Joy & the Single Mom: By Jennifer MaggioSample

God is always enough.

Mom, because I know your road well. I’m going to say the hard things that must be said. I have lived on food stamps and welfare, homeless, then in government housing, with no rich uncle to rescue me. I’ve had two babies pulling at my pants leg with no help and no end in sight. I have been unspeakably abused to the degree that may make some nauseous to even read about. I know the hard place of single motherhood – when you don’t feel like you can go on and are certain no one even cares. I know the loneliness, the pain, and the weight. And through it all, unequivocally, undoubtedly, and with everything in me, I say, “God is always enough.”

Step 3 to restoring your joy as a single mom: Avoid complaining.

There is enough for us all. Our provider supplies all our needs. God owns cattle on a thousand hills. There is enough joy, blessing, and provision for us. We can genuinely celebrate when others succeed, even when we are struggling, because their success doesn’t hinder God’s plan and provision for us! We must learn to move from a scarcity mentality that believes there’s only so much provision to go around, only so much blessing to be had, or only a limited supply of joy. God’s supply is plentiful and abundant.

To truly walk in joy, we must stop complaining about what we don’t have. His provision is always enough. We must choose to focus on what we do have. Complaining kept the Israelites from the Promised Land for 400 years. What promise has complaining kept you from? The writings of Paul to the church at Philippi give us the key that unveils the truth to finding joy.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach, or empty one, plenty or little. For I can do everything, through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:19)

The secret to finding joy is in the day-to-day details of life. It is in being fully present in every moment, not secretly longing for the next. As a mom of twenty-somethings, I can tell you that the days of carpooling, teething, and teenagers are fleeting. Choose to enjoy today. Our God is always providing just enough for today.

Points to Ponder:

• Create a gratitude jar or journal to focus weekly on what God provides for your family. Take the time to read over it each month with your children.