Finding Joy in God's Appreciation on Mother's Day
Summary
### Summary
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. Today, I want to share a personal reflection on the profound influence mothers have had on my life. From my own mother to my wife, daughters, and daughters-in-law, I have been deeply shaped by the women in my life. However, Mother's Day can also bring a measure of grief for those who have lost their mothers or children. This day reminds us of the significant yet often thankless roles that mothers and many others play in our lives.
Reflecting on thankless jobs, I shared some personal experiences and stories to illustrate how easy it is to feel unappreciated and isolated in our roles. This feeling is not unique to mothers; many of us have jobs or responsibilities that go unnoticed. But today, I want to remind you of a powerful truth from the Bible, illustrated through the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary's life was filled with moments where she must have felt alone and unappreciated. From the angel Gabriel's announcement to her journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus in a manger, Mary faced significant challenges. Yet, she remained obedient and faithful, knowing that God saw her and valued her. This is a profound lesson for all of us: God sees us, knows our circumstances, and values what we do, even when the world does not.
Mary's story teaches us that God's opinion of us is what truly matters. Despite the isolation and lack of appreciation she faced, she found joy and significance in knowing that God had chosen her for a special purpose. Similarly, Jesus left the glory of heaven to become a man, face rejection, and ultimately die for our sins. His sacrifice reminds us that God's love and appreciation for us are beyond measure.
So, whose opinion matters most to you? Is it the world's or God's? If we value God's opinion above all, we can find joy and significance in our roles, no matter how thankless they may seem. God sees you, loves you, and appreciates you. Let this truth fill your heart with joy and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Influence of Mothers: Mothers have a profound impact on our lives, shaping us in ways we often don't fully appreciate until later. Whether it's our own mothers, our spouses, or our daughters, the role of a mother is invaluable and deserves recognition and gratitude. [01:08]
2. Feeling Unappreciated: Many of us have experienced jobs or roles where we feel unappreciated and isolated. These feelings can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that God sees us and values what we do, even when others do not. [12:58]
3. Mary's Obedience and Faith: Mary, the mother of Jesus, faced significant challenges and isolation, yet she remained obedient and faithful. Her story teaches us that God's opinion of us is what truly matters, and His recognition is more valuable than any human acknowledgment. [19:40]
4. God's Omniscience and Care: God knows exactly where we are and what we are going through. He sees beyond the surface and understands our struggles and efforts. This knowledge should bring us comfort and assurance that we are never truly alone. [27:05]
5. Valuing God's Opinion: The most important opinion in our lives should be God's. When we prioritize His view of us, we can find joy and significance in our roles, no matter how thankless they may seem. God's love and appreciation for us are constant and unwavering. [31:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - The Influence of Mothers
[02:08] - Personal Reflections on Mother's Day
[03:06] - Thankless Jobs
[04:57] - Stories of Unappreciated Roles
[08:08] - Feeling Isolated and Unimportant
[12:58] - Personal Experience with Thankless Jobs
[14:22] - Introduction to Mary's Story
[15:55] - The Angel Gabriel's Announcement
[17:05] - Mary's Response to God's Call
[19:40] - The Journey to Bethlehem
[21:38] - The Birth of Jesus
[23:50] - The Shepherds' Visit
[25:55] - God's Omniscience and Care
[27:05] - Valuing God's Opinion
[29:35] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Rejection
[31:55] - Finding Joy in God's Appreciation
[33:49] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 1:26-38 - The Angel Gabriel's Announcement to Mary
2. Luke 2:1-7 - The Birth of Jesus
3. Luke 2:8-20 - The Shepherds' Visit
### Observation Questions
1. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's announcement? (Luke 1:29-34)
2. How did Mary respond to the angel's message about her role in God's plan? (Luke 1:38)
3. Describe the circumstances of Jesus' birth as mentioned in Luke 2:1-7.
4. What was the reaction of the shepherds after the angel announced Jesus' birth to them? (Luke 2:15-17)
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mary felt confused and disturbed by the angel Gabriel's greeting? (Luke 1:29-30)
2. How might Mary's obedience to God's plan, despite the challenges, serve as an example for us today? (Luke 1:38, [19:40])
3. What significance does the shepherds' visit hold in the context of Mary feeling alone and unappreciated? (Luke 2:16-19, [24:41])
4. How does the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus illustrate the idea that God's opinion of us is what truly matters? ([27:05])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unappreciated in your role. How can Mary's story encourage you to find significance in God's view of you? ([12:58])
2. How can you remind yourself daily that God sees and values your efforts, even when others do not? ([27:05])
3. In what ways can you show appreciation to the mothers and other significant women in your life, acknowledging their often thankless roles? ([01:08])
4. How can you prioritize God's opinion over the world's in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to focus more on His view of you? ([31:55])
5. Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you draw strength from Mary's example of obedience and faith? ([19:40])
6. How can you support someone in your community who might be feeling isolated or unappreciated? What specific actions can you take this week? ([08:08])
7. Reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and how it demonstrates God's immense love and appreciation for you. How does this truth impact your sense of worth and purpose? ([29:35])
Devotional
Day 1: The Profound Influence of Mothers
Mothers have a profound impact on our lives, shaping us in ways we often don't fully appreciate until later. Whether it's our own mothers, our spouses, or our daughters, the role of a mother is invaluable and deserves recognition and gratitude. Mothers often work tirelessly behind the scenes, nurturing, guiding, and supporting their families. Their influence is far-reaching, touching every aspect of our lives, from our values and beliefs to our daily habits and decisions.
