“Mommy, will you play with me?” My three-year-old daughter asks me this question multiple times a day. It doesn’t matter if she has had a full day at preschool, or we just came back in from playing outside. Playing is her number one priority. In her young mind, all she wants is her mommy’s full attention.  I love playing with my daughter, and watching her get excited about playing with Legos, playdough or blowing bubbles. Despite her persistent pleas, there are many times when my mind is pre-occupied and I’m thinking about all the things that I have to get done, or working to complete the next deadline.

Sound familiar?

Similar to my daughter desperately wanting to spend time with me, our Heavenly Father wants the same for His children. Daily, God is persistently calling us to stop what we are doing and spend time with Him. God wants our undivided attention so we can listen, talk and grow with Him. Reading God’s Word, praying, journaling, listening to worship music, or just quietly sitting in His presence are a few ways that we stay connected to our Heavenly Father.

Despite what I have going on, my daughter wants me to focus all my attention on her. Often, I stop what I’m doing and there are times that I don’t.  While I don’t always stop what I’m doing in the moment, my daughter knows that I love her.  When we do play together, our time is fun, and we make meaningful memories.

Despite our imperfections and not always getting “it” right, God’s mercies are new every morning and they meet us exactly where we are. Romans 8:1 states, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  

Whatever season of motherhood you are in, God’s mercies are new.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

In our relationship with God, there are many times where God is calling us to spend more quality time with Him, but we have been “too busy” or preoccupied. We’ve told God or ourselves, I’ll get to you in a minute, an hour, or tomorrow.  We have the best intentions, but many times, we put God on the backburner and there are many things that we allow to separate us from God.

Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Due to God’s great love for us, He doesn’t chastise us for not putting Him first, but He continually draws us back to Him.

God just wants our presence.  God’s mercy covers us time and time again. No amount of deadlines, distractions, or dissension will keep us from God’s love.

If you have allowed the daily demands of motherhood to override you spending quality, uninterrupted time with God, be encouraged. Just like my daughter calling me to play with her, God continues to call us to spend time with our loving Father.  God is still drawing us closer.

God wants us to look up, sit with Him, and simply enjoy His presence. As we do so, we will continue to deepen our relationship with Him and get to know Him more.

God loves us enough to not give up on our relationship.  Despite the excuses, barriers, or things we put before God on a daily basis, our Heavenly Father’s mercy never runs out and He constantly pursues us.

God’s mercy is a gift to believers, and is evident by Christ dying on the cross for us. We can’t work for God’s mercy; it is freely given to all who accept Him.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5 NIV)

Today, I invite you to receive God’s fresh new mercy each day in motherhood and life. God loves us as His precious children and there is nothing that will separate us from that love. Reconnect with our Heavenly Father and let Him strengthen, guide and encourage you as you navigate varying seasons of motherhood and life.

Reflect & Relate

1. What things have you placed before spending more quality time with God?
2. How will you allow God’s mercy to help you start again, and draw closer back to God?

Let Us Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally and Your mercy that is new every morning. Please forgive me for times when I’ve placed things, tasks, or relationships above You. Thank you that there is no condemnation in Christ, and that you are always drawing me closer to You. As I spend more time with You, help me to continue to enjoy Your presence and Your love as my Heavenly Father.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

About Our Guest Blogger

Kirstyn Mayden is a Christian blogger who writes devotionals that empower and equip believers in their everyday lives. She is a wife, Mom, and loves Jesus. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. For the last 20 years, Kirstyn has served in several ministry capacities. She has a passion to serve with women empowering them to grow and live out their God-given purpose. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry in West Virginia. She is the author of Merciful Moments: A Devotional Journal for Moving Forward with Grace Each Day. Connect with Kirstyn’s blog here or on IG @kirstynsmayden. Kirstyn also has a wonderful resource on the YouVersion Bible App titled, Merciful Moments for M.O.M.S Devotional Plan. Click here to start this encouraging plan.