Is there a mum out there who isn’t stretched for time? We’d all love to be able to say that we are able to routinely sit down each day and make a dedicated time for bible study, but being a mother, responsible for a family and the running of a house, plus a full or part time job on top of this, I can relate that it’s not always a reality. If you are anything like me, you’d quickly agree that there are many seasons in our lives, and we get tired, exhausted, weary and let’s be honest, with all the unexpected situations that crop up in life, consistency can sometimes be an issue. No matter how many lists, charts, calendars, systems or new habits I have put in place, one month I think I am onto a winner, waking up early, ready for the day before the children get out of bed, meal plans and shopping lists sorted, cleaning up to scratch! Then suddenly, I take one look around, and everything is upside down! I know I’m not on my own when I speak in this way about motherhood. I also know not to compare myself to others, I have fallen into that trap before, but I still must be on my guard, and even more so when I am weary. If life is getting too much, if I get overwhelmed, or feel as though everything is out of control, it can sometimes be a trigger for anxiety. One way I know I can protect myself each day is by, yes, remembering that I am not in control, God is, but also by praying and putting on the full armour of God every morning. Not only does this help me to prepare for the day ahead in my role as a mother, but it also protects me from situations that could unexpectedly appear throughout the day. This could be anything that might spark off an unwanted reaction. By acknowledging Jesus and surrendering each day to Him, it allows me to guard my heart and mind, helping to calm my responses to whatever comes my way with the grace that Jesus would respond with. This is an ongoing learning process that I must practice in my walk with Jesus. Remembering to put on His armour each day will ensure that we are beginning our day on strong foundations.
Ephesians 6:10-18
‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.’
I hope and pray that this will be a blessing to your day.