​Revelation 21

“I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Revelation 21:2-4 (NIV)
 
A Prayer Over Our Children
Oh God my God, let my children behold Your holy city, the new Jerusalem. May You wipe each tear from their eyes and may they no longer know death, mourning, crying, or pain. Make them new again and let them drink from the springs of Your living waters. May Your glory, oh God, be their shining light with the Lamb as their lamp. Purify my children, I plead, and write their names in Your book of Life.
 
More Than Enough
 
     Snappy words. Frayed edges and tested patience. Exhaustion hovered thick. A long day. A rushed and busy one.
     The unpopular dinner choice did not help matters. Nor did the bare pantry. Like a bear searching for food, I foraged for the next day’s lunch. Not much met my fingertips. A can of tuna, an old jar of peanut butter, and a bag of chocolate chips met my exploration. Other dried goods stood at attention, inspiring little excitement.

     Even Sweet Pea struggled. Her typical smile drooped.  Tears brimmed. She wanted to be done with her homework. She, like all of us, wanted this day to be over.

     Bedtime rapidly approached. Still more homework. Still no shower. With every passing minute, Sweet Pea despaired of whether time remained for devotions and bedtime story. Though bodies dragged, time elapsed, and weariness cluttered our minds, an emerging thought quickened. A mom who regiments schedules and timeframes, I threw caution to the wind.

     “How about we all snuggle?” I proposed. All I wanted to do was fast-forward the evening to a close. But the thought of crowding on my daughter’s bed around the Bible with a bedtime story appealed to my frazzled edges. Something about the stillness. Something about the peaceful quiet away from the day’s chaos. Something about the togetherness in God’s Word. Sweet Pea brightened. New energy infused her little body. Homework finished, crayons put away, and shower now completed, we gathered for Operation Snuggle.

     There we crowded, all three crammed onto Sweet Pea’s bed. Her Bible lay between us with a storybook beside it.
     …but the Word of the Lord stands forever,” my husband finished reading. Word after word of God had washed over us, breaking the heavy weariness. Peace settled deep. Restfulness of mind and spirit restored. 
     “Skip the story tonight,” I suggested, aware of the late hour. Disappointed, Sweet Pea rallied.
     “A short story, please?” she begged. Her eyes pleaded. Hope lit her countenance. I waivered.
     “Okay,” I yielded, “A short one.” The book on the bed was filled with Bible stories. I flipped open the book to a random page and pointed.
     “Elijah and the widow of Zarephath.” Sweet Pea read. Then, she smiled at the story’s title. “More Than Enough.” These three words pierced me. They resonated and shook.

     As my husband read aloud, the Holy Spirit rolled over me. During a day where I constantly grasped at straws, this simple reminder of God’s faithfulness ministered to my most deep places. If God never allowed the widow’s flour or oil to run dry, and if He gave the spirit of life back to the widow’s son, then God is more than enough for me. He is more than enough to help my family and I make it through the day. He is more than enough to help with my patience. He is more than enough to provide. He can help me transform our remaining pantry items into tomorrow’s lunch. God is more than enough.
​
     These simple yet profound truths girded my weary feet with the holy armor of peace. Fresh breath filled my lungs. The spirit of heaviness lifted to one of praise. For no matter our circumstances or challenges, I will be content. Because God is more than enough. He is always enough. For He is Jehovah Jireh. He is good.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnnFeMqwnZc
Jireh (feat. Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine & Mav City Gospel Choir) - YouTube
 
 
A Parent’s Prayer
Lord, be more than enough for me this day. Help me be content in every circumstance.
For You have chosen me and know me by name. Thank You for always being with me and for always being more than enough. Amen.