As Moms who love Jesus, we want to live well. We want to spend our days with purpose. We want to have an impact, to make the most of our time, and not look back at the end of our lives and wish we had done things differently.

We want to live intentional lives.

But what does that really mean? And how do we do it? How do we know that the goals we have and the future we’re working toward are what God wants for us and not just what we want for ourselves?

Those are good questions to ask.

Can I share some thoughts?

How To Live An Intentional Life As A Young Mom

1. Let yourself dream.

Think about the person you want to be in 20 years. What is she doing? Who is she surrounded by? How has she grown? How is her marriage? What is her family like? What types of ministry is she involved in?

Embrace the dreams you have, the God-given desires, the hopes in your heart that are God-glorifying and beautiful. As you walk with Jesus, He will shape your desires, so let yourself imagine what you could be doing in 20 or 30 years. Envision what a Godly future might look like. Dream of what a joyful one might be. God is the Giver of good gifts, and we do Him and ourselves a disservice if we think that He doesn’t want to give us good things and a good future.

The future may not look like you envision. It probably won’t look exactly like you picture.

But it’s okay to dream. It is good to have vision.

2. Assess your current habits.

Critically examine the habits you have today. How does your life today compare to the life of which you dream? How are you self-sabotaging? Are you investing in the relationships that matter the most? How are you working towards this life? How are you praying towards it?

It is one thing to dream of a beautiful future of relational health and fruitful ministry, it is another thing to press on toward that goal when the going gets tough.

We may say we want a healthy marriage while choosing to act selfishly toward our spouse. We might envision a future full of Gospel impact while neglecting to spend time with Jesus today.

We live with inconsistency.

But friend, the actions we do today greatly impact the future into which we are walking.

Let’s live wisely.

3. Look around.

Look around at the women you want to emulate. How do they live? What is important to them? How do they spend their time?

We can learn so much from the women who have gone ahead of us.

They are the righteous of Psalm 92:12-15 which says, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

Let’s learn from these women of faith.

4. Remember the purpose of pain.

Most if not all of the women you emulate probably have gotten to where they are through pain and drawing near to the Lord in it. They’ve become radiant by looking to Jesus (Ps. 34:5).

I think there are depths of intimacy with Jesus that we don’t experience apart from pain. When we come to the end of ourselves and turn to Christ, we discover that He is right there holding our hand (Ps. 73:23). When, in our sorrow, we need Him to hold us, we find that it’s there that we hear His heartbeat. The lessons we learn in the valley are not soon forgotten, because they’re not head knowledge. They’re truths to which we’ve clung. They’re promises engraved on our hearts.

5. Pray.

Pray. Pray for the stronger relationships, fruitful ministries and desires of your heart. Draw near to God and foster your relationship with him through prayer.

Entrust your plans to God (Ps. 37:5). He is ultimately the One who knows and holds the future (Ps. 16:9). Even if things don’t turn out as you hope, your future is safe in God’s hands. Even if plans fail and dreams are dashed, He is our treasure and our faithful friend (Ps. 73:23-26).

6. Get excited.

We have so much to look forward to.

Though we don’t know what the immediate future holds, we know that ultimately, we will spend eternity with Jesus, and we can’t even begin to fathom the joy awaiting us then.

1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—”

FAQ about Intentional Living

1. While we’re talking about living intentionally, do you recommend setting big, overarching goals or small ones?

Big goals can give direction, but I recommend breaking them down into smaller steps. Even better, break them into habits. The habits we have form the life we live. Make them good ones.

2. Is it important to have a mentor?

Having an official mentor can be a great blessing! But you can learn from so many women whether they are your mentor or not.

Seek to get to know women at your church and in your circles. Don’t idolize them, but be inspired by them. Ask them for input in areas of need. Let yourself be teachable.

3. How do I develop good habits?

Start small. If you want to read more, start with one or two pages a day. If you want to begin working out, aim for 5 minutes a day. Make your habits achievable.

4. How do I go to God in my pain?

Tell God your sorrows, and then let Him bandage your wounds. Feed on His Word. Listen to music. Do something to set your mind on Him. He is faithful.

Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.”