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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Psalms 4 Moms


I love Psalm 4. It is a Psalm that speaks to me as a mom.

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”


Lord, today has been a long day. I am not so sure that I am cut out to be a mom. Are you sure you called me to this?

“How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for
himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.”


Lord, I see people all around me running after the wrong things, things that I know don't last. And yet those earthly solutions look so much easier, so tempting. I want easy, I'll admit. It's hard to raise kids of character. It's hard to seek You in the midst of so much noise. It's hard to believe I've been set apart or that You hear me.

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.”


Lord, sometimes at night I lie in bed and go over my day. I review all the things I did wrong and pray for You to erase all the bad stuff from my children’s minds. I know You have called me to sacrifice my sense of self, my time, and my agenda in the name of spending day in and day out mothering my children. I am learning that even on my worst days, I have to stay committed to this calling, continue making the sacrifices, and choose to trust You to bring out the best in all of us, no matter how badly I blow it.

“Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’ Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.”


I look at these children You have given me and I see hope in spite of my many mistakes. I see them displaying character, learning to work and value money, to be kind, and to hunger and thirst for You. Lord, it is true that there is no greater joy than to see your children walking with You. I thank You for these little glimpses all along the way that fill my heart with joy and give me the strength I need to get up tomorrow morning and do it all again.

(Passages quoted from Psalm 4, New International Version)
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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Marybeth for this!! Sometimes I think "we" as parents need to be reminded we can't be perfect 24/7. I sometimes worry I am not bringing my little boy (7 yrs old) up in the way I should.. BUT.. when I see him doing something from his heart and the sweetness that is inside of him.. I am reminded that I am! and he is learning, even if I don't see it ALL the time!
Thank you for your reminder,
Much Love,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Amen and Amen!
Thank you again for encouraging and inspiring and directing us to God's word. I love reading your blog everyday!! Thank you.
Erin

Debra said...

Thanks Marybeth, I so look forward to Wednesdays on your blog. I love the Psalms.
Have a wonderful day! Hugs, Debra

Robin in VA said...

Thank you and may God continue to bless your family and ministry. This was exactly what I needed today. Thank you God that your timing is always perfect. :)

Wendy Blight said...

Love this, Marybeth. I especially like the verse about being silent before the Lord in my anger and offering right sacrifices. Humbling words!

Blessings,

Wendy