Lately, I’ve been distracted with thoughts of what is going on in the world these days. Honestly, how can I maintain normalcy and try and keep everything afloat while my school-aged kids are now at home?
My heart and mind are overwhelmed by trying to keep my family feeling safe and secure as I struggle to hold onto any semblance of structure we used to have in our house. I’m trying to help my kids with their schoolwork that they are now having to do from home, keep the meals coming so everyone is staying fed, establish what our new routine looks like, and basically just keep everything going for everyone else. While my heart feels heavy, I try to keep things as normal as possible for my kiddos.
I’m reminded that I was not meant to carry this load alone.
I was not created to carry the emotional load for my family.
I wasn’t made to have to shoulder the stress of making sure we have enough food in the fridge or making dishes that will stretch for two or three meals.
I was not supposed to be burdened with the worry of trying to explain what’s going on to our kids as they mourn the loss of their normal routine and missing their friends
I’ve discovered that when I do try to do all of these things by myself, I end up removing God from the situation.
When I lay those burdens down at God’s feet and choose not to carry them anymore, I’m trading in my fear for faith, my worry for worship, and my sorrows for joy. Inviting God into all my worry and doubt allows me to experience his faithfulness and recognize Him as the ultimate provider for our family.
When my negative feelings start to overwhelm me, God compels me to shift my focus off the storm surrounding me and to simply trust in him. When I choose to worship instead of worry, I’m able to thank him for all that he has done for us. I start with thanking Him for sending His son to die on the cross for our sins, so that we can have eternal life with Him and then I’m able to thank Him for all the blessings He has poured out on my life.
I thank Him for his tangible goodness in my life—a healthy family, food on our table, and a roof over our heads. When I do that, I am no longer filled with worry or fear, but with joy for all that God has provided for me. Finding joy amid the uncertainty of our difficult trials can be the single most powerful mind-shift we make to catapult us into an attitude of praise.
“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
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