Single Mom’s Devotional: 5-Day Guide
Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Kathy
The Life of a single mom Ministries exists to ensure that no mother walks alone. Your preciousness is treasured by a loving Heavenly Father. We are here to help you, no matter what your journey or story. Single mothers should feel empowered, supported, and encouraged to live a fulfilling life. Regardless of whether they are just starting out or have been doing it for years, this single mom’s devotional is for you.
A Prayer for Single Moms | Single Mom’s Devotional
Father, you can see me. You can see the long road. It’s clear how difficult life has been and how much of my past has changed. There are times when I feel totally and utterly alone. All this is possible because I have to look at you. Help me not to lose faith. Allow me to recognize the generosity and help of others, and to be open with my family members who love me. Allow me to show grace and forgiveness to others who don’t get it. Heal my heart. Use me. You can use my story to encourage others. Give me perspective every day. Remind me daily that you are always there for me, and how much you love me. ~ Amen.
Day 1: Finding The Courage | Single Mom’s Devotional
Fear can cripple us and take our lives. It’s a gradual suffocation in courage that we usually hide well. But, behind closed doors we tremble, worry, and cry. Fear is a powerful force that binds, inhibits, subtracts and withers. It crushes and shatters. The joy that once came from the Lord is now replaced by anger and despair. Fear can make us give up on the joy of God-led pursuits and accept the misery that comes with them. Fear often rears its ugly head during times of transition.
Many Christians struggle with fear, allowing it to control them secretly and slowly. This is especially true for single mothers, who probably never imagined they would be where you are today. There is good news today. We can conquer fear and find our courage.
Fearlessness is essential for winning battles. You must be full of courage. Fear is a killer when it comes to caring for your children, managing your finances well, building lasting friendships, and being able to parent them. The Father in Heaven gave us the opportunity to live a full life free of worry, fear, and anxiety. Three things can be done to conquer fear and to move towards the freedom Christ gave us with great courage.
Fear, Acknowledge it
If fear did not come from the Lord, who then gave it to you? We must be Christians and understand that Satan gave fear to us to distract us from the Lord’s plans. It is important to understand what it means and then recognize that we have the power to expel fear through the shed blood of Christ.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and sound mind.
1 Timothy 1:7
Seek God Until He Takes Away Our Fears
God gives courage. Even when all seems hopeless, scary, and impossible to overcome, keep fighting for freedom from fear. During prayer, keep pressing for courage. Ask God to release you from any fear.
Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Most importantly, keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will open.
Matthew 7:7-8
Speak the truth
Even if you don’t feel like speaking the truth, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. Are you in an unanticipated situation right now? Do you worry about your future? What are your children’s choices? Your finances? Your singleness? God promises victory, authority, strength.
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Joshua 1:5
Take the first step to conquer your fears. Although it may take time, you can make a decision today to overcome your fears. Do not clamor in a corner as if you have no hope. Your God is bigger than any challenge you face. He will never leave you. Don’t let fear stop you from facing your fears. Prepare for war. Fight against the one who lies to you, and take the joy God paid for. Stand up against authority.
Things To Think About Today:
What’s your biggest fear right now? What percentage of your day do you spend worrying about this fear? What does this amount to over a year? How can you divert your focus from fear and instead put it on something more positive?
Identify 4 truths that the Bible reveals about who you are. What does God have to say about your future? Which Scriptures can be a source of comfort in times of fear? Write a prayer explaining to God why you are afraid. Ask him to remove that fear.
Day 2: Learn To Heal | Single Mom’s Devotional
It is not common to have single parenthood. It’s the unexpected twist or turn that happens. No matter how you got to single parenthood, whether it was through a failed relationship or death, there are often traumas associated with the journey. It can be difficult to accept the loss of something once loved. It can be difficult to accept the loss of a dream, the dream of a better future with a loved person. Yet, this is where you are now. What are you going to do? Too many people are too busy trying to heal, without having grieved the loss. Too often single moms are too busy juggling two jobs and a carpool that they neglect to grieve. We can’t find healing if we don’t allow ourselves to grieve properly.
Our healing is for our families and children, but it’s also for us.
There are many stages in the grieving process, and each person’s experience will be different. These stages include anger, bargaining, denial and shock. Acceptance and forgiveness are the only way to move forward. In a future devotional we’ll be able to discuss forgiveness, but for now let’s focus on grief. It’s OK to feel angry and stay there for a while. It is okay to get into denial and bargaining periods. True healing involves moving through stages of grief and then moving on. This is our goal. Moving on, Grieving, Healing. Although it can be difficult and the journey may be lengthy and difficult, the most important thing to remember is that your healing will come. You will continue your journey. Your God is with you.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
These tips are not universally applicable and may not work for you. Most often, however, the Lord will be there with his embrace and wholeness when we have allowed ourselves a reasonable amount of grieving and then decided to heal from past hurts.
