Wherever You Are: Grace for Momsنموونە

One of the first passages that caught my heart as I began to spend time with the Word and in the Word was Matthew 6:9-13. In these verses, Jesus taught his disciples (and us) how to pray. That prayer, known as the Lord’s Prayer, starts with the words “Our Father.” Jesus emphasized that before anything else—before we confess our sin, before we praise God’s very worthy name, before we call for his Kingdom to come, strategize about our to-do list, or ask for all we need—before all of those important and very good things—he wants us to know him as Father.

Immediately, I thought of my own kids and how my whole being overflowed with joy when I lifted my daughter out of her crib in the morning. I would cover her face with kisses and snuggle her close. And even with my older teenage son, I am thrilled beyond measure when he plops down on the couch next to me. I shoulder up next to him, listening and laughing, encouraging him when needed.

Spending time with my children is a priceless blessing that makes me glad. All my children’s failures don’t come rushing to mind. I don’t require them to apologize or listen to a lecture before I can love them or listen to their dreams and concerns.

Yes, just as a parent wants the best for their child, God knows, addresses, and deals with our shortcomings and failures. He desires that we learn from them and course-correct when needed—for our own good and for the good of his Kingdom, not to satisfy his justice. Jesus already did that.

Precious Daughter, due to Jesus you are without fault before God. He made a way for us to be holy so that he could make a way for us to be his daughters. Your Father loved you and chose you before the world was even created. He decided to make you holy not based on your own perfection or what you could do for him but because he loved you. From the very beginning, God’s plan didn’t rest on you or your actions, but on Jesus.

Declare Out Loud over Yourself

Because I was chosen and loved by God before the world was even created, he sent Jesus to make me holy and faultless (based on Ephesians 1:4).

Declare Out Loud over Your Child

Because [child’s name] was chosen and loved by God before the world was even created, he sent Jesus to make them holy and faultless.

Connect with Your Heavenly Father

What is one (or more) thing(s) you’re thankful for? What is something you appreciate about who God is? Set a timer for one minute. Wherever you are, pause and rest in his presence.