The Joys & Pains of Motherhood

 By: Joanne Viola

 

When I had my first baby, no one told me that my heart and mind would never be the same again. Nothing could have prepared me for all I would worry about from that day forward:

• getting up to put my hands on the little chests to check for breathing
• concern for choking as transitions were made to solids
• going to school, making friends, and hoping for a good education
• safety in sports
• safety as they learned to drive
• who they would marry
• jobs
• praying for their salvation

The list was endless. And, it continued as spouses and grandchildren came into our lives.

I would think most mothers go through these same emotions. Please tell me it is normal. I would like to think I am not alone.

Recently I read a verse that fell in an entirely new and enlightening manner. It made me realize these concerns are as old as the ages.

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the temple to be blessed. Simeon spoke to them about the Him. But it was to Mary, that Simeon spoke these words:

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, 
“Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, 
and for a sign to be opposed – 
and a sword will pierce even your own soul – 
to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 
(Luke 2:34-35, NASB) 

Yes, Simeon was prophesying of the sorrow Mary would experience in the rejection and death her son would endure. But maybe, Luke, being a doctor, realized the strong attachment women have to their children.

Motherhood will cause us to pray, and pray more. What are some of the verses we can pray for our children?

• “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (Psalm 3:3, NASB) 
• “He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” (Psalm 91:4, NASB) 
• “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.” (Psalm 121:7-8, NASB) 

Motherhood brings the biggest joys and the deepest pains.
We won’t be able to shield them from every danger,
but we can pray and trust the One who will be with them forever.

 

Reflection: 
Has becoming a parent caused you deep pain rooted in concern for your children? What Scriptures have become a lifeline of assurance over the years that God is with them?

 

 

Image by u_jqskahw9 from Pixabay

 

 

The Song Creation Sings

By: Lauren Thomas 

Go outside. Look around. What do you see? Listen. What do you hear?

 

I see intricate plants producing spectacular blooms. I see trees that stretch arms to the sky. I see colors that dazzle me. I hear the chorus of birds and bugs and living things. I see a creation revealing and reveling in her Creator. I hear the song that creation sings.

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 ESV

 

The Psalmist here describes how creation tells us about God. The beauty of creation speaks a language that our hearts can understand. The order and design of nature speak to our intellect. In theological terms, we refer to this as “general revelation.” General revelation is God’s revelation of himself through the created world. Paul wrote about general revelation as well.

 

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20 ESV

 

General revelation is insufficient to outline God’s plan of salvation. For this we need special revelation, which includes the Word made flesh (Jesus) and the written Word (the Bible). But general revelation is sufficient to reveal to humanity the “eternal power and divine nature” of God. What we see in creation is enough to fill us with awe that moves us to seek our Creator. What we hear is the song that creation sings: worship to the God who made all things.

 

Today, go enjoy nature. Listen to her declaration of God’s power and glory. Worship the Creator, joining in the song that all creation sings.

 

Reflection:

What aspect or element of nature most causes you to feel awe toward God? What aspect of God is most visible to you in His creation?

Jump Back In

By: Jenifer Metzger

Take the helmet of salvation and the

 sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 CSB

In just a few short days we will close out the first half of the year and begin downhill slide towards a new year. I always feel like the years go faster and faster; how are we already finishing June?!

In January many people begin a Bible reading plan or a commitment to read the Word every day. And many people start strong but at some point they begin to fade away until they are rarely picking up their Sword.

Life gets in the way. Schedules get full. We struggle to understand what we are reading. We just become lazy. There are many reasons why our consistent Bible reading fades. But the truth remains that we need the Word of God.

He answered, “It is written: Man must

not live on bread alone but on every word

that comes from the mouth of God.”

Matthew 4:4 CSB

 As we head into the second half of 2025, renew your commitment to dive heart first into the Bible. Make a plan that works for you; when you will read the Bible, where you will do it, and what Bible plan you want to use. If your schedule is too full, it is time to reevaluate your schedule. Make time to spend in the Bible and in prayer every day. It doesn't have to be hours long, it doesn't even have to be all at one time. Just be intentional with carving out time each day. When you struggle to understand what you are reading or struggle to know what God is trying to show you, press on. It's okay to slow down, to study a little deeper, to meditate a little while longer, even to ask for help. Just don't give up. Don't stress about a timeline or rigid schedule, simply focus on being in the Word.

