Let’s be honest, the life of a single parent can be tough. Really tough! It has the potential to beat us down with trials, challenges, sorrows and real-life worries, most of which we can’t really control. I tend to explain it as “putting out fires”, and I must admit that I spend a lot of energy and time putting out fires. How about you? My guess is; I’m not alone. Us single mom’s hold a lion’s share of responsibility. Day-in, and day-out, hard core responsibility.

Our goal with this weekly blog is to provide a safe place for the MomsHope community to explore God’s word of hope, and in doing so, allow it to inspire us to grow into the women we are called to be—for God, ourselves, our children, and all our relationships.

Great news…God provides so many scriptures that are rich with words of encouragement. They give us hope and the direction we need! As we read in our scripture for this week—when we lean into our faith in him, and believe in his power, we can have peace in the midst of our difficult situations. But even more than that, we can have joy! I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotta have me some joy!! The joy that only God can give too. The joy that doesn’t disappoint when so many things around me are disappointing.

I suspect that for many of us, the concept of joy seems out of our reach because life is just too hard, circumstances just too unpredictable, responsibilities just too demanding. But the truth is, joy is possible. Yes, possible. Joy is also biblical, and fortunately very different from happiness.

Happiness is simple. It’s a feeling; an emotional response based on circumstances being good and going the way we want them to go. Joy is different. It is an attitude of the heart even when circumstances seem grim. It’s a choice not a feeling. It’s a knowing that God is in control even when we are not, and that he is ‘for us” even when we don’t necessarily see things going our way. In essence, Joy is a choice to trust God’s goodness to prevail even against the odds, and in doing so, we receive   a sense of peace in the midst of those same chaotic circumstances.

My hope and my prayer for you this week is that the next time you find your heart racing and your mind spinning out of control because life is just too difficult, ask God to meet you there—in the whirlwind—and give you the peace, and the hope, and the joy he has promised when we choose to believe his Word, and trust him in the midst of all our life challenges. Wipe those eyes clear and look to the one who will never leave you or forsake you.

Reflect and Respond:

What situations tend to steal your joy? What is one practical action or choice you can make to help you focus more on God and what he can do for you instead of circumstances you can’t necessarily control? Some possible suggestions include (1) Write the scripture of the week (or any scripture that encourages you) on a post it note and place in a special spot to remind you of God’s power, presence, and love. (2) Make an extra effort to connect with a friend, another single mom, or your mentor when you need some extra encouragement.

Remember, you are not alone. Have a blessed week.