A Million Little Reasons
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
I could think of a million reasons why I didn’t need to rejoice, pray, or give thanks. My children were getting on my very last nerve. Let me be clear. They had surpassed the very last nerve and were making their way to the land of crazy. I was very thankful for the blessing of both of my children, but goodness gracious, and mercy me. Why did everything have to come down on me all at the same time? Can you relate? It seemed like too much for my weary heart to handle.
Between smart mouths, unfinished chores, bad attitudes, and a mess bigger than Mount Everest, I felt like I was losing my ever-loving mind. Quietly, I prayed. “God, how am I supposed to handle this one? I feel like I’m about to explode.” His answer back to me was:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice, Pray, and give thanks.
Really God? Really? Yes. The answer was plain and simple. Yes.
You know, there is something powerful when we don’t allow our circumstances to dictate our outcomes. When we pivot and shift our focus to the right heart attitudes, we receive the tools necessary to handle the situation with victory, instead of with shame and regret.
So today, I will pivot and shift my heart and my emotions. I will rejoice. I will pray. And I will give thanks. A magical thing happens when I do this. My kids receive a mama that is filled with joy, peace, and gratitude instead of a mama that makes them want to run and hide. I like the joy-filled version a whole lot better and I know they do too. Unlike before, now I can think of a million little reasons to rejoice, pray, and be thankful. And friend, for that I am grateful!
Lord, thank you for your guidance on how I should handle situations with my children. Give me discernment and help me to lean on you for self-control to guard my words and actions. Help me when I struggle with rejoicing, being thankful, and praying over situations. Help my children to see Jesus in me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Questions to ponder:
1. List five traits you see as your child’s best qualities.
2. How could these good qualities become liabilities if you didn’t cover them in prayer?
3. Make a list of blessings you are thankful for regarding your children and being a mother.
4. Be intentional in rejoicing instead of complaining.