“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night…” Psalms 92:1-2
A wise Christian woman once told me that, in life, God comes first, family comes second, and everything else after that. My struggle in this busy season of life with young children in our home is making time for God, but it’s such an important investment of my time. I always know that my heart will be softened and encouraged after I sit at His feet.
I write about putting God first because I know it is key to a heart of thanksgiving. God has so much to give. John 4:14 says, “But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” We have to make time for Jesus and receive all that He has to give to us each day.
When we put our focus on Jesus, He reminds us of all that we have. Spending time with Jesus and getting to know Him is how we nurture a heart of thanksgiving and joy. He fills us up and gives us what we need.
If I were being completely honest, it has been hard for me lately to have a heart of thanksgiving. This past season of my life has been refining because I have had a difficult time being grateful. I have fallen into the trap of focusing on what our family doesn’t have instead of being grateful for what we do have.
In this season, I have compared my life with the lives of other women way too many times to admit. I have looked at what other mothers and wives or families possess and have wanted it for myself. Focusing only on what I need and don’t have has simply made me mad and anxious, but recognizing the goodness of God and speaking His promises and love over myself and my family has allowed me to give thanks for all that we do have right now.
That being said, we all have our struggles, but the Lord wants to take our burdens.
I know in my heart that the Lord wants us to be joyful and give thanks always despite our circumstances and I do believe that living a life of thanksgiving can become standard and part of everyday life for you and me.
Please know, sweet mother, that you are not alone in your struggles. God rejoices over you, He loves you, and wants to give you good gifts. Seek Him first, and He will enable you to recognize your blessings and foster a heart that is overflowing with thanksgiving. We are all praying for you today.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Samantha and the Help Club for Moms Team
I met the love of my life and husband of 2 years while interning and working at Starbucks. We have one little boy who is 8 months old, I am blessed that I get to stay at home to raise him.
One day we have a desire to have a house full of children as we want a large family. I love people and community. I love coffee and anything crafty
(mostly painting). My husband and I love the state of Colorado and love to visit and explore new places here.
I know that the Lord has called me to love people and to grow and nurture our current and growing family. I want people to know Jesus through me, know His all-sufficient Grace and Peace.
My desire in this life is to be obedient to all the He has called me to and love everyone in my path along the way.
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