On this Mother's Day, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the significant role that mothers play. Their love and sacrifices often go unnoticed, but they are the backbone of our families and communities. Let us honor and appreciate the mothers in our lives, recognizing the profound impact they have had on shaping who we are today. [01:08]
Proverbs 31:28-29 (ESV): "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific way your mother or a mother figure has shaped your life. How can you express your gratitude to her today?
Day 2: Feeling Unappreciated in Thankless Roles
Many of us have experienced jobs or roles where we feel unappreciated and isolated. These feelings can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that God sees us and values what we do, even when others do not. In our daily lives, we may find ourselves in positions where our efforts go unnoticed, leading to feelings of insignificance and discouragement.
However, it's crucial to remember that our worth is not determined by human recognition. God sees every act of kindness, every sacrifice, and every effort we make, no matter how small. His appreciation for us is unwavering, and He values our contributions even when the world does not. Let this truth bring comfort and assurance, knowing that we are never truly alone in our endeavors. [12:58]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Identify a role or task in your life where you feel unappreciated. How can you shift your perspective to see it as service to God rather than seeking human recognition?
Day 3: Mary's Obedience and Faith
Mary, the mother of Jesus, faced significant challenges and isolation, yet she remained obedient and faithful. Her story teaches us that God's opinion of us is what truly matters, and His recognition is more valuable than any human acknowledgment. From the moment the angel Gabriel announced her divine role, Mary accepted God's call with humility and trust, despite the potential for misunderstanding and rejection from those around her.
Mary's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus in a humble manger are powerful reminders of her unwavering faith and obedience. She found joy and significance in knowing that God had chosen her for a special purpose. Her story encourages us to prioritize God's opinion above all, finding our worth and purpose in His recognition rather than seeking validation from the world. [19:40]
Luke 1:38 (ESV): "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt called to do something challenging. How did you respond, and how can Mary's example of obedience and faith inspire you in your current circumstances?
Day 4: God's Omniscience and Care
God knows exactly where we are and what we are going through. He sees beyond the surface and understands our struggles and efforts. This knowledge should bring us comfort and assurance that we are never truly alone. In moments of isolation and unappreciation, it's easy to feel forgotten and insignificant, but God's omniscience assures us that He is always aware of our circumstances.
God's care for us is constant and unwavering. He values every aspect of our lives, from our greatest achievements to our smallest struggles. This understanding should fill our hearts with peace and confidence, knowing that we are seen and loved by our Creator. Let this truth be a source of strength and encouragement in your daily walk. [27:05]
Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel unseen or unappreciated? How can you remind yourself of God's omniscience and care in those moments?
Day 5: Valuing God's Opinion Above All
The most important opinion in our lives should be God's. When we prioritize His view of us, we can find joy and significance in our roles, no matter how thankless they may seem. God's love and appreciation for us are constant and unwavering, providing a solid foundation for our identity and purpose.
Jesus' sacrifice and rejection remind us of the depth of God's love for us. He left the glory of heaven to become a man, face rejection, and ultimately die for our sins. This profound act of love should shape our understanding of our worth and significance. Let us seek to value God's opinion above all, finding our joy and purpose in His unwavering love and appreciation. [31:55]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you seek human approval. How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's opinion and find joy in His appreciation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But the truth is that beyond mothers, I'm sure that there are many people in this room who probably think that you have one of those thankless jobs, that you work in a, maybe you live in a situation and you think to yourself, I'm not sure that anybody really cares about what I'm doing. It seems to me that the only time anybody ever talks to me or recognizes anything I do is when I do something wrong." [07:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Here are two applications, if you were, that come, that I walk away from this. First, it's a reminder to me that God sees me and knows where I am and what I'm doing. And it's the same for all of us. God knows where I am. God knows what I'm doing." [26:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And if God's the most important person in our lives, and if those responses are what really matters, then wherever we are and whatever we do can today, we all be reminded that that God loves me. me and says, I love you. I see you. Thank you. You are appreciated." [31:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It reveals that Mary believed that God saw her. It reveals that Mary calls her significant. It reveals that God's opinion of her was most important. And that was that he saw her. He loved her and he appreciated what she was doing." [28:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And I think that there might be some of us, whether now or in the past, have could identify with her. She experienced one of the greatest joys of life, and it only reveals to her how alone she really is in this world. Nobody there to say thank you. Nobody is there to help her celebrate her new baby. It's just her, her husband in the barn, the animals and her new son. And keep in mind, she's in this situation because she chose to be obedient and do exactly what God had asked her to do." [22:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But second, what it's reminded me of is that we must value how God feels about us and what we are doing more than anyone else. You see, I think if we asked Mary, how did you get through this? How did you keep going? Because it didn't get a whole lot better for Mary. Listen to what she said. She says, as she reflects on this circumstance, this sequence of circumstances that I just communicated to you, here's what she says at that time in her life. Mary responded, oh, how my soul praises the Lord, how my spirit rejoices in God, my savior, for he took notice of this lowly servant girl." [27:05] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What occurred to me as I was doing this yesterday, that God didn't just ask Mary to make a choice like this. He also asked Jesus to make a similar choice. Jesus left the throne room of heaven to become a man and ultimately die for our sins and raise again from the dead. To do so was going to require for him to change his position, to go from being worshiped and adored in heaven. To be a man who was despised and rejected." [29:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I think what she's thinking about is in those moments where I feel like I'm all alone, I'm not because God always knows where I am and always knows the circumstances of my life. And that there are times he makes choices in my life, little indicators to me that I know exactly where you are. I know what's going on in your life and you may not feel significant and you may not feel valuable and you may not feel appreciated, but I know you're there. I know you're there." [25:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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