I love books. I always have. When I was a child, I would bring a flashlight to movie theaters so that I could finish a few chapters during the movie (not sure that it was always money well-spent!). I do believe the Lord inspires and gifts others to share their experiences and wisdom through writing, and that books are a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration for others (otherwise I do not think I would have a blog!) However, I do believe that sometimes there is a temptation for me, and others, to look to others' words before we look to THE Book, with words from the One who IS Wisdom. This morning, as I sat and thought about what devotional I wanted to pick up, I had a realization: I didn't need another good quote, another's words to speak the Lord's truths to me. I simply needed Christ Himself. So, I picked up my Bible and nothing else, and began to flip through His Scriptures, all bathed in His glorious promises...and I was refreshed. I know this is an elementary truth for a believer, but I do think it's something we often don't live by. As Americans, the culture around us has infiltrated us with SO many options that can distract us. We go into the grocery to buy milk, and suddenly we have spent ten minutes figuring out whether to buy whole, D, Skim, 2%, 1%, organic, DHA-infused, and all the options in between. Every decision we make, whether materialistic or personal, has so many routes to take; so many detailed differences... even in the church we choose to attend!
Since being pregnant, I have had numerous well-meaning friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers tell me various books I should read. Each of these has different opinions on the best way to parent. Some of them are even Christian-based with lots of great biblically-inspired thoughts to give. Like I said, I thinks books can be great. But as I sat on my couch, being rejuvenated and gaining wisdom through God's words and His Word alone, I realized something: He is all I need to raise these babies. No book, no method, no advice, will ever come close to touching His answers and assurance found through communication, communion, and time with Him and the only Book that we can truly trust for all seasons of life.
I have no idea what it is like to be a mother. I don't know what it feels like to stay up all night with (two) screaming children, to live days exhausted and spent, to entertain (two) children all day long. But I do know what God says about their lives. Psalm 139 says that He has knit them in my womb, and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 78:5 states that my purpose is to teach them God's truths, of His love for them, so that they can pass it on for generation to generation. Jeremiah 29:11 promises that He has a plan for them, and that the plan includes giving them HOPE and a FUTURE. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 commands me to impress the love for and of God on their hearts. 1 John 3:1 says that above all else, we are children of God and our identity is found in that alone. When I become overwhelmed with knowing which book to read or which way to raise these precious children, I can rest assured that all I need to know is found in His word that He has imprinted and entrusted to me for all eternity. He is Sovereign, and He desires for us to rest in simply and wholly knowing and trusting Him to handle ALL the details, seasons, and issues of our lives.
No matter what is going on in your life- whether you are single, married, childless, or have more children than you can sometimes count- all you need to know to live in peace in this moment is found in Him. Look to His Book and His presence in any and all circumstances, and He will make your paths straight.
Since being pregnant, I have had numerous well-meaning friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers tell me various books I should read. Each of these has different opinions on the best way to parent. Some of them are even Christian-based with lots of great biblically-inspired thoughts to give. Like I said, I thinks books can be great. But as I sat on my couch, being rejuvenated and gaining wisdom through God's words and His Word alone, I realized something: He is all I need to raise these babies. No book, no method, no advice, will ever come close to touching His answers and assurance found through communication, communion, and time with Him and the only Book that we can truly trust for all seasons of life.
I have no idea what it is like to be a mother. I don't know what it feels like to stay up all night with (two) screaming children, to live days exhausted and spent, to entertain (two) children all day long. But I do know what God says about their lives. Psalm 139 says that He has knit them in my womb, and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 78:5 states that my purpose is to teach them God's truths, of His love for them, so that they can pass it on for generation to generation. Jeremiah 29:11 promises that He has a plan for them, and that the plan includes giving them HOPE and a FUTURE. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 commands me to impress the love for and of God on their hearts. 1 John 3:1 says that above all else, we are children of God and our identity is found in that alone. When I become overwhelmed with knowing which book to read or which way to raise these precious children, I can rest assured that all I need to know is found in His word that He has imprinted and entrusted to me for all eternity. He is Sovereign, and He desires for us to rest in simply and wholly knowing and trusting Him to handle ALL the details, seasons, and issues of our lives.
No matter what is going on in your life- whether you are single, married, childless, or have more children than you can sometimes count- all you need to know to live in peace in this moment is found in Him. Look to His Book and His presence in any and all circumstances, and He will make your paths straight.
Beautifully written, Morgan! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and being so honest.
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