Abide 03: Truths for the Mom Who Wants Joy
Whether we’re brand new moms or have decades of experience in motherhood, we’ve likely all come upon a moment or season when it’s hard to find true joy. When the calendar is filled to the brim with sports practices, our teen makes a cutting remark at the dinner table, another night’s sleep is interrupted, or motherhood just isn’t as picture-perfect as we always imagined, we need a well of joy that never runs dry. In this episode, Laura reads a collection of verses to meditate on as we seek true joy in motherhood. As these truths root deep into our hearts, we’ll see that looking to and thinking about the Lord, his work, and his promises can give us deep joy, even if we still experience grief and pain. We pray these verses bring an eternal hope as you look to him for joy in every season.
Note: We understand that the absence of joyful or hopeful feelings can have a wide variety of factors and causes. Please keep in mind that some instances of persistent sadness or depression may require professional counseling, pastoral care, or a medical doctor. If you find yourself in a situation that feels much larger than the topics we cover in this series, we encourage you to seek help from professionals who are trained to care for you best in this struggle.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture from the Show:
For a deeper understanding of each of these verses, we encourage you to study each verse in context. Not sure where to start? Download The Abide Method for free to help you work through each passage!
Want to help Risen Motherhood keep creating the content you know and love?
At Risen Motherhood, we use The Abide Method for studying the Bible. Similar to the Inductive Bible Study method, this is a way of studying the Bible that puts God first. As image-bearers of God, we can only understand ourselves correctly through the lens of who God is, carefully studying the character and purposes of God, as revealed in Scripture. This is critical to a Christian's growth and maturity.
Engaging in a deliberate and dedicated study of God's word can feel slow and difficult at times. It will mean some frustration, questions and learning to live deep in the "I don't know." But over time, seeking to understand the true meaning of God's word provides a backdrop for gospel-centered thinking, allowing us to discern truth and make wise decisions through a biblical lens.
Ultimately, proper study of the scriptures will increase our knowledge of God transforming us into his image as the affections of our heart follow our minds. "[For when we] behold the glory of the Lord [we are] transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
R|M Apply Questions:
What verse from this episode brings you hope for pursuing joy in motherhood? Share this with a friend or your community group, and challenge yourself to memorize this verse.
Did any of the verses mentioned in this episode grab your attention in a new way? Why? How might this verse change your perspective on seeking joy?
List out some of the specific phrases and words from the verses in this episode that reflect God’s character (ex: his steadfast love endures forever). How does finding joy in Christ compare to finding joy in other areas of life (our motherhood, hobbies, etc.)?
Pick one verse from today’s meditation and walk through its full chapter using The Abide Method. How did your interpretation and understanding of this verse change as you studied it in full context?
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