As a first time mama, I have experienced an array of emotions. There have been moments of love and joy as I bond with my son. There have been moments of bliss and pure excitement as I watched my son learn something new every day. There have also been moments of frustration as I watched my Bible sit unopened and untouched. I found myself feeling overwhelmed when I thought about all the responsibilities I had. I wrestled with thoughts of doubt, weakness, and insecurities. These thoughts were fed by my lack of consistency in the Word. I continued to focus on my weakness. I began to complain about my weakness. I became complacent about my weakness.
Finally, I realized something needed to change. I was reminded of Paul and his encouraging point of view on weaknesses.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Paul allowed nothing, not even painful experiences, to doubt his identity and calling in the gospel of Christ. Even though I did not have physical pain hindering me, my focus on my circumstances hindered my ability to see the grace and power of God. Like Paul, I began to allow my circumstances to bring me to cherish the all-sufficient grace of God. Instead of complaining about my weakness, I chose to boast in it.
I had to understand and appreciate the all-sufficient grace of God before I could give grace to myself. By preaching the gospel to myself, I recognized the unmerited gift of grace God gives. The gospel allowed me to understand that my circumstance is an opportunity for God to be proven all-sufficient and all-powerful. It is not what I know or do that defines me, but Christ who does.
My doubts and weakness crippled me from turning to His Word. By understanding the role of my weakness and the power of Christ, I was liberated from feeling guilty and complacent. I began to use every moment I could to read or listen to the Word. There were some days filled with time while I wondered where time went on other days. What was important was my changed perspective and attitude. I gave myself grace while admiring the amazing grace Giver.
Here are some tips on how to have some time with the Lord as a busy mama:
1. Get started. Set time aside for Bible Study. I found it easiest to read before my son woke up in the morning or after my son fell asleep at night. There are some days when I only get 5 minutes and others when I can get a solid hour. Your time with the Lord isn’t going to improve unless you start!
2. Get accountability. Ask your husband or a friend to hold you accountable. It can be as simple as, “Did you read today?” Or challenge another mom! It is a beautiful blessing to grow in Christ together with a friend!
3. Pray. Throughout the day and during your quiet time. Setting reminders in your phone at sporadic or intentional times to pray for your husband or children is a great tool! If you are a visual person, keep a journal or white/chalk board with prayer requests and praises.
May your heart be encouraged to open your Bible and see His immeasurable grace and love woven throughout.
Tammie is a Women’s Ministry Administrative Assistant, a wife, and mother to Matthew. Her passion is to see women love the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind.