out of the doldrums

My husband just finished three weeks in a row of travel away from home. Thankfully, he was home on the weekends and part of the last week, and my parents made it down for the last few days of this marathon race of solo parenting, for which I was also very thankful.

This season of life has been a battle for joy. I find joy in God's Word and the hope that anchors my soul. There is joy in the smiles and laughter of my children.  There is joy in the knowledge that God continues to be faithful to me when I am not faithful to Him. There is joy knowing that He promises to complete His work in me. And I am thankful for friends that check in and pray for me when I'm short on patience.

But it's a battle.

This year my girls are memorizing Ephesians 6 in our Homeschool Community. I need the daily reminder to:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the principalities of darkness. (verses11-12).

...pray(ing) at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplicaiton for all saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (verses 18-20)

 As a mom, I often forget to pray for my kids. It's easy to leave the Gospel out when I'm angry. But it's the Gospel that I need for strength and peace. It's the Gospel that they need for forgiveness and restoration. 

I'm not sure I'm completely out of the doldrums yet, but I am asking for the faith to wake up each day prepared to fight for joy and boldly proclaim the Gospel, speaking light into darkness.