As moms, we are all in different stages of our motherhood journey, yet if we choose to raise our children through a God-centered parenting approach, we may find ourselves going against what is traditional. Every parent is of course wired to put the needs of their child first, and while we really need to satisfy their basic needs first, putting the other non-basic AKA non-essentials and whims can burn us out eventually.
The current idea propagated is filling our empty cup first so we would not be pouring to our children from an empty cup. This of course makes sense because humans have a tendency to resent something that consumes them, however, it can possibly lead to getting out of touch with what the children really need as we focus on ourselves.
But as modern-day Jesus-following moms, we are called to nurture our relationship with God first. As in all things, when we put God first — even ahead of mothering our children — everything else will fall into place. When our priority is giving God our best, and growing our faith, we can parent with grace.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
And so we should lean in to God, hear His voice, and follow His will in our lives. We should keep Him updated about the kids through our prayers, and not just run to Him when something bad comes up involving the children. Moreover, we should show Him our gratitude for everything He has done to our family.
God should be our primary source of guidance and direction in disciplining and raising our children — not social media, not online forums, and definitely not people who do not honor Jesus in their lives. .
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
And as we go through our day-to-day parenting motion, we have to be careful not to allow motherhood to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. We should not forgo or hurry our daily and nightly prayers and bible reading and reflection, and we should still set aside time to be with other believers in studying the word of God.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Moreover, we should not let the children’s activities and whims affect our Sunday worship. Sunday church must remain non-negotiable if we are to set them an example of how it is to prioritize Jesus in our lives. When we do, God will lead us to become the best mother He had always envisioned us to be.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Being in square one also means, answering God’s call to minister to our own children and be their foremost teacher of faith. What good is it to volunteer in church when the disciples that God intentionally brought into our lives are not taught about loving God and loving others? Our mission to spread the gospel, begins at home.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And as we juggle all these, we must focus on the prize at the end of our finish line. God-centered parenting will always, always be a blessing to children, and will change generations for the better.
The story of Hannah found in the Old Testament is proof to this. As a barren woman who was tormented for being infertile, Hannah held on to her faith, kept on praying to the Lord, and finally got pregnant. Her son, Samuel, became a priest and prophet, who anointed King David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ.
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28
When we know that our strength as mothers lies in the power and the grace of God, we will continue to pray, and continue to work as He wills us to. And God, in His mercy and graciousness, will look upon us, and bless us with the abundant life and graceful parenting He has always wanted us to live.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 1 Samuel to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you prioritize your relationship with God as you go through your motherhood journey?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to rely upon you as I face the day-to-day challenges of parenting my children. Thank you, that I have a father in you, who knows everything, and has the power over everything. Continue to shower me with the confidence of being by your feet, to seek your presence, your guidance, and your will. Amen.