Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
“Every woman’s home is an expression of who she is, her values, her faith, and her relationships.” Family Life, Your Home Matters, YouVersion
- Read Galatians 6:9. Grab your prayer journal and ask the Lord to guide your steps at the start of this new day. After completing today’s study, write in your journal new ideas or habits you would like to implement personally or within your household.
- Be sure to call your prayer partner this week and pray together. Make the most of this time of prayer by not only sharing your struggles and prayer requests, but also your blessings from this past week. Praise God together for His goodness!
“Workers at home” is a phrase we can find in the book of Titus’ in verse 2:5 (ESV):
They (older godly women) are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
I can say with confidence that this familiar list of exemplary behaviors, describes most older women I know. These character traits were learned and exercised over time and were not hewn overnight They spent lots of time with God and cultivate a journey of faith that they are still on today. They were hard-working moms, just like you and me.
We busy moms work non-stop, caring for our families and homes. The range of tasks to be done within our households can seem endless and daunting. We may feel as if we carry a heavy burden on our backs with no relief in sight. Relax, precious mother. Help Club for Moms exists to cheer you on, offering a community of women of all ages who will encourage you in daily dependence of your Savior Jesus Christ, through written devotions, creative videos, prayer, and connections through social media.
Are you wondering, “How in the world will I squeeze regular time with God into an already packed-to-the-gills, hit-the-ground-running kind of day?” Does reading a Bible study or even spending prayerful moments seem like an added task to your endless to-do list?
As a seasoned mom, I think back on the days where you are right now. There was so much to do, so much pressure, and so much exhaustion! Sweet daughter of Christ, take heart and excellent care in making the most of your days. How you choose to apply yourself to your sacred “work at home” will affect your family for years to come. Will you “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33a) and face each new day with hope?
First, remember that Jesus is the source of your purpose, strength, and joy. Guard your peace by tending to your spirit, not only in choosing what to do in your day but who you will “be” while doing it. The book of Proverbs warns, “It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife (and mother) in a lovely home” (Proverbs 25:24, NLT). Instead, let’s be beautiful and holy women, putting our hope in God, submitting ourselves to our husbands, and winning them, our children, and our world to the Lord, not with words but with pure, reverent behavior and inner, unfading radiance of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:1-5, paraphrased). Dear one, now is the time to make conscious decisions to become the wife, mother, friend, citizen, and disciple of Christ you want to be; to live with purpose.
In the book of Samuel, we read that David was running for his life and hiding from King Saul for years, staying one step ahead of certain death if he was caught. Eventually, God gave David rest from his enemies. David’s relentless God-seeking, in both trial and blessing, earned him the coveted title, “…a man after his (God’s) own heart…” (1 Samuel 13:14b). The beautiful intimacy between God and David was birthed in the quiet of peaceful pastures and then forged in long-suffering and struggle. Through it all, David returned again and again to the Lover of his soul. Let me encourage you to do the same, by turning to the Lover of your soul, and continuing to be relentless in seeking Him in both trial and blessing.
Rest assured, sweet mother, there is an end to every season, but while you are in this incredibly busy stage of life, rearing your children and tending to the needs of your household, don’t give up and don’t give in. Instead, dig in, lean in, spend time with God, and learn to cast your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7)!
Blessings and Love,
Melissa
Questions to Ponder
- What personal habits, routines, and rituals could you implement that would create more peace and joy in your heart? Spending time with God each day is the most peaceful habit you could ever cultivate. Ask God to help you get into the habit.
- What attitudes and skills are you developing to become a more skillful, efficient homemaker? Where are you excelling? Where could you improve?
- What family habits, methods, and rituals could you implement that would create more peace and joy in your household?
- Where will you find resources and ideas to create the home life you want for yourself and your family?
- Who can support you in the emotional, physical, and spiritual highs and lows of being a worker at home?
Faith-Filled Ideas
Try adding a few of these uplifting ideas to your daily schedule and track the results in your prayer journal.
- Awaken before your kids to get ready for the day, sing a praise song while making your bed, and then spend a few minutes listening to or reading God’s Word to be ready to engage your family from a heavenly perspective.
- At breakfast, talk through the day’s activities and ask your kids and husband how they feel about upcoming challenges in their days. Discuss the Scripture you read earlier and pray it for each family member while they eat. Screens, including phones, detract from an efficient, family-centered morning, so consider creating a “no-phone zone” at the dining table.
- Prepare yourself the night before for a more relaxed morning—lay out your clothes (including accessories), set the table for breakfast, pre-cook elements of breakfast, pre-pack lunches, unload and tidy the car, fuel the car, load the car for the day’s errands, review your calendar, etc.
- Prepare your family the night before: all clothing planned and laid out, all backpacks, purses, briefcases, sports equipment packed and placed at the door or in the car, put all devices on chargers, etc. We added hooks by the back door for each backpack, once the homework was complete, all items for school were hung or placed in that area.
- Use “old school” paper calendars and organizational forms. It’s a fact that writing improves memory and encourages commitment. Track projects, errands, appointments, and miscellaneous tasks using a personal planner. Hang a wall calendar for the family to use to communicate individual and family events. This visual concept teaches your family how to manage time and a schedule.
As a young mom and wife, I realized the blessing of older women in my life. I am praying for you - dear wife, mom, precious child of God - that Help Club is a community where you experience the love of our Savior so that you will make an eternal impact on those within and without your four walls. Allow us to take you by the hand to instruct, guide, and encourage you in this season of life called motherhood.
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