Merciful Moments for M.O.M.SSýnishorn

Introduction: Receive God’s Mercy More

I studied parenting books, attended classes, prayed, prepared, and was ready. Ready to give my daughter all the love, support, and provision possible.

But was I really ready? Fear and insecurity consumed me as I left the hospital as a first-time mom. While I was smiling outwardly, I was wrestling inwardly.

I didn’t want to make a wrong move. I didn’t want to let her down. Failure wasn’t an option.

Can you relate?

As Moms, we want the best for our children. While we pray, have plans and dreams, each day brings its own set of challenging circumstances, unexpected adventures, and continual adjustments. As we navigate the ever-changing journey of motherhood, our bodies, minds, and spirits are tested to the limits. The good news is that God’s mercy is with us, and we can start again.

Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘mercy’ as “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one who is subject to another person’s power.”

When mistakes happen, God doesn’t shun us away as a chastising tyrant. Instead, He lovingly leads us with new grace and mercy each day.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

For the voice that is raised in frustration, God’s mercies are new.

For the worried mind and overwhelmed soul, God’s mercies are new.

For the everyday moments that are never captured on social media, God’s mercies are new.

The Bible speaks to the importance of us receiving God’s mercy.

Hebrews 4:16 talks about approaching God with confidence to receive God’s mercy in our time of need.

We condemn ourselves when we fall short because of unrealistic expectations we set or comparisons to what those moms do.

Thankfully, God’s mercy is a gift to believers and not dependent on whether our floors are spotless.

Let God’s new mercies renew your mind and restore your heart whatever season of motherhood you are in.

I will share encouragement using the M.O.M.S acronym so you can exchange perfectionism for peace, guilt for grace, and mistakes for God’s mercy.

As you begin these five days, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning.

Reflection Question: What season of motherhood are you currently in? In what ways will you begin to receive God’s mercy more in your life?