Hello Friends
I used to be so overwhelmed and struggled to find rest and quietness in life. Busy motherhood and an ever-increasing list of things to do appeared to be my lot in life. It wasn’t until I faced a time of serious health challenges that I finally found quietness and rest in the midst of busyness.
As mothers, we are busy. It is a plain and simple fact. The things we do over and over again over many years may lose their shine. Keeping a clean and tidy home was fun (and way easier) when first married. Looking after baby #1 was an indescribable experience of joy and learning……then down the road when we have a few more children, a messier and dirtier house, we may no longer view the mundane responsibilities as a joy in serving our families. We can believe the lie that these tasks are somehow beneath us, and we were made for higher things. We clean the floors and yet only stay clean for an hour - maybe! They need to be cleaned again.
It is then that we can begin to be resentful and as this builds up in our hearts, bitter ness will come to lodge there. With resentment and bitterness towards our husband, children and envy of friends who seem to have it “all together”, our self-centeredness will increase, we will believe we are a victim, and this can lead to depression and the end of marriages.
I could never understand how to have rest and quiet within my busy life. However, through the experience of God taking away my ability “to-do” and learning “to-be”, I found peace and joy. It was not a quick journey but one for which I am so thankful. You see, our peace and quietness do not depend on our circumstances. Our joy must be found in God. We must surrender the control of our lives and learn to say, “Not my will but Thine.” Conflict within our hearts is only ever caused by wanting our own way with what we want from life. We don’t want to be unwell, we want to get “everything” done and done to perfection, we want a happier husband, healthier children, more income, less trials and so the list goes on. What we all need to learn is to let go of control, trust, obey and walk daily with God.
Rather than fight against our circumstances, pray for strength to accept them. Keep our eyes focused on God and read His Word as much as we can. Memorise verses, obey those verses, take control of our thoughts, choose to find joy and not complain.
Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
The choice is ours. When the milk is spilt, a dish is broken, the toy box is overflowing, the school assignments are overwhelming, just stop and give thanks to God for HIS goodness and grace. Praise Him while you clean up the mess and help with assignments. View these irritating interruptions as an opportunity for us to display the character qualities of Jesus. He was not valued. He was despised. He didn’t even have a home of His own or anything of earthly value. Yet He served willingly and gave of Himself. Let us do the same.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
Until next time.
Ruth