Let's walk into the second half of this year as women in the Word of God every day.

 

For the Woman to Woman One Year Bible Reading Plan, click HERE.
You can start from the beginning or jump right to today!

Discussion:
1. Is it hard for you to stay fully committed to a regular Bible reading schedule?
2. Are you ready to jump back in and tackle the second part of 2025 in the Word?

Our 5 Senses

 By: Joanne Viola

 

“God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” 
(Genesis 1:31, NASB)

If you were to look through my photo feed, along with my beloved grandchildren, one would find random pictures of nature. Trees, clouds, sunrises, sunsets, turkeys, bunnies, flowers, mushrooms, mountains, and lake water. All would be there.

God created us with fives senses so that we would come to enjoy and delight in His creation. He can be seen and experienced in all which is around us.

The most profound and sacred moments often happen as my eyes feast on God’s creation. Memories can flood back to mind with just a fragrance. My ears can hear a familiar song and my soul is moved to worship. Tasting a favorite dish can nourish my body and soul. Hugging a loved one can bring love and comfort to my being.

See what I mean?

God created us with our five senses so that we would come to know Him.

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. 
Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—
his eternal power and divine nature. 
So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” 
(Romans 1:20, NLT)

God has made Himself perfectly clear, in plain sight, through all creation. While creation cannot force us to believe, it does put God on display for all to see and thus, acknowledge.

“Things visible call for a power that is invisible.”
(from The New American Commentary, Vol. 27, page 78)

It is no wonder we have heard it said to “Stop and smell the roses.” Those words are meant to slow us down so that we appreciate and enjoy the beauty around us. Take in the sights and smells. Remember who created them all.

Our fives senses, 
were designed to bring us delight, 
and draw us closer to our Creator. 

 

Reflection: 
Take some time today to enjoy creation. Take in the view. Breathe in deeply and notice the smells around you. Sit quietly and listen to the sounds. Chew slowly and enjoy the burst of flavor upon your taste buds. Touch a flower petal and feel its softness beneath your fingers. What will draw you to our Creator today?

 

 

Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay

 

Incline Our Hearts: An Uphill Journey

 By: Lauren Thomas 

A few places in the Bible we find prayers and pleas that our hearts would be inclined to God. The word incline has a few different definitions, but some of note are: 1) to be influenced or disposed toward, 2) to have a tendency for doing something, 3) to bow or lean toward, and 4) a surface that is sloped. And while these definitions are different from each other, they are all applicable when we look at the phrase in Scripture: “incline my heart to God.”

I recently hiked down into the Grand Canyon, camped for the night, and hiked out. To say that the trail out of the Canyon is an incline, is an understatement. At times I was breathless with exertion as I climbed out under a heavy pack. To walk or hike with an incline increases your effort. When we incline our hearts to God, it involves effortful pursuit of God.

 

To walk at an incline involves purposefulness and intentionality. We don’t walk up a hill without choosing to. We would much rather choose the path of least resistance, something that provides a flat, leisurely stroll. When we incline our hearts to God, it involves purposeful intentionality.

 

Walking at an incline literally involves a posturing of the body that faces forward. Whether that is due to the effort or fighting gravity, we lean (bow) forward when walking up an incline. This physical posture is one of humility. We don’t walk uphill shoulders flung back, chest up, chin pointed defiantly toward the sky. We bow. When we incline our hearts to God, we assume a posture of humility.

 

When we walk at an incline it takes us upward. We gain elevation. The miles and miles I hiked up the Grand Canyon resulted in a change of elevation. I could literally feel the change of temperature from hot to cooler as I hiked upward. When we incline our heart toward God, we get closer to him, we begin to live closer to his holiness, we acclimate to His elevation. And it changes our lifestyle.

 

As Solomon prayed when he dedicated the temple, may we incline our hearts to God. Even as it involves effort, intentionality, humility, and a spiritual elevation of our lifestyles.

 

⁵⁷ The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, ⁵⁸ that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers.

1 Kings 8:57-58

 

Reflection:

Visualize yourself walking uphill. How is this similar to inclining your heart toward God? How can you pursue God’s holiness, a higher elevation, today? Pray that God would incline your heart toward Him.