A Mother’s Day Encouragement
May 2023
Happy Mother’s Day, mamas! To those waiting, to those expecting, to those with children in Heaven, and to those whose children are here on earth- I am praying you feel loved, valued and seen today.
Today we are celebrating you. I wanted to share a short bit of Godly encouragement as we are reflecting on this special day. For many, today might be an ordinary day, or maybe it’s a huge celebration. Regardless, I pray this short post ENCOURAGES you wherever you are.
Your child(ren) are a BLESSING. Psalm 127:3- “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” A gift and REWARD. Let that sink in. God gives us children as a gift. I strive to intentionally view my children this way. Sometimes, it’s easy to only focus on the mess, the crying, and the disobedience. But, we can step back and choose a different perspective. Yes, we have to deal with the less “fun” parts of parenting. But even in those, there is beauty because we are learning and so are they. When I choose to view my children this way, I have a joy that doesn’t make sense. I experience grace and strength to keep going. A sweet sweet joy with memories I want to keep near to my heart. Mama, my prayer for you is that your overarching perspective and mindset is that they are a blessing and gift.
There is JOY when we train up our child(ren) in the ways of the Lord. 3 John 1:4- “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Deut. 5:29- “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever.” What an honor to be able to partner with God in raising our children. As I do this, I release the “results” up to Him. Because guess what? Our children are not OURS. I know, crazy. But, really- they are God’s. They have been entrusted to us here on earth. But they are not just “our” kids. We are stewards of their little lives, and the keeper of their hearts.
Every time I stop to communicate the “why” behind something to my kids, it’s a opportunity to teach them about the things of God. To give them a glimpse of what God says and thinks about them and others. What an honor. We need the grace of God to give us strength, patience and endurance to do this well. Grace abounds for you in a wonderful abundance, mama. We just have to ask Him for it! Deut. 6:6-9- “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home, and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
There is PEACE available for each mama. Yes! Peace. Phil 4:6- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present yourselves to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Read that again. Did you know there’s freedom from your worry, fear and anxiety? It can be accessed at any time. For me, I know I can so easily go down the rabbit holes of my mind and think up scenarios where I feel fear. I feel it, but what should I do with that feeling? I can release it to God. “God, I know my child is yours. Rather than worrying about this situation, I entrust them fully to you. You want the best for them. You are protecting them and guiding their way, even now while I pray. Give me the strength to trust You.” It’s really that simple, although it’s not easy.
What if we used our energy to handle fear this way, rather than letting our minds go wild or consulting Google? How can I solve problems with my limited human thinking? Why would I take that on myself, when He has created and designed everything?
God wants peace for you, dear mama. He’s in this with you. I know it’s easy to worry. But take heart, because we have the answer. We can present ourselves and our children to God, and cast our cares upon Him. Isaiah 26:3- “You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
He’s always faithful. To do this, we have to be the keeper of our thoughts and check what we are thinking about.
Phil 4:8- “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” It’s very easy to dwell on the troubles, the trials, the sickness, and the challenges. Don’t misunderstand me, we don’t ignore these things. But in them, we give them back to our Father God. We can’t take it on ourselves to fix, to heal, to be everything to our kids. We are in a partnership with Him. I hope you begin to feel the weight lifted off your shoulders!
Please remember that you are:
Beloved. 1 John 3:1- “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Psalm 5:11-12- “You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.”
Called. John 15:16- “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love one another.”
1 Thess. 5:24- “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”
Romans 8:28- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who live him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
1Peter 2:21- “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Equipped. 2 Peter 1:3-4- “His divine power has given us everything we need for a Godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Eph. 3:20- “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to this power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Wherever you are in your motherhood journey, I pray something you read encouraged or challenged you. Ultimately, I pray it deepens your relationship with God, our dear Father, who is always reaching for us. May you pursue Him passionately while being the best mother to your children. Because in that, we will find everything we truly want and need.
Much love to you!
