His Mama & Daddy were young. A portrait of a beautiful little family with their first child. You could tell they were so proud of their precious son. As hard as it was to leave him that Sunday night, they knew the time of worship was an essential part of their lives. Besides, they were confident that he would be just fine. Into my arms he came and off they went.
Thankfully, there were no other babies in the nursery that night so my full attention was on him. Things started out pretty calm, but then he decided that he wanted his Mama and I was definitely an unacceptable substitute.
His name was Josiah and he had absolutely no intention of staying in the nursery that evening. Although he adamantly made his desires known, at six months of age, there was little he could do except express his will loud and clear. And that he did very well.
I could tell he was tired and that there was not anything majorly wrong. Trying every trick in the book, we both struggled through the next few minutes. I walked around the room, bouncing him gently up and down. I rocked him slowly – I rocked him fast – I sang slow songs – I sang lively songs… Nothing I did seemed to quiet his little soul.
Looking into his eyes as I rocked, I began to speak truth over this little one. “Josiah, I don’t mean you any harm. You are safe in my arms. Your Mama & Daddy will be back, but until then, just rest. Rest in my arms and know that Jesus is watching over you. Jesus loves you and will protect you…” As the words of comfort poured out and turned into a prayer over him, I felt his little body begin to relax. The more I told him of Jesus’s love, the more restful he became.
That’s when Jesus began speaking to me. “Yes, you can rest in My arms. I have everything under control and I will protect you.” Holy Spirit ministered to and quieted little Josiah, but His greater mission seemed to be about bringing a message to me. “Rest – Stop fighting – Relax – You are in My arms and anything that comes to you, has to pass through My hands first. Trust in My deep love for you and be assured, I will watch over you. Be still and know … I’ve got you!”
I am not sure what the worship was like in the worship center that night, but in the nursery, Josiah and I worshipped the Lord as our focus shifted from our needs to Jesus and His loving, watchful care over us. God spoke to me through a crying baby and taught me to rest. Be Still and Know…
Psalm 46:10a “Be still, and know that I am God.”