Instructions for Moms - Part 6

We have been talking about some truths the Bible has to teach us moms on how to do our job well. So far we have discovered that we need to be humble, you can’t do this on your own. But, you can through Christ, because He is sufficient. So seek Him with all of your heart, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Then be content...

-Part 6-

-and be thankful-

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In all circumstances...laundry piles, poopy diapers, bills, messy houses, crying babies…

Be thankful for the pile of laundry because it means you have clothes to wear!

Be thankful for another poopy diaper because it means your baby is healthy and the “plumbing” is working!

Be thankful for the heat bill because it means you are warm!

Be thankful for the mess of toys because it means you have children!

Be thankful for the crying at 2am because it means you can hear! And it means your child is alive!

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the morning because it means you’re alive!

My mom used to sing us the song Oh be grateful for the good things that you’ve got? Do you know it? It goes like this:

Oh be grateful for the good things that you’ve got.

Oh be grateful for the good things that you’ve got.

The good things that you’ve got, are for many just a dream.

So, be grateful for the good things that you’ve got!

How alert are you at noticing God’s grace in your life. Has he provided for you? Are you naked today? Did you get to eat breakfast? Do you have parents? Do you get to see your kids today? Were you able to drive somewhere? Do you get to pick what you will make/have for supper tonight? Take time each day to recognize whatever grace you have received from God is so much more than we’re worthy of, and indescribably better than the hell we deserve!

Every situation has two ways of looking at it and you have a choice in how you are going to respond to it. Are you going to be selfish and bitter and critical and complaining? Or are you going to trust in God's sovereignty in your life and find ways to be thankful in all circumstances?

Over and over in scripture we are commanded to be thankful.

Ephesians 5:20- And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Psalm 95:2 - Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

As we see in this last verse, not only are we to be thankful but we need to devote ourselves to prayer!

And that is my next point, for next time....And pray.