First off, thank you so much for the several non-blog comments I've gotten from many of you readers letting me know that you too are struggling to find rhythm in your days with little ones. I'm glad I am not in this alone. I've been praying a lot that God would give me the right perspective and attitude in these crazy days with young ones. A verse that I have clung to for many months now is this:
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. - Isaiah 40:11Let me repeat that...He gently leads those that are with young. God is gracious. Those condemning thoughts of utter failure, of being completely alone in this, of single-handedly ruining our kids forever (hmmm, am I being a little transparent here?), THOSE ARE NOT FROM OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Rebuke them, put them to death (preaching to myself). He knows what it's like to have children who are utterly needy, who sass and seem to invent ways to disobey. And, it's by His example and only the power of His Spirit that we can, in turn, lead our children gently.
Our church is currently going through a preaching series on the Holy Spirit. Through this teaching and some really challenging recent conversations, I have been convicted that I don't ask the Spirit for help in mothering. Maybe I think God doesn't have the time or this job is such a small thing. And yet, He gently leads those that are with young. There it is again. Could it be any more clear that He is with me on this bumpy, sometimes confusing, often foggy, frustrating, hilarious, joyful, humbling journey of raising children. He wants to lead me, to help me, even when I don't know what to ask for.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26I feel like I'm reading Romans 8 with brand new eyes these days in light of my current place in life. Will you join with me in asking for God's Spirit to guide us and empower us as moms?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? - Romans 8:32
2 comments:
Yes!!! Thank you for this encouragement and challenge. Right there with you, friend.
Ah! God has been speaking to me through Romans 8, too! (Thanks to Dan for pointing me there :) On the same topic, too! Condemning thoughts must come so naturally to us moms! And there God is, making every provision for us including the gift of His Spirit! Very encouraging words, Katy! Thanks!
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