I find myself feeling down-in-out because school is starting.
Yes, I’m one of “those moms,” even with seven kids. But probably not why you think. I don’t feel the need to be with my kids 24/7. Although I will miss that some days. Truthfully, most days I’ll probably feel a sigh of relief when they walk out the door and I can bask in the quiet.
But, starting on the first day of school, I will long for the more relaxed days of summer.
The days when things should get done, but don’t need to get done.
No homework. No after-school activities. Less church activities. Less practicing of this and that. More of just being together and the kids being kids.
I know that routine is generally good for kids, as long as they aren’t over-scheduled. But with seven kids, even if they aren’t over-scheduled, MOM is. Plus the constant nagging thought that I’m always forgetting something. Forgetting to have them wear a certain shirt, or take a snack for their class, or help them study for a test.
Going to the Bible to look for encouragement, I was led to Psalm 27 (NIV).
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (vs 1)
Sometimes the Psalms are comforting. Many times, if you read a lot of the Psalms, they are about wars and enemies.
“When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” (vs 2-3)
Living the blessed life that I do, I have no armies besieging me. And enemies? Well, not everyone likes me, and truthfully, I don’t like everyone. But I can’t say they are my enemies. So how is this relevant? Let’s change some of the words, hopefully without altering the meaning.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—what shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of what shall I be afraid?
When time and busyness advance against me to devour me, it is not I who will stumble and fail. Though everything comes at me, my heart will not be crushed; though I feel penned in on all sides, even then will I be confident.”
HOW does this happen? How will my heart not be crushed with everything coming at me at once? Let’s look at the following verses:
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted about the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice when I call, LORD, be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (vs 4-8)
Have you ever had it when God was trying to get your attention? One way when you hear the same theme over and over in different places. Guess what we’ve been studying in church? Seeking God’s face. Coincidence? I think not.
Seek Him.
Seek Him.
Seek Him.
“Then my mind will be uplifted even when busyness and stress surround me; dwelling in him I will surrender with shouts of joy! I will sing and make music to the LORD!”
Thank you Lord God, for being with me always. And may I always continue to spend time with you, seeking your face.
