This month my child with special needs celebrated his tenth birthday. The celebration of milestones encourages me to reflect. While I consider all God has done in the life of my child and the blessing he has been over this past decade, I have also reflected on what it has been like to parent a child with special needs.
Through this last decade we have experienced many times of victories. These victories are times where I have seen God provide for my child, experienced the immeasurable amount of love we have for each other, and celebrated as I see my child diligently work and then succeed at a new skill.
Worries over future events can be numerous in the mind of a parent of a child with special needs because the path of the child’s future holds so many variables.
The worries we experience could be things happening in the immediate future like will my child stay close and remain safe during this outing, will we have a day full of meltdowns, or will my child sleep well.
The worries could be over events in the near future. Like what will school look like for my child with special needs during a pandemic, will they learn to communicate their feelings to prevent frustration, or will other children treat my child with kindness.
Or the worries could come from events that will happen in the distant future, like what will happen as I age and can no longer care for my child, will my child gain skills to be able to live independently, do I have things prepared so if something happens to my husband and I that my child is still cared for in the way we would want?
There are many verses in the Bible that instruct us not to worry. But how do we stop when the things to worry over list seems to be never ending?
Battles of the mind are fought by keeping the right mindset.
The Message Bible explains in 1 Peter 4:19 how we can keep the right mindset when fighting the difficult battles of life.
“So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride.
Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.”
The right mindset is found in trusting God. But it is impossible to trust someone that we do not know. Therefore, our greatest weapon in our battle for the right mindset is worship.
When we hear the word worship our minds often think of going to church, and that is a way to worship. However, worship should not just occur during the time when we go to church and sing; it also includes time spent in prayer, studying His Word, memorizing Scripture, or singing along to our favorite praise song alone in the car.
We worship not for selfish gain, but because of who God is. He is holy and is due our worship because of who He is and His tremendous love for us. But in worship we also receive from God, because He is gracious to His children. Here are three benefits I have found through the last decade as a mom of a child with special needs fighting battles of the mind with worship as a weapon.
- Through worship we spend time building our relationship with God. As we know God more we are able to trust Him better with the unknown parts of our life and our child’s.
- Through worship we take our minds off of our worries, or other mind battles, and focus our hearts on the One who has control over every future circumstance.
- Through worship God strengthens us to fight the battles of our mind.
Theologian and author C.S. Lewis explained worship perfectly when he said,
“In worship, God imparts Himself to us.”
Worship is where God gives us the right mindset. He imparts Himself to us through the time we spend in worship. So, when we find ourselves feeling a bit battle-weary or struggling to have the right mindset during a difficult time, we can remember to go to Him in worship.
Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.com
in the Quiver 
Wonderful article, but this sentence really stood out for me Ms Marcy. “We worship not for selfish gain but because of who God is.” Many “amens” to this ma’am. We worship Him not because of what He might do, but because of who He is! It’s never been about what I might get out of the relationship, it’s about all that He’s already given me. For me, worship is that loving relationship where I can be wrapped in His warm, loving embrace. In that, I am given the strength I need to take the next step in His plan. God’s blessings ma’am; and praying for your precious family.
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Yes!! You are spot on J.D. God has given us so much already and he continues to give Himself to us in worship. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. You are always an encouragement.
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Thank you for reminding us to cast all our cares on Him! I have a “talking picture frame” that quotes that verse and inside it of course is a picture of my children. 1 Peter 5:7 New International Version “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Thank you for sharing your love of our Lord and your beautiful wisdom a d heart.
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Mama’s definitely need that scripture verse when thinking about our children. Thanks for your encouragement! ❤️
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Marcey, This is spot on. We share the same concerns. Thank you! ❤️
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I know you understand and have walked this road for much longer than myself. You set a beautiful example for me. ❤️
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I have not had the experience of raising a special needs child. My heart goes out to you n I know you n Matt have done a wonderful job as parents to sweet Silas. I will continue to lift you up in my prayers n will ask God to help him and you adjust to new school during this coming year. God bless you both.
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Thank you Carol. We always appreciate your prayers. ❤️
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Marcy, thank you for pointing us to worship as a way to honor God and turn our focus away from worry. I appreciate this reminder: “God strengthens us to fight the battles of our mind.” May God continue to guide you as you love and care for your family. I prayed for your son’s school year.
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Thank you Jeannie! I’m thankful He is at work in my life and my child’s and I’m trusting Him through this time. ❤️
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Thank you for this excellent article. “Battles of the mind are fought by keeping the right mindset.” I loved this and how you tied it into worship.
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It would be hard to fight those mind battles without Him. I’m thankful we serve a trustworthy God. Thank you for reading and commenting.❤️
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To a degree, all of God’s children here on earth have special needs. He knows what they are, and He cares with His Love. God gives us more grace in the times that we need it.
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He is a gracious God who gives to us constantly. Robert, thanks for reading and commenting.
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Marcy, as Mama Cha (aka grandma) to our granddaughter who has special needs, I get you. Your statement, “The right mindset is found in trusting God. But it is impossible to trust someone that we do not know.” is truth. I thought I knew God and then He led me through death valley (spiritually speaking). With each trek, I learn more about Him and grow to trust Him more…with more. I appreciate your authenticity.
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Charla, thank you! Walking with Him and worshiping Him through the tough times truly does build our relationship with Him. 🥰
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