Let’s not kid ourselves. This parenting thing is hard. There are many days when I am tired, distracted by life’s demands, or just plain selfish. There are plenty of days when I just don’t want to give any more of myself.
Has anyone else ever been there? Or am I the only one?
So what’s a mom to do? Give up? Get sucked into mindless web surfing for hours? Hide in the bathroom with a good book and dark chocolate? (Not that I have ever done any of these myself.)
While every mom needs a little time to herself, that can’t always happen in the middle of the day. I mean, when little ones need food and babies need changing and big kids need teaching… How can a mom get through the day?
Sometimes, I just need a few minutes to re-focus. I need to remind myself that this life is not about me. And it may shock some of you, but this life is not about my kids either. This life is about glorifying the God who made us.
Here are the top 5 verses that I cling to in those moments that I feel like I just can’t go on mothering… Or let me be honest, for those moments when I really don’t WANT to go on…
1. Jeremiah 29:11–“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”
Here that, mamas? The Lord Himself has good plans for you. Don’t get bogged down in life’s daily struggles.
2. Phillippians 4:13–I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
If you are a born-again believer, Christ Himself will give you strength. Lean on Him when your days are longer than you think you can bear.
3. Lamentations 3:22-23–The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
For those days when you wake up with dread because you messed up yesterday so badly. Or for