When I was a kid, back in 1980 something, there was a T.V. commercial for Calgon bubble bath. The advertisement portrayed an exhausted mom, with a screaming child, a boiling pot on the stove, and a ringing telephone. Then, right in the middle of the chaos, she covered her ears and yelled, “Calgon, take me away!”
This Mother’s Day, I’d like to encourage all the tired moms out there, with something much more refreshing than a box of bubble bath. God’s promises are both timely and timeless for the weary soul. Here are a few reminders of those great and precious promises.
1. He Will Carry You
“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” Isaiah 40:11
The old hymn, “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” reminds us of how we need Jesus’ tender guidance. We spend so much of our time nurturing our children, we neglect to let the Savior nurture us.
This Mother’s Day: Browse a few stock photos of shepherds caring for their flocks. As you view the images, think about Jesus—the Good Shepherd. Read John 10:7-16 and journal about the ways Jesus guards and guides you into pasture of abundance and rest.
2. He Will Increase Your Strength
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29
I don’t know about you, but I am so encouraged by the fact that the Lord empowers us by His Spirit, and increases our strength! Without the single lift of a weight, God builds the physical and spiritual muscles we need for every circumstance—especially motherhood! Whether it’s stamina to walk the halls with a crying baby at 2 a.m., or unwavering prayers for a wayward teen, He gives us the strength to endure.
This Mother’s Day: Lay your weaknesses at His feet. Consider memorizing Isaiah 40:31 as a faithful reminder of God’s power and strength in your life.
3. He Will Maintain Your Lot
“O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6
There isn’t a single thing in our lives that has escaped God’s sovereignty—not even the exhaustion that comes from being a mother. Whatever portion He has given us, He has also provided the means to cope with that portion.
This Mother’s Day: Make a list of God’s provisions, from the pillow on which you lay your weary head, to the abundance of food in your refrigerator. Thank Him for the awesome role of “mother” that He has assigned to you. Know that He will not only maintain you, He will continue to bless you with a good inheritance.
4. He Will Revive Your Soul
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Psalm 19:7-8
It doesn’t seem to matter how worn out I am, whenever I open my Bible to the Psalms and read with eager expectation, I am not disappointed!
This Mother’s Day: Choose one Psalm to read as a personal devotion. Write down the truths that God speaks to your heart and journal about them. Remember that the Word of God revives the weary soul more than anything else!
Bubble bath may be one way of relaxing and “getting away from it all,” but this Mother’s Day, let’s remember that God’s promises carry us to peaceful pastures, strengthen and maintain us, and revive us in ways beyond our understanding.
Lord, we come to You this Mother’s Day weary and tired. We need Your strength. Thank You for your tender mercies as You draw us into the fold of your arms. We long for the kind of rest only You can provide. Be our refreshment, Lord, as we love and serve as mothers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Image Credit: Thinkstock.com/DGLimages
Jennifer Waddle is best known for words of encouragement as an Author, Speaker and Musician for Women’s Ministry. She currently has three published books on Amazon and is a regular contributor for WomensMinistryTools.com and GotQuestions.org. Jennifer is committed to sharing authentic messages of hope to women of all walks of life. She loves being a wife of 24 years, mom of four, and nana of two. Most of all, she cherishes her time spent in the Word of God, with a cup of coffee and a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. Contact Jennifer here: www.jenniferwaddleonline.com or encouragementmama@gmail.com.
