Many times we think that we as single mothers need to keep moving to the point of exhaustion in able to be productive. In fact, resting can aid us in being even more successful. Here are the top best five encouraging verses about rest for single mothers. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28 NIV) “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Ps 127:2 NLT) “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” (Ex 14:14 NIV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7) “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." (Gen 2:1-2) Matthew wrote so eloquently: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (6:33) Matthew did not write this because it sounded beautiful, although it is well written. He wrote this because he had experience in it. As a previous tax collector he learned that money would never fill what was missing in his heart. He saw that even though he had money, it was not a blessing. If you are anything like me, I tend to run to every place for solace in addition to God. I will say a fast prayer asking for help, but then instantly I will text that friend, go for a hike, or write in my journal. All of things are great and can be helpful when we are stressed and overwhelmed but they should not be the first thing we run to. Are we as single mothers taking the time to look to God first or is our first response to go get a Starbuck double-shot espresso to calm our nerves? When we are in current crisis or even just having a rough day we need to look up and pour out our hearts to the only one who could give us what we needed the most: peace in the midst of chaos. Let us genuinely seek Him FIRST above all things.. then you can go get that espresso. We as single mothers have a war raging in our minds. We are combatting a constant tug and pull of realities and desires. We desire to be all we need emotionally, mentally, and physically to our child and to ourselves, but daily tasks of singlemotherhood take us back to reality. The war in our minds has already won in our sight, so we go about our day merely coming up for air when the time allows.
We desire to be the best mother possible for our children, but satan tells us it is not possible because there is only one of us. His cunning slide into our minds wasn’t noticed over the macaroni noodles boiling over, the irobot vacuuming the living room rug, and the cartoons blaring ever loudly over the phone conversation you are trying to have on the phone with your mother. Our minds tell us we are failures. And we find ourselves listening to only our own thoughts, satan’s suggestions, of how we will never be able to meet expectations as both a mother and a father. And all that we are left with at the end of our overwhelming day is a pile of questions and no peace. Despite our unexpected circumstances, Jesus knew for years He would suffer a great death. One of the last teachings that Jesus gave His disciple before his very own expected suffering was on peace. Think about what kind of thoughts were in Jesus’ mind as he wrestled with His life ending in unbearable pain; the pain of all pains. Yet, one of his last words to his dear friends was a reminder that there is not only peace, but the Holy Spirit, ready to tag along with them on their journey of evangelism. The book of John writes, “I'm telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left- feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” (14:25-27 MSG) He knew, even years ago, how exactly we would feel today: abandoned, bereft, and distraught. Jesus’ “parting gift '' to you and I was peace. He knows our hearts. He knows exactly what we desire: well and whole. God knows exactly how you feel at this very moment. Although the world is unstable, our minds erratic, and our lives in chaos, God knows the true desires of our hearts. Peace is not a guarantee of an absence of difficulties, but it is a promise that you have the Holy Spirit rooting for you before the day begins. We do not need to fight this battle on our own. We already have peace within us because He gave it to us thousands of years ago. Let that soak into your soul: Peace is already within us. This peace was made for you by the One who loves you the most. I just completed 13 hours of overnight work, and need to work a few hours later today, the house needs cleaned, the laundry needs completed, and my daughter needs breakfast. It's just another Sunday here on Mother's Day. No one has ever made me a special lunch, or personally given me flowers on this so-called special day, and certainly not breakfast in bed. What I do know is that I cherish every single moment I have with my daughter. Even though days like today are difficult, I am still deeply reminded that I am exactly where I need to be. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It may not feel like He has a plan for you today, but He does. He feels everything you are feeling today, whether it is happiness, loneliness, anger, or sadness. He knows it and has a plan for your pain. Go ahead and take your kiddos out to lunch, or grab take out. Let them watch a show or two or three so that you can enjoy a little quiet time. Hang in there single momma. Monday is coming! |
AuthorMelissa Brown is a strong momma who lives in Wapakoneta, Ohio. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Zoey, and taking long naps. Posts
May 2024
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