When I Hold You: A 7-Day Devotional for MomsSample

DAY 2: Safe in His Arms

Contributor: Amanda Mae Steele, expectant mom

One of my “must-haves” for our baby girl’s nursery was a rocking chair. There’s something so soothing and comforting about that back and forth motion I’ve loved since I was a child. Even as an adult, I still often find peace in a swing, hammock, rocking chair, or being on the ocean. 

However, there are times when a rocking motion can feel like it’s too much. One of my earliest memories was being four years old during the San Francisco earthquake in 1989. While watching the World Series on TV, the earth beneath me began to rock and shake. I crawled under our kitchen table while the cupboard doors flew open, causing dishes to crash to the floor and break all around me.

The earthquake probably only lasted a few seconds, so I can only imagine the disciples’ terror out at sea when “a violent storm arose on the sea so that the boat was being swamped by the waves—but Jesus kept sleeping” (Matthew 8:24 CSB). 

I’m usually quick to criticize the disciples for being afraid while Jesus was right there with them, yet I realize I do the same thing as an expectant mother. Pregnancy has rocked my world in many ways. I didn’t know how much my life, energy, and schedule would be affected and just how vulnerable, weak, and needy I truly am.

When the thoughts, emotions, and physical discomforts of pregnancy overwhelm me, I want to crawl into that nursery rocking chair and feel Jesus holding me tight, whispering, “I am with You.” So that’s just what I do: I crawl into that chair, close my eyes, and know that He is holding and rocking both my baby girl and me with His tender presence and love.

In what ways do you notice and experience God’s good presence with you and your child? Is there a situation you’re going through where you wish Jesus would gently rock you?

As you hold and rock your baby, may you look into that sweet face and get a glimpse of God’s enormous love for you—His precious baby girl—too. Rest in His presence, knowing He is with you and your child always.