Dear Lord,
I’m thinking today of the mom who desires joy, but when she considers her present circumstances, all she sees are challenges.
Lord, would you help her to pause for a few minutes. To be still.
Please quiet her heart. Help her confess the anxieties that trouble her, naming those concerns and bringing each one to you.
Quiet her mind. If there are lies about you—your character, ways, or purposes—that she is tempted to believe, identify them for her. Strengthen her by your Spirit to combat those lies with your truth.
Remind her that you are God, that you are her God, and that you are with her.
Lord, please bring to mind examples of your past faithfulness. Her salvation. Your provision, protection, and comfort. Answers to prayer. As she recalls your past faithfulness, fill her heart with faith for her present circumstances.
Open her eyes to see that you are greater than any challenge she faces. Not only that, but you will never leave or abandon her. You are and will be with her to face each difficulty. You who did not spare your Son, but gave him up for her, will graciously give her everything she needs for life and godliness.
Remind her that she is your beloved daughter. Reassure her that your steadfast love will never cease, and your mercies are new every morning. Your grace is sufficient, and your power is perfected in weakness.
Lord, you know what words will speak directly to this mom’s heart. Would you graciously help her recall more promises from your Word that will minister your comfort to her?
You say in Psalm 16:11 that “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Lord, as You work in her heart, please do what seemed impossible a few minutes ago. Fill her soul with joy. Joy that isn’t based on her circumstances but rather your presence with her in the midst of them. Joy that might not make any sense to those who know her. Joy that is deeply rooted in your love, proven to her on the cross where Jesus died.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:32, 2 Peter 1:3, Lamentations 3:22-23, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 16:11
Katie Faris 