“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Proverbs 31:17
Fortitude: : “strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage” (as defined by Merriam-Webster).
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the fortitude You weave into the intricate being of a mother. Because of this attribute (that can only come from You) she can carry a child for nine months while enduring much change and discomfort along the way. She can labor for hours upon hours in pain too severe for our limited vocabulary. She brings her baby home and pours many a day raising him or her in the truth of Your Word with the goal of a godly man or woman in mind. Here I’ve given such a meager description of her job. How much more goes into the work she does!
She often feels discouraged by the repetition of her tasks. So much of it she does 1,000 times each day (or so it seems). Thoughts arise in her mind and makes her question if the things she does actually matter at all. Remind her that they do, Lord. Small things done in great love often produce the most significant impact on people. She may not see the impact for quite some time, but fill her with the hope that every little way she cares for her home and loves her family matters in the perspective of eternity. When that discouragement fills her mind, help her to take heart.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
She often feels unimportant and unappreciated because so much of her work is mundane and often thankless. Let her know that You see every task, big or small, and that’s what truly matters. Remind her of this when she is tempted to seek out humanly praises instead of doing it all unto Your glory (Colossians 3:17). The joy of motherhood quickly disappears with this mindset, so “renew to her the joy of Your salvation and grant her a willing spirit, to sustain her.” (Psalm 51:12)
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:12
Make her arms strong for the work she must do today. Renew the fortitude You have placed within her. Let her know that she is loved, beautiful, and important in Your eyes. Remind her of the eternal perspective: this is all passing away. This season, this day, this hour, this minute… she can never have it back. May she not despair at this thought, but rather take courage and focus on using as much time as she has intentionally. Wrap her in Your peace, Jesus.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7