Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3 KJV
The Bible tells us that we should do everything we do for God’s glory. The big and little stuff, the fun stuff, and the glamorous stuff. But what happens when God gives us a task that we just don’t want to do? Or a day comes along when we’re sick or tired–or just plain not feeling it?
God didn’t tell us that we only need to serve Him when we’re happy, or doing things we love. We should always be striving to do our best for Him. Our service to God should come from a heart of love and not a sense of duty. But when we’re in a season that’s hard or not pleasant, how do we serve God with a smile and a joyful heart? By committing our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to Him, and allowing Him to change our hearts and minds to please Him.
How to Apply Proverbs 16:3 to Motherhood
“But I don’t want to!” You’ve probably heard your child say those words at least once–probably in their whinest voice. And in most situations, you’ve probably replied, “It doesn’t really matter what you want, you have to do it anyway.” (In my house, this usually applies to schoolwork.)
While we often lament this attitude in our kids, are we really so much different? How many times are we faced with tasks we’d rather not do, or responsibilities we’d rather hand off to someone else? And in our very mature, very grown-up minds, we whine to our Heavenly Father, “But I don’t want to!” But, just like our kids, we often have to do things we don’t want to do. Sure, we can go about them with a huff and a foot stomp and a not-very-nice attitude, but does that really bring glory to God?
When I’m mopping up spilled milk or sweeping crumbs off the counter for the fifteenth time, while grumbling and complaining, I’m probably not honoring God through my actions.Instead of whining, we can ask the Lord to intervene, and give us the right attitude as we serve Him. Commit every part of what you do to the Lord, and He will give you joy in your heart and life as you complete your tasks for Him.
Commit your thoughts to the Lord.
I’ve found that when I’m feeling down in the doldrums, my thoughts can often take off into some very ugly places. More than once, I’ve found myself scrubbing a toilet and muttering under my breath about how unfair life is. When I find myself complaining the most, I’ve found that it’s because I’m not thinking about the right things. That’s why it’s important to give our thoughts to the Lord.
Ask Him to replace negative or sinful thoughts with thoughts of His goodness and love. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Commit your actions to the Lord.
It’s easy to feel like the things you do as a mom aren’t very important. Jobs like cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry aren’t very glamorous. As a child of God, you are called to do whatever you do for Him, no matter how big or small. Instead of considering your work in your home as something you have to do, think of it as something you get to do.
This one tiny mindset shift can truly change your life. Remind yourself that God sees the little things, and He will reward you for your work. Commit to do everything as if you were truly doing it for Him. That will change everything. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:23)
Commit your attitude to the Lord.
When you ask one of your kids to do something for you, and they do it mumbling under their breath or complaining the whole time, are you pleased? Sure, they obeyed and did what you asked, but their stinky attitude was almost worse than disobedience. God cares about our attitude, too. And He always sees it. You can’t even paste on a fake smile to fool Him.
It’s not easy to face hard things with a good attitude, but we can do it through His power. That’s the promise of Proverbs 16:3. If we commit whatever we’re doing to Him, no matter how big or small, He hears. He will establish our thoughts and hearts in the right direction. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
A Prayer from Proverbs 16:3
Lord, help me today as I’m serving You. Help me to remember that all I do is for You. Please, help me to dwell on good things and fill my mind with happy thoughts. I give you every part of my day. Every task I will do today is for You. Help me to have the right attitude, and point others to You through my actions. I commit my life to You to be a willing servant in whatever You call me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Find more Wisdom in Proverbs for Moms devotions here.
Guest Blogger Bio.
Lyndsie is a child of God, wife, and stay-at-home mom to two boys whose names both start with J–and she usually can’t remember which is which. She’s the writer at The Flourishing Mama where she encourages moms to thrive in faith, family and home.