Hitting Snooze

My alarm went off and I immediately hit snooze. Five o’clock in the morning was early for me. The night before, I set my alarm with the intention of getting up with enough time to work out, as well as do my quiet time before my kids woke up. Once the kids were awake, it would be a whirlwind of getting two small children ready and out the door in time for school, then it was a mile long list of “to do’s” until pick-up. This alone time in the morning was precious and much needed, but when my alarm sounded, I let my good intentions fall to the wayside and I hit snooze, missing that precious time.

I call that time precious and much needed because I was already feeling weary. The things in my world were weighing me down. Motherhood, wifehood, small group leader, groceries, finances, keeping up with friends, family illnesses, activities, and thoughts like “did I switch the towels to the dryer last night?” filled my time. The list felt never ending and my brain felt like a computer with 27 tabs open. I felt dry, exhausted and lonely. In that moment of hitting snooze, I was saying “no thanks” to God’s aid. I had missed my quiet time for a few days in a row, and when I did have it, I was putting in little effort to really connect and abide in His love. ​

In Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah paints us a beautiful picture of what Jesus is and will be when he comes. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lamb in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isaiah 40:11). He promises to carry us close to his heart, protecting and guiding us! What could be more comforting than that. As a mother, when my children are scared or hurt, they immediately climb into my lap seeking hugs and shelter. They seek a comforting word from me that it will be okay and I always urge them to trust me, promising to protect them. I desperately needed this from Jesus, but by allowing that precious time with Him to pass by, I was pushing that comfort away. This time could have filled my heart and mind with peace and understanding but instead I was choosing chaos. 

Later in the chapter, Isaiah takes 3 verses to describe even further the love He has for us: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV). I think this is perhaps one of my favorite verses. I repeat it often and one I recall easily. However, I had no strength to remind myself of what God could do for me because I was choosing my world over His. I was selfish and greedy with my time instead of inviting God into my time to give me strength to exit out of those 27 tabs filling my brain with anxiety.

Friends, I urge you to stop hitting that proverbial snooze button, whatever it may be that’s hindering your walk with Him. When we make spending time with the Lord a priority, He gives us the strength to push through the weariness of this world. He will give us strength when we ask for it. He can give us peace, when we ask for it. He offers us comfort, when we ask for it. But we can only ask for these things when we seek time with Him and his word. Make time for God, just as you make time for all the other “to-do’s” on your list today. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

About the Author

My name is Brittany Marlow. I have been married to my husband, Justin, for 9 years. We have three of the sweetest girls, Macy Jo, Shelby June, and Rosie Neil. I love spending time with family and friends at the lake, enjoying a big bowl of popcorn at the movies and working out. I have grown exponentially while being a part of the Rooted Moms community. I believe it’s so important to walk through life with others. I am passionate about growing in my faith and helping other women do the same. ​​