Trusting God is the tipping point between hope and despair.
Recently, I attended a single parents’ group at my church. It was refreshing to remember I’m not the only one dealing with single-parent stress. Collectively, we had a lot to pray about.
Being a Single Mom is Hard. Here are some worries:
- Depleted emergency fund
- Not having time or energy to focus adequately on a child’s serious health issues
- Job loss
- A child’s social anxiety, caused by dysfunctional relationships
- No contact from your absent ex to his or her child
- A child’s recurrent nightmares
- Volatile ex/safety concerns
- A teen’s abandonment issues
- Effects of constant fatigue on your relationships with your kids
- A child’s difficult relationship with a narcissistic ex
- Inward, dangerous depression, either yours or your child’s
The Bible exhorts us to redirect our worry energies into prayer. Faith is a strong bulwark against fear. God provided it for serious, real-life troubles. Prayer activates our faith and changes our perspective.
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV).
Note the absolutes: “anything” and “everything.” We are either going to worry or trust. We’re going to dwell on the problem, or on the Savior. We’re going to buy the compelling lie or believe the unseen victory.
It’s our choice. We can trust God with every worry.
Intentionally.
Frequently.
