Mother's Day Encouragement fromCissie Graham Lynch
This Mother's Day looks a lot different than in years past. The coronavirus pandemic has changed both our daily lives as moms and the way we are able to celebrate this day.
Facebook Twitter emailEach of our stories and challenges are different, but the coronavirus is the common thread throughout the entire world.
Everyone's lives are touched by the virus in some way. It is unprecedented. Some moms have unexpectedly started homeschooling their kids or been forced to adapt to working from home. Others have lost their jobs while some moms are working overtime—especially those on the front lines like doctors or nurses.
More than ever before, I understand how easy it is to be filled with fear and anxiety because of unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. Raising children in the midst of a crisis is unchartered territory for most of us. But as I've sat at home during these weeks, I've thought of the faces of mothers I've met around the world as I have visited Samaritan's Purse projects. This fear and anxiety is not new to them. When my life returns to normal, theirs will still be marked by uncertainty and a struggle to provide for their families.
For decades, Samaritan's Purse has worked around the world to support mothers in need. This work hasn’t stopped because of the coronavirus. In a refugee camp in Iraq, we are delivering food to vulnerable families. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Samaritan's Purse is screening children for acute malnutrition, providing supplemental food, and teaching mothers how to cook nutritional meals. These projects are just a glimpse of the ways we are supporting mothers around the world.
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In this time of uncertainty, it is more critical than ever before that we hide God's Word in our hearts—because when you know the Lord, you know peace.
With this unexpected time at home, it's been God's Word that has been my anchor in the storm. Psalm 119 says that God's Word will revive you.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your Word has revived me.” Psalm 119:50 (NASB)If you are like me this Mother's Day, you need to be revived and refreshed through Scripture every day. It's in the storms of life that Satan tries to plant seeds of doubt and fear, but God's Word is our weapon to fight these lies. It is God’s Word that anchors us to weather the storms of life.
Over the years as I have faced challenges in motherhood, I have clung to the Scriptures below. These eight verses are what I keep turning back to over and over again this season. One of the things I love to do is personalize Scripture by inserting my name within the verse. It helps me remember that these promises are not only true, they are specific and personal for my day-to-day life. They are a reminder that God, the creator of the universe, knows me by name. God hasn't forgotten me in my corner of the world, and He hasn't forgotten any of you either. I post these verses throughout my home to remind me to always turn back to Scripture and to Jesus.
These eight verses are what I keep turning back to.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:16 (NIV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 (NKJV)
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
I wanted you to have these verses in a tangible way so you can write your own name inside the verses and remember to always anchor yourself in God's Word. My gift to you this Mother's Day is this beautiful PDF. I encourage you to print it and write your name in the blank. Then you can hang it on your bathroom mirror or your refrigerator door to always remember the truth of God's Word and His promises for your life. Even better, write your mom’s name in the blank or another influential woman in your life and give it to her as a precious reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Download the PDF Here and Write Your Name in the Blank Mother's Day Scripture PDFI pray that God's Word revives you in this season, and that you put your trust in Him in all circumstances.