Last night my daughter was anxious and not feeling well so I sat up with her until 1:00 AM. That is what mothers do. We sit with our children and pray over them until their fears run away.
As I read this week from Leviticus-Deuteronomy I saw the heart of God, the Father, too. He rescued His children from the bondage of a tyrant.  He led them every day with a visible sign, He provided for each of their needs. He made a way for them that led them straight to His heart.  He fought for them. But more importantly, He carried them.

“There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries a son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”   Deuteronomy 1:31
He did this because He knew their hearts. And He knew it would not be easy for them.  Their redemption, would be a perpetual, bloody work.  But in the midst of the rules, the regulations and the countless offerings required of His children, He blessed them:

” The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-25

And at the end of the day, His fiery presence was with them and He chased all their fears away. Because that is what a Father does.

“God is not human that he should lie, not a human being that he should change his mind.  Does he speak and then not act?  Does he promise and not fulfill?”  Numbers 23:19

I’m praying that His heart shows up more in more in my mothering. And when I inevitably  fall short, I will be able to tell my girls that He is the faithful One who is always trustworthy. I’m so grateful that He carries them and me all the days of our lives.