Father, in the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. But, even before the creation of the world, we took precedent in your heart as you chose us in You. We are the work of your hands, made in the very image of you, the Son and the Spirit. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is humanity that you are mindful and care about us? How can this be reality? Yet, you have crowned us with glory and honor. You said we are your sons and daughters, and you are our Father. Yes! You love and care about us.
As Hagar fled distraught with a fleeting heart, she said “you are the God who sees me.” El Roi. Oh LORD, your eyes are not heavy today. You have not grown weary today. You have not disappeared or left at any moment in our lives. You are the God who sees each one. We pray, LORD, our sisters today would echo Hagar’s statement of hope – I have now seen the One who sees me.
The LORD says today, thank you. For the widows, who have devoted their lives faithfully to Me, thank you. I know it’s not been easy. For the ones who never married – or aren’t married yet, you’ve never been lesser to me, and you are my Bride. I love you. For the ones married without children, you speak with wisdom and while charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, I thank you for being in awe and wonder of Me. You have my heart.
For the mothers of grown-up kids or teenagers, well done. Despite challenges and hurdles, children are a heritage from Me. Please, don’t be too hard on yourself. Reject shame and guilt. In all things, the ups and downs – the clarity and confusion, over the years, I’ve been the one teaching your children. Great peace will be with them. Remember, you love because the Father first loved you. Great job!
For the mothers with younger children, you are clothed with strength and dignity. You will laugh at the days to come. It won’t be like this forever – enjoy these gifts from the Father. Day by day and night by night, you provide food for your family. When you’re up at night with the little ones, I’m not sleeping either and – remember – I’m with you then too. Everything you do, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment, is set about vigorously and your arms are strong for the tasks at hand. You’ve got this!
My daughters, you are all worth far more than rubies!
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Holy Spirit, would you seal these words this morning. You are the Spirit of Truth who speaks what the Father is saying. Bless every daughter in this room, in Jesus name. Amen.