Read: Matthew 11-13
Anyone else have a colicky baby? Oh my goodness, it is so challenging. My heart breaks for my baby girl because I am trying everything in my power to help and comfort her, but she is just so uncomfortable.
We saw my lactation consultant last week, since my daughter is exclusively breastfed, and I wanted to make sure her latch and positioning were good. Today we also met with a functional nutritionist, which was a unique experience, but at this point I will do whatever works … well not “whatever” because I would like to keep it crunchy. We may be seeing a chiropractor next. I am truly desperate to help my baby girl in any way that I can.
With all of that said, what I am not getting right now is sleep. I am so thankful that I committed to doing this Bible study every day, because if it weren’t for typing this out on my blog, I honestly think I would have already “fallen off the horse” when it comes to reading my Bible and spending time in His Word daily. Seasons of life can be incredibly challenging, and this one definitely is.
I’m asking for prayers for my sweet baby girl, that she would find comfort in her little body and get some much-needed rest.
What a great read today in the book of Matthew. This verse especially met me right where I am:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28
What a comforting reminder that we can come to the Lord exactly as we are, exhausted, overwhelmed, and worn out, and find true rest in Him. We can have peace knowing that our hope is secure when it is placed in God and that we can hope without wavering.
“In his name the nations will put their hope.” -Matthew 12:21
Matthew chapter 12 also talks about the Sabbath, something that can feel a bit controversial among Christians. Biblically, the Sabbath was established as a day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening (Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11), which is why some believers worship on Saturdays. Many Christians gather on Sundays to worship in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection (Revelation 1:10), often treating that day as a time of rest and devotion.
To me, the Sabbath is an invitation to draw closer to God, not a rigid set of rules. This is something we’ve been talking about in a women’s Bible study I attend through my church. What stood out to me most in Matthew 12 is how Jesus responds to legalities surrounding the Sabbath. When He heals on the Sabbath, He reminds us that mercy and compassion are always in line with God’s heart and are of utmost importance regardless of what day it is.
“If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?” -Matthew 12:11
Jesus shows us that the Sabbath was never meant to be a burden, but a gift. It was created for rest, restoration, and connection with God, not rule-keeping that ignores human need. It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:12).
If you already celebrate the Sabbath, or if you don’t, but feel led to begin, it’s important to remember that it can look different for everyone. Instead of viewing Sabbath as taking something away from your routine, think of it as adding something into it. As a wife and mother, I’m not going to take away time from my children or step away from the responsibility of running a household. Motherhood doesn’t stop just because it’s Sunday; or whatever day you choose to intentionally rest and seek the Lord. What I can do is add worship music while I cook dinner, read a Bible story together, or speak intentional blessings over each of my children at bedtime. I can choose practices that bring me joy and draw me closer to God right in the middle of motherhood.
In my Bible study group, we discussed ideas of what Sabbath rest might look like: praying, attending church, playing music, taking a walk, getting coffee, taking a nap, making pancakes, being in nature, eating good food, playing games, watching the sunset, doing a self-care activity, or spending intentional time with your spouse. The encouragement was to be creative and thoughtful, to celebrate life and rest in the goodness of God.
Discussion Questions
- Which verse from today’s reading stood out to you the most, and why?
- What does rest look like for you in your current season of life?
- How can Sabbath practices be realistically woven into motherhood or family life?
- What is one small thing you could add to your routine this week to draw closer to God?
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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