We have been hearing about this promised child to be born to Abraham and Sarah, and he has finally arrived. A bustling bundle of joy, bringing laughter back into the family. Who can imagine being a father at age 100!? That’s a lot of years of wisdom to share with your child! God had said it would happen, and it did. In God’s perfect time.
Imagine the life change. Think of how many years they lived with no children, getting into their patterns and routines. Having a newborn can really change things up, even for young parents. Imagine old ones who are set in their ways and needing naps themselves! But God had a plan for Isaac, just as he has had for Abraham, the other Bible heroes we read about, and for us. We will see Isaac’s life unfold in the days ahead.
For today, we are seeing the struggles of two women, both the mothers of Abraham’s children. Sarah is protecting her child because he was being teased by his half-brother, Ishmael. Having been a parent, I know how the protective warrior inside will do anything to keep your child safe. Sarah is acting a little selfish here, too, wanting the inheritance only for her son. She doesn’t seem to recall it was her own doing that created this situation in the first place.
But God intervenes again and softens Abraham’s heart to let his other son, Ishmael leave with Hagar. God will take care of him. Hagar, we hear, walks aimlessly around in the wilderness until the water she had been given was gone. She sat down and cried out, afraid for the life of her son. God provided. A mother’s love can be a powerful thing, but the power of God is so much greater.
As I reflect on this passage, I am happy and sad for Sarah. I’m thrilled that her son has been born, and that she feels joy at last. What I’m sad for are all the years she had no peace as she waited for a child. She didn’t fully believe God’s promises would come true.
How often do we go through the motions without joy in our lives? Is there something that is nagging at you right now? Do you have unresolved issues in a relationship, unfulfilled dreams? What is robbing you of your joy?
God wants for us to be in a joyful relationship with him. While the world around us may be falling apart, we can always rely upon and trust in a God who never leaves our side. Take a listen to one of my favorite songs, You Never Let Go, HERE. Find solace in the truth that God is there for us, and our future is held securely in his hands. No matter what happens, in the end, we have Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the reminder to keep joy alive. Help me to push away the doubts and fears that can rob me of my joy. I want to have that sparkle that people see. I want to make them curious to know my secret. My secret is YOU, God, and the joy of your salvation. May I radiate that and feel your perfect peace radiating around me. Thank you for all that you are doing in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
