not forget you”. Like David said in Psalm 27:10, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me” for “He will never leave you nor forsake you”.
God as Comforting Mother
In Isaiah 66:13, God says:
“As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted…”
This scripture shows that God remains faithful when all others don’t (remembering us and never forgetting us as His children) in times of trouble because He cares, literally keeping track of our tears.
It also shows that God is ready to be our shoulder to cry on- like any comforting mother would. He wants us to “cast all [our] cares upon Him, for He cares for [us]”. If we were to personalise this, this doesn’t just mean that He cares about you, it means that God takes your burdens upon Himself when you give them to Him. He cares for you and your circumstances, so you don’t have to- “for the battle is not yours, but God’s”. We access God’s comfort and power to battle for us through prayer, which involves these 5 steps:
- Understanding the importance of prayer
- Knowing how to pray
- Knowing your birthright (i.e. the promises of God)
- Having audacious faith
- Claiming your birthright (putting your faith into action)
God as Loving Mother
Hosea 11:3-4 gives another dimension to God’s role as mother when it says:
“I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms…I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love”
In difficult times, it can be hard to see our way clear and/or know which direction we should take. However, just like last week’s example of God as mother eagle, this scripture speaks of God’s ability to lead us and guide us through life and out of its troubles. It also shows, in line with “The 5 Major Steps to Being Audacious in Prayer,” that prayer is not just important for allowing us the opportunity to manifest our desires by communicating them with God (1st John 5:14-15; 2nd Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:12; Job 22:27; Mark 11:24; Matthew 7:11), but receiving direction and guidance from God- which is arguably the most important aspect of prayer for those who want to be one of His chosen vessels (James 1:5; Exodus 33:12-16; Psalm 16:7; Psalm 73:24; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1st Samuel 30:8). It is in this way that He is able to teach us how to walk, taking us by the arms; directing us with gentle cords and bands of love.
So what about you, lovely? Do you need protection, guidance or leadership? Are you in need of comfort, a listening ear or direction? God, in His capacity as mother, is able to provide you with all of these. Like any good mother, He is not indifferent to your cries for, in the words of David, He “pities every groan”. Do what Jesus said and come to God “as little children”- not just in child-like faith but totally dependent on Him and expectant that He will help, so long as we communicate our needs.