How often do you groan under the weight of that feeling of futility?

With homemaking, it can become a regular occurrence.

You get up, do the same routine, scrub the same counters, wash the same clothes, vacuum the same floors, clean the same spots, over and over and over…

You work so hard and so long to get the place clean, then two seconds later it’s as bad as ever again!

The writer of Ecclesiastes knew all about it:

So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.
(Ecclesiastes 2:17)

Everything is futility and striving after wind! Cleaning, vacuuming, meal prep, laundry… You do those things, but they’re never really done.

On and on the cycle goes, no end in sight. You can check each task off for that day, but you’ll have to add it to your planner for tomorrow (and even repeat some of it the same day, too).

So, what’s the point? Why does it all seem so futile?

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:20-23)

All creation has been subjected to futility, in hope that all creation can be set free from its slavery to corruption (which 2 Peter 1:4 says is in the world because of lust).

There is a reason things seem futile (especially certain homemaking chores!). And that reason is to draw your attention to the fact that this world is not your home.

This house that you scrub over and over, those floors you vacuum and pick toys up from, those clothes you wash and dry and fold – none of them will last. None of them are your real future.

Those things that seem futile in life have a way of lifting your eyes to heaven, as your soul cries out for deliverance and for everything to be made right – for everything to have a purpose.

Just as Romans 8 says, you “groan within” yourself, longing for the day that you are in the presence of Jesus, when the curse has been lifted from the earth and all tears and futility are gone for good.

As light seems to shine brighter in the darkness, so this yearning for restoration seems to grow stronger in the midst of futility.

So, next time you’re scrubbing that same counter, or washing those same clothes, or picking up those same toys yet again, remember that things won’t always be like this.

One day, sooner than you think, Jesus will return to restore all that is broken and weary and futile.

There will be an end to the struggling and striving.

In the meantime, He has called you to make your home a place that reflects and reveals His glory and truth.

By wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
And by knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
(Proverbs 24:3-4)

And He has called you to lovingly serve your family and look after your home to bring honor to His word.

…encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
(Titus 2:4-5)

Your hope is that one day everything will be as it should be.

Your purpose now is to glorify God and bring honor to His word as your faithfully serve in your home.

He sees it all. Every wipe, scrub, vacuum, chop, stir. Every load of laundry you feed into your machine. Every meal you make to nourish the family that He has given you.

He sees it all. And it’s all for Him.

You can serve Him with joy, knowing that He will bless you for your faithfulness and obedience.

…whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
(Colossians 3:23-24)

So, take courage:

…nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless…
(1 Corinthians 15:58, GNT)

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Ultimately, remember this:

…nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless…
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

>>> LIVING IT OUT >>>

Pray:

That the Lord will help you focus on Him as you go about your daily homemaking routine. Ask Him to infuse you with a fresh zeal to serve Him in the ordinary, everyday things you do for your family and your home.

Study:

Look at each thing you are encouraged to do in Titus 2:4-5. Spend some time listing them out and then listing ideas of how you can do them, and areas where you need to improve. Ask the Lord to help you as you move forward.

Consider:

Prayerfully consider investing in a few valuable resources that will help you with various practical aspects of homemaking. I recommend these…

Remember:

You can find purpose in homemaking when you do everything for the Lord. One day He will restore all that is broken. And nothing you ever do for Him is wasted. Go serve Him with joy!

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