The Peaceful Sundays I Used to Know
I remember a time when I would wake up on Sunday mornings, shower, make breakfast, and sit down with hot coffee for quiet time before leaving for Sunday worship. I’d sit through a Bible class and a sermon, completely uninterrupted. I was able to catch up with friends, grab lunch out with them, and have a relaxing afternoon getting ready for the week ahead.
From Stillness to Chaos: Motherhood’s Sunday Shift
Fast forward to today—I’m now a stay-at-home mom to a very busy one-year-old girl. Instead of quietly reflecting on the day ahead, I’m chasing a toddler while cartoons sing in the background. We have wrestling matches to get changed into our Sunday best, and that hot coffee is downed in spurts whenever I can get to it. What’s supposed to be a day of reflection and dedication to God has become one filled with anxiety and stress. I’m on edge, quick to snap at my family, and feeling less than my best on Sunday.
When Distraction Becomes a Spiritual Battle
The devil works in our distracted and busy seasons of life to pull us even further away from what truly matters. Maybe you’re not in a season of motherhood, but one marked by the stress and worries of your job—or maybe your marriage. Maybe you’re feeling the tension of a strained relationship with someone you’ll see at church. Whatever it may be, Satan has a way of keeping our thoughts so busy on the world and focused on self that we lose sight of the one who is inviting us to rest at his feet.
The Temptation to Stay Home
There are times when it feels easier to stay home—to stick to what you know, your routine. And it’s in those anxious and stressful moments when it feels like the only thing you can do. Sure, it would be easier for us to stay home and livestream the service. We could give our daughter the two naps she needs and have an uneventful, quiet day at home. But think about all we’re missing out on by taking the so-called “easy” route. In the long run, it will hurt us more than help us, no matter how convenient it feels in the moment.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
— Hebrews 10:24–25 (NLT)
God’s Call to Community
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer… They worshiped together at the temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity… And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
— Acts 2:42–47 (NLT)
The early church frequently met together with other Christians to be encouraged, spiritually uplifted, and to worship God together. Personally, I need that community of support and encouragement to ease the burden anxiety can have on me. When I was at my lowest and pulled away from others, it made the anxiety I was battling almost unbearable. Coming together and sharing our hearts with one another filled my soul more than I can explain.
The Power of Showing Up
But that’s exactly what Satan wants us to do. He wants to isolate us—to single us out. It makes it so much easier for him to keep us in a place of stagnation if we don’t venture outside ourselves. We are fighting a battle daily. It may not look like the wars we see on TV or read about in the news, but it’s a battle for our life.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
Worship in the Mess
Reframing your mindset on Sunday mornings is possible. I view this season of life with my daughter as ministry work. Feeding her breakfast and getting her ready for Bible class and worship is an act of service. Packing her snacks, toys, and diaper bag ahead of time gives me mental space to focus on the importance of Sunday. Yes, this season you’re in may be difficult and different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still use your present situation or circumstances as acts of worship.
Grace for the Season You’re In
God sees, knows, and understands our struggles. Let’s give ourselves grace when we’ve reached our limits and invite the Holy Spirit into our lives. God doesn’t care about appearances, but about our hearts. He loves us despite our mess and meets us where we are. Everyone gathered together each Sunday is also fighting a battle you may know nothing about—but they’ve taken the hard step of showing up. Lay it all down at the feet of Jesus, lift up your head in worship, reach out to the person next to you, and shut out the noise of routine and perfection. This day is not about us, but about the one who saves us. He will never leave us to fight this battle alone.
A Prayer of Surrender
“Dear God, I pray that in the midst of my mess and hurried nature on Sunday, I am reminded of your love and sacrifice. I pray that you forgive me for being so caught up in what I think I need and neglecting time with you. This season I’m in is so different from any I’ve experienced before, but I know your hand will guide and lead me all my days.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
