My Mom Verse

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV

I must have read this Scripture many times before, but one day, it really spoke to my heart. I knew I wanted it to be my life Scripture for being Mom.

“Rejoice always.” Always? Even when I’m exhausted from being up most of the night for the fifth day in a row? Yes. Even when the baby has his days and nights mixed up? Yes. Even when I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed? Yes. When the Lord inspired the apostle Paul to write “always,” He meant it! How do we do it? How do we maintain a “rejoice always” mentality? Just as a lamp won’t turn on unless the cord gets plugged into the electrical outlet, we must plug our hearts into the Source of joy—God. It’s not always easy, but it’s always possible through Him.

“Pray continually.” In other words, pray all the time for everything. Now, my human tendency is to whine, “Why is this happening? How do I fix it? Can somebody please do something NOW?!” But if I chose to pray instead, my heart rate would surely stay steadier. My focus wouldn’t be on whatever is stressing me out; it would be on the Lord. Most importantly, I’d be going to the only One who can bring peace and joy to any and all situations.

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” We’re called to give thanks in all circumstances, even when things are downright ugly. Why? Because regardless of whatever we may go through, God is always there to help us get through the situation. In the driest seasons and the darkest times of loss, I can testify that God has brought His peace and love into every single moment. We can give thanks because when we allow Him into our sadness and pain, He brings His healing and restoration. It’s not always easy to walk through difficulties, but His presence makes it doable, and for that we can always be thankful.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You that Your Word brings life and wisdom to every situation that may arise in my life. I’m grateful that You are always there for me and that You have given me the gift of being Mom. May Your Word continue to guide me and help me in this motherhood journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.