Read A Good Book | Single Mom’s Devotional
Book reading is an increasingly time-consuming task that many people don’t have the time or desire to do. Avoid social media and TV. Instead, take some time to read a book. It is calming and relaxing and can help you learn, grow, and hear from God. Even just the act of reading a book for a few minutes can make a difference in your life. Silence is often where you find the best of life.
Turn Your Cell Phone Off For One Hour Each Day
Yes, completely off. Get rid of all electronics. Accept the stillness, calm and quiet. We are a culture that is too busy, too quick, and too impatient. Unfortunately, our modern conveniences such as cell phones can lead to distractions like missed calls, text messages, emails, and other distractions that further overwhelm us and make it difficult to focus on self-care.
Start A Blog, Vlog, Or Personal Journal
It is very therapeutic to share your personal story, even if it is only with you. You also have the wonderful gift of looking back at what God has done in your life over time, whether it be for weeks, months or years. It helps you be thankful for God’s work, even when it is hard to remember. It doesn’t matter if you share it with another person. You’ll do it for yourself and allow yourself to grieve and heal.
Seek Counseling | Single Mom’s Devotional
We all need to have a professional at times. You can get help from a licensed counselor, a lay counselor, or a life coach at your church. Sometimes sharing your journey and receiving Godly advice can be enough to help you start your journey to healing. Note: Many churches offer counseling for free.
Have A One-Hour Meeting With A Friend Each Week
Go for a cup of coffee and a chat with a friend. It doesn’t matter if you are focusing on the present or future. Just relax and enjoy some girl-time. You can focus on their achievements, as well as their dreams and hopes. This gives you an opportunity to stop focusing on your problems.
Leave Your House Regularly
This seems simple enough, but it can be dangerous when we are dealing with trauma or trying to overcome an obstacle. Isolation can be dangerous. Don’t do it! If it is difficult to get out of bed, keep going! You’ll find it easier the next time.
Take Your Kids Out Monthly
All ages of children love to spend time with their moms. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but one day per month can be called “mommy-kids-day”. You can also plan activities at your house. This is a small gesture that can make your children feel loved, safe, and secure. This is also a way to help your own healing.
Write A Daily Affirmation | Single Mom’s Devotional
Find one thing about you that you love, are proud of, or God says about you each day. If you feel down, read your affirmations.
Maintain Your Physical Health
This is something we know can be difficult to do. Your physical health can have a direct effect on your emotional health, and vice versa. Take care of yourself – both inside and out!
Pursuing Hobbies
Keep your mind busy with simple tasks. You’ll find joy in the simplest things.
Serve Someone Else
Volunteerism allows you to help others. You can serve a friend, a sister, or a total stranger. Serve someone. Even at an early age, this is a wonderful way to show your children that you care. Giving back to others is a great way of improving our community and increasing our sense of well-being.
Create A Support System
Get involved in a support group for single mothers or a women’s Bible study. Gathering is powerful. Get involved in your church. Your life can be transformed by a healthy church
Things To Think About Today | Single Mom’s Devotional
Are you at the right place in your healing journey? What words could you use to describe the emotional and spiritual state of your life today? Or words of hope and freedom? Or would they be words of freedom and hope? Please describe someone who has been healed by the Bible. What is their reaction to the Bible-healed person?
And, what obstacles are you facing in your quest to heal from the past? What does Scripture have to say about healing? What Scriptures are you able to refer back to? Which three items from the above list can you incorporate into your next week’s routing? Write a prayer asking God to heal you from the past.
Day 3: Look For Your Strength and Your Purpose | Single Mom’s Devotional
It’s not easy to make a change in your life. As a single mother, it is difficult to plan for the future. Your budget, parenting style, and friendship circle may look different than they did a few weeks, months, or even years ago. It’s not easy to find strength and purpose in the face of change. How can you find the strength to keep going? How can you be a parent for as long as 20 years without any help? Besides,How can you find the courage to believe in a situation that seems impossible? What can you do to find meaning when all you know is gone?
It’s not about winning today. It’s about what you do while you’re fighting. The battle might last for a while. It can be really difficult to find purpose and strength. Faith is the foundation of strength. When you find strength, it is beautiful. You will forever change your life when you understand the “why” of the fight and find your purpose. These are the things you should know about purpose and strength:
Push Through Even If All Believes You Should Quit
Do you remember times in your life where you wanted to quit? The strength is the deep and powerful, which your Savior has given you that will not allow you to quit. This strength allows us to find our purpose. It is all about persevering in battle. You can’t quit if you don’t want to fight.
Our Purpose Is Often Found In Hardship
Our purpose on this earth is to serve the Lord and tell others about him. What does this look like? What can we do when our lives are so difficult that it is impossible to get through each day? Through hardships, strength is built! It is the ability to fight well, endure, and strengthen your muscles. When everything you touch is blessed, strength is not developed at the top of a mountain. When all you have is the promise and no evidence, strength can be developed in the valley. There will be some trials that test your faith, build your character and strengthen your integrity.
Desperation is the source of strength.
He is developing strength deep within your soul. This hardship will be worthwhile. One day, your purpose might be to help another mom get through hardship. You might have been called to lead a Bible Study that you would not normally lead, unless your heart was in the fire.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
The Strength You Possess Is About Who Possesses You
Understanding your weaknesses is the key to strength. This is where most people get into trouble. We attempt to make it to the top in our own strength and get into church. You have probably made many mistakes, maybe you have made a major life change.
Strength isn’t about traditionalism, legalism, and following set rules that no one can follow. It is about having a conversation with our King. Understanding the God we are a part of is strength. He sets the sun in the morning, the stars at night, and commands all the waters with His voice.
Strength Doesn’t Always Look Like We Think It Should
Unexpected ways and unexpected times will bring strength. Perhaps you have been praying for days, weeks or even years about a particular situation and are tired. All of a sudden, God appears on the scene and performs miraculous acts. The story of the slave who died in Luke 7:1-10 is something that brings back to mind. The Roman officer sent Jesus to heal his slave. The slave is eventually healed. However, Jesus doesn’t heal him when he fasts, prays for him or even sees his condition. The faith of another heals him. He did not ask for anything, and the healing didn’t happen in the way I expected. The healing and strength did come, nevertheless. Anyone reading this today needs to know that God loves you and will make things work for your good in His time, His way
Walking in authority, the authority Jesus paid to us for, allows us to see ourselves differently. We are stronger. Our purposes are bigger. Your strength is all about others in your life , the lost and the broken. Your pain, your struggle, was all about them.
Things To Think About Today | Single Mom’s Devotional
What would you have answered if someone had asked you 10 years earlier about your hopes, dreams, and aspirations? What has changed in that regard? Which areas are you weak in? Do you know anyone who is strong in these areas?
List your top three strengths on a piece of paper. What are your top 3 strengths? What can you do with these strengths to serve the purposes of God’s will? Which Scriptures can you find in God’s strength and what Scriptures are you able to find?
Day 4: Hope | Single Mom’s Devotional
What is hope? What are your thoughts when you hear the words? And, what thoughts does it bring up? Perhaps you picture a young mother with her baby growing inside of her womb, and the hope for the future. Perhaps you think about hard working colleagues who hope for that promotion. Maybe hope is the expectation that you will grow, such as when a new plant is planted or the hope of losing weight, after working out for weeks. There are many things we hope for.
We say things like “I wish you a great day.” I hope my team wins. It doesn’t rain today, I hope.” But these “hopes” don’t fit the Christian definition of hope. These things are more like wishful-thinking. Hope isn’t a feeling, an emotion, or an unmet dream. Biblical hope is much more than this!
Changes are inevitable.
Life gets hard. These challenges are part of life. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been crying out to God on your bedroom or bathroom floor, as the world’s weight can sometimes be too much. Sometimes I wonder how I could have hoped when my world was shattered and my future looked bleak. I didn’t have any money or friends. It can be difficult.
Take a moment to think about Paul. Paul was being pressed from all sides. Paul was on the move, spreading the gospel of Christ to all parts of the globe. He was in full-time ministry! He was a Christian and had given his whole life to Christ. Moreover, he was falsely accused, beaten, imprisoned and homeless. Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, then v. 8-10. Paul was tired and pressed, and there were many obstacles. Do you feel the same?
There Is Power In Scripture
It is our truth, strength, and constant reminder when life seems difficult or hopeless. To know the power that you have, we must believe in the Word. Hosea 4:6 says my people perish for lack of knowledge. Because we don’t know it, we often don’t have all the power we need. We can stand firm on the Word of God, even when we are going through hardship or in the wilderness. He will never leave you. He will hold you up with his right hand, the victorious one. That is the true hope!
You Must Learn To Be A “Driver” In The Wilderness
Wilderness can be dangerous and we can wander aimlessly, waiting for the next thing and praying that God will provide. We must be active participants in the wilderness season. It is essential that we actively seek the face of God. It is a huge difference to be a passenger and a driver. A car’s passengers can become completely disconnected from the vehicle. Passengers don’t need to know where they are going. They don’t need to be able to identify the best routes. They don’t need to be wise and safe. Drivers need to be aware of the surroundings. Good drivers take responsibility for their car.
Drivers don’t whine, they don’t blame others, they don’t question why. They follow the directions on the map and drive. We must take control of our lives, children and situations, and then use the God-given map (His word, His Spirit) to guide us. We cannot just stand by and watch. Participation is essential.
Rest
Rest is the hardest thing most of us can do. We are mothers. We have to balance two jobs, carpooling, homework, chores, and to-do lists that are way too long. It seems absurd to rest. Yet, peace is found where there is rest. Assess what you have learned during this season. You can take some time to lay down on your back and enjoy God’s presence. Relax in Christ’s eternal peace.
Hope is one of the fruits that the spirit produces. When you received Christ as your Savior, hope was given. You are NOT desperate. Poor choices are the result of desperation. Desperation can lead to anxiety, worry, and panic. When there is no hope, desperation can occur. You don’t need to be desperate for the perfect job or a future husband. Because you trust in faith, hope, and love, you are patiently and confidently waiting.
Things To Think About Today | Single Mom’s Devotional
What do you want in your life right now? What is the future you want for your children?Describe the difference in the hope that the world offers and the hope that Christ offers. You can still have faith in yourself, even under difficult circumstances.
Please describe a time in your life when God performed a miracle. Consider the following Scriptures that can be used to help you find hope. Make a prayer for God about the things you have experienced in the past that have made it difficult to believe and what will make it better.
Day 5: Learning Forgiveness | Single Mom’s Devotional
You may feel less precious on certain days. Your feelings do not have anything to do with God’s truth about your life. Understanding your value is part of healing and learning to forgive. Your value doesn’t depend on a situation or a person. It is tied to Christ and his love is endless. It is possible that you have been wrongly called in the past. You may have been hurt by someone or heard things about you that were not true. But God calls you: Chosen, Beloved, Daughter, Friend, Redeemed, Free, and Treasured.
It is much easier to forgive once you accept that truth.
Forgiveness is possible and sometimes forgiveness can be difficult.
For most people, it is not easy or natural. We must remember that forgiveness doesn’t have to be about them. It’s not about what they did or said. It’s about us and about choosing to live in the freedom Christ offers. It is about seeing the worst in a situation, circumstance, or hardship and saying “That moment won’t define me.” It will not take joy or life away from me for a second. Christ has forgiven me. “And because of that, I choose to forgive others.”
Forgiveness is a choice. There will always be more opportunities. You may be a single mother and have an ex-mother in law who has hurt you. You might have an ex-husband who has done the wrong thing or taken the wrong route. Perhaps there was a church member or sister in Christ who wasn’t as sensitive to your needs as you would have liked. We must choose forgiveness over and over. It is easier to forgive than not. We don’t keep any records of who has hurt us. Forgiveness can be more than one decision. It’s a journey. It is a daily decision that you will let God deal with the hurt.
Administer The Same Grace To Others That We Want For Ourselves
We are skilled at explaining our motivations and the why behind what we do. And we can even ask God for grace when we fall. We aren’t as likely to extend the same grace to others. Maybe she did something wrong. Yes, he did hurt you. Yes, it was hard to bear. Grace and forgiveness don’t excuse bad behavior. It protects the body and members of believers from being divided. It allows you to move forward. Grace gives you the ability to move on into the next phase of your life.
Pray Without Ceasing
You can be sure that God is telling you how to deal with hurt feelings. We desire wisdom to deal with the hurt. Some topics are just not worth discussing and some things are not worth repeating. Communication is essential, especially when someone has hurt us. Sometimes miscommunications can cause conflict. Talking it out will help you heal. Sometimes, however, the Lord might prompt you to forgive. The Lord must reveal the how and why. It is important to be open to His voice and presence. He gives us the ability to forgive when we couldn’t even imagine it a week ago. He is moving. We are constantly changing!
Avoid Gossip
Although it may sound like a strange instruction in forgiveness, gossip only fuels the hurt! Talk about the situation with no one else. You should talk to God more about your hurt than you do to others. I was actually given wise advice once: Give it to Him and he will take care of your heart in ways you cannot imagine. He will heal your brokenness. He will heal and bring forgiveness. His healing will allow you to forgive.
Resolve To Stay Active In Church
Don’t let your circumstances keep you away from church. Do not let someone’s words at church keep you from going to church. Do not allow shame, embarrassment, or hurt to stop you from entering God’s home. Church fellowship is a powerful tool for empowerment, education, strengthening, and encouragement. You will be more open to forgiveness if you are committed to God’s house. Each week, you will find new strength and hope in the gathering of God’s people as well as in the dedication to godly instruction. The isolation that comes with being away from church can only make it harder to forgive.
Things To Think About Today | Single Mom’s Devotional
Can you recall a time when you were forgiven because of something you did? Is forgiveness something you “earned”, “deserved”, or part of God’s plan? Discuss how God’s view of forgiveness differs from yours.
What Scriptures can you find about forgiveness? What percentage of your day do you spend thinking about the hurt someone has caused you? Lastly, what would your day and your life look like if you let the offense go? Write a private letter to God describing how you feel and what God has done for you. Your heart should be open to God.
