Mom Heart Moments #217

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

I PICTURE MY SOUL AS A GARDEN that must be tended and cultivated and watered. If my own soul is healthy, then those who draw from my soul will receive true nurture and strength. All the great women I know have been very intentional about cultivating and building themselves into godly people. They invested purposefully to become who they are.

What are some ways to fill your own soul, so that you may have strength and love to give? Here are three areas to consider:

1. Surround yourself with good and godly friends. Find those friends: challenge a friend or two to be a prayer partner, to study a book together, or to meet with you on a regular basis.
2. Spend time every day with the Lord. Find books, resources, people who can help you with this. Some simple ways to do this: go through Psalms and circle or underline every promise or character quality of God. Read one chapter of John or Matthew a day and write down one lesson you have learned. Read through Philippians and note all the ways Paul tells us to follow Jesus. You get the idea!
3. Clean out your soul on a regular basis. Get rid of rubbish that has kept you from experiencing God’s love. “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Don’t hang on to bitterness or condemnation —it will poison you. We must rid our hearts of lies that would keep us from experiencing the generous love of God.

How might you incorporate these three suggestions into your daily life? Can you see them as ways the Lord is drawing you with His kindness?