Overwhelmed by My Blessings: Encouragement for Moms (Part 2)Sample

Psalm 102 gives such a great, almost humorous, picture of us moms on our worst days. “My days vanish like smoke.” Yes, they either fly by with nothing accomplished or they drag along and bedtimes can’t come soon enough. “My heart is blighted and withered like grass.” The words my child just yelled at me hurt worse than they should. “I forget to eat my food.” That’s because when you went to the microwave to warm your now-cold lunch, you found your morning coffee. “I am like a desert owl, [ ….] like a bird alone on a roof.” How in the world can I be so lonely in a house full of people? “All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.” When did I begin seeing my own children as enemies? Why does the word “Mom” so often seem like a curse word? I remember those days. I even remember saying, “Don’t ‘mom’ me!” Now, years later, I can read this and smile, but there were many days when it felt too true. My kids felt like the enemy. Though our kids are not the enemy, we do have a very real adversary. Satan is out to steal our peace and joy, kill our influence, and destroy our faith. Ultimately, his goal is to take us completely out of our role as loving wife and mother. Be alert to his tactics. Psalm 102 takes a turn when verse 12 begins with “But you, Lord.” Let this be our heart’s cry. He is faithful and has compassion. He responds to our destitute prayers and yearnings, all for the sake of a future generation. He remains the same; His years will never end. The reason we continue on? Read the end of the chapter: “The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” Our children are not our enemy. They are our future, and God’s legacy of love. Father, thank you that we can even find humor in your Word. Today, I ask for a lightness in my spirit, and to remember that my children are not the enemy, but my legacy. Help me be mindful and alert to the real enemy who is out to kill, steal, and destroy, knowing that when I call on you, he has to leave.