As busy moms, we juggle countless responsibilities daily. Between work deadlines, school pickups, and managing a household, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Amid this busyness, finding joy can seem like an elusive goal. However, the Bible offers a pathway to true, lasting joy that can set us free from the weight of our everyday burdens.
Joy: Defined
Joy is more than a fleeting emotion or a temporary state of happiness. It is a deep, abiding sense of well-being that stems from our relationship with God. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:9-11 ESV
As Jesus talks about in these verses, if we abide in His love by keeping His commandments, we will have joy to full. One way to maintain this joy that Jesus promises, besides keeping His commandments, is by rejoicing in the Lord always.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Paul’s exhortation to rejoice always is not a call to ignore our challenges but an invitation to find joy in the Lord despite them. This joy comes from knowing we are loved, redeemed, and held by a faithful God.
One of the key ways to experience this joy is by spending time in God’s presence. In the hustle and bustle of life, carving out moments to connect with God can transform our perspective and help us see His hand in every aspect of our lives making rejoicing always that much easier.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
Here are a few practical ways to cultivate this time with God:
1. Morning Devotionals: Start your day with a few moments of prayer and Scripture reading. Even five minutes can set a positive tone for the day.
2. Prayer Walks: Use your commute or a break to pray and reflect on God’s goodness. Sometimes driving in silence or quietly sitting in nature (without technology distractions), can help us hear from God in ways we wouldn’t have been able to had we been distracted by the noise.
3. Worship: Play worship music while you go about your daily tasks to keep your heart focused on God.
4. Be Grateful: Cultivating a heart of gratitude can transform our outlook. When we focus on our blessings, we begin to see God’s hand in every part of our lives. Keep a gratitude journal where you jot down things you’re thankful for each day. This practice can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.
5. Attend church regularly: Attending church and intently focusing on the sermons will help you hear from God as well. If all else fails and you aren’t able to attend church in person, there are several way to listen to sermons remotely. Most churches post-Covid have online services you can watch or listen to on YouTube, your favorite podcast provider, or even their owns apps. One of my favorites to listen to is the Elevation Church app.
As busy moms, embracing joy can free us from the pressures and stresses of our daily lives. By spending time in God’s presence, loving others well, and practicing gratitude, we can experience the deep and abiding joy that only God can provide. Remember, this joy is not dependent on your circumstances but rooted in the unchanging nature of God’s love for you.
May you find true freedom and joy in your journey, knowing that you are held by a loving and faithful God.
Leave a Reply