Keeping A Gospel-Focused Perspective

There are so many things that moms don’t learn about until after they go through it, which is the primary reason Messy Tired Love was created. Some things are just not talked about. For example, what really happens to your body after you have a baby, the fact that poop will touch more things in your house than you thought possible, or that showering daily becomes a luxury, not a necessity. I hope that by reading this and other devotionals from Messy Tired Love, that your perspective has shifted to be gospel-focused in your everyday mom moments.

That said, I’ve heard moms say things like, “I don’t want to scare you away from having kids” or “Just wait until you have your own kids. Then you’ll know what it’s really like.” Do moms everywhere a favor and stop saying these things!

Moms (and dads) should know what they are getting into BEFORE they have children. They should also know that they aren’t alone when they are going through the tough stuff. We should be honest, but also balance the good and the difficult when telling our parenting stories. There are two practical things we can do to make that happen: perspective and prayer.

Perspective

We are God’s children. The amazing truth of that identity, along with our rebellious, sinful ways as his children, connect us to Jesus in a way that is understood deeply by those of us who have children. Let that be our daily perspective of parenting. Let that be what flows through our stories as we answer questions and tell stories to those who haven’t yet become parents.

Philippians 3:12-14

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Everyday mom moments connect us to the truth of the gospel. That gospel is what keeps our perspective heavenward. Be bold and grace filled as you share this perspective with the world.

Prayer

When we aren’t in tune with God (i.e. not praying or reading our Bible), it’s easy to dwell on the terrible parts of parenting and let those consume our thoughts and attitude. God’s word will shape our perspective if it we let it. But it’s not something that comes easy. We have to discipline ourselves to pray fervently and spend time with God’s Word on a regular basis. Our natural tendency is to turn to our best friend and unload on them when a problem or frustration occurs. It takes work to habitually turn to God first. And how many novels have we read or movies have we watched when we “didn’t have time” to read our Bible? I’m ashamed of my answer, and I’m betting you are to.

The great news is that God is patient with us and knows us inside out. He will always be there waiting for us when we toss him to the side for a few days, weeks, or even years.

Psalm 139: 7-10

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

If you are reading this, then you are determined to not put him on the back burner. So, let’s pray! Pray that your perspective will be gospel-centered while you parent your blessings. Pray that you can boast in the cross of Christ and nothing else. Pray that your children see the love of Jesus when they are being loved by you. And pray for the other moms in your life, that you can come together, learn from one another, and be there for one another.

This is part of a series called The “Being a Mom is Awesome (& Hard)” devotional. Click here to read more of the series. Messy Tired Love devotionals connect everyday mom moments to the truth of the gospel. Learn more here.