You are a strong mom. Don't let anyone tell you differently. You work hard. You love with all your heart. You do your very best. And most of all, you know where to turn when you need strength.
Maybe you've temporarily forgotten where your strength comes from because of extenuating life circumstances. Sometimes I forget too. But I always come back to this list.
1. God's Word.
I know- it may seem very basic. Yet at times when I ask ladies if they read their Bible today, soaking up God's Word for themselves, enjoying His personal love letter, they have "the look." For many years, reading the Bible was on the check list for me. A to-do item. Only when I encountered larger-than-life circumstances, like divorce, disease, and death, did I realize that God's Word is a place of comfort and empowerment and I cannot afford to read it half-heartedly. I need it for strength.
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Prov. 30:5
2. Prayer.
Strength from the Lord is ours for the asking. I wonder why we forget to ask? Prayer meetings and prayer teams are an awesome resource of strength, and so is praying to God right where you are. That's the wonderful thing about prayer- anyone, anytime, anywhere. God is always there to listen. I like to call some prayers "pop-up" prayers. "Lord, I'm about to enter the grocery store. Please don't let me buy anything I shouldn't." "God, I feel myself wearing down and being impatient with the kids. Please help me." Whatever the need, He is there!
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jer. 33:3
3. Church.
Worshiping the Lord and serving in church provides strength like nothing else can. If you're reading this and thinking that you are worn out from serving at church, perhaps you need a change of ministry or timeout to refresh. But in the worst circumstances, I found that church was one place that I needed most, especially when I didn't feel like going. The teaching of God's Word provides incredible strength for the week.
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!" Psalm 122:1
4. Bible Study
Whether you call it a "life group" or "community group" or "small group" or "Sunday School", no matter the term when two or three people meet in the name of the Lord, He meets us there. Every single time I meet with my ladies' groups, I leave feeling refreshed and restored. This is because we listen to one another's needs and unite our hearts in studying the Word and praying together.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matt. 18:20
5. Friendships
Strong, Christian friendships are so important. To surround yourself with positive friendships is to feed your soul. There are all kinds of places to have true friendships. Maybe you live miles from one another but met one time and became kindred spirits. Perhaps you live in the same neighborhood. You might even never have met, but are part of the same online community. No matter the form of community, friendships are a necessity for strength. God wired us for relationships.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Prov. 17:17
So there you have it. My top 5 places to find strength. I'd love to know yours.
Will you share them with us?
Rachel
**************************************************************************************
So now it is time to LINK-UP and join the party!!!!
*****We pin our favorite link-ups on The Better Mom's Pinterest Board!!*****
Better Mom Mondays Link-up is every Monday!!! Every week we have hundreds of posts linked up here from so many beautiful women with beautiful things to share! I encourage you to visit their sites by clicking on the links and reading all of the fantastic ideas and insights! Also don't forget to join the fun by adding your blog!! We request that if you join below -please add the Better Mom Mondays Link Up button to your post so your readers can find us here! (Posts can include the topics of mothering, marriage, homemaking, discipleship, recipes, organization and more!) You can find the html code in the sidebar, or "save as" copy, and paste the button below.
Share this post: