There’s a deep comfort around the phrase so many of us have relied upon in the Scriptures, “The Lord’s mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:23)
Especially when we’re feeling discouraged or entertaining lies that God is disappointed in us, there’s something about the ongoing reality of God’s mercy that brings relief and gives us courage to face and even enjoy another day.
If you will embrace what I’m about to share with you, the dots will start to connect why God’s mercy is so comforting.
The Hebrew word for mercy and the Hebrew word for womb share the exact same three root letters! God’s mercy is directly connected with his womb-love, surrounding us and providing a secure space to rest in the motherly nurture and protection of God—think of a mama bear protecting her cubs!
This mercy-womb of God’s unchanging nature towards us reveals:
God’s mercy is as instinctive as a healthy mother’s love.
Divine compassion is protective and nurturing.
Mercy flows from the deepest connection possible (since God’s Spirit and our spirits are always connected)
God’s response is visceral, not calculated. This means this mercy-womb love of God is deeply felt from within God’s very essence and being, not contractual or based upon logic.
For me, mercy-womb brings to mind the “wraparound” language used often in the Passion translation of the Bible:
God alone is my safe place.
His wraparound presence always protects me
as my champion defender.
There’s no risk of failure with God!
So why would I let worry paralyze me,
even when troubles multiply around me?
God’s glory is all around me!
His wraparound presence is all I need,
for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength.
Psalm 62:6-7
Now, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. As you do, feel yourself wonderfully sinking into the warmth and light of the Lord surrounding you. All is well, just like a baby in a womb, perfectly cared for and nourished by mama, with no ability to be concerned or anxious about anything. This is your place of rest in the mercy-womb of Yahweh. Try it again a few times and feel more heaviness dissipating and lightness returning.
“Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”
Isaiah 49:15 (NLT)
Comments
Post a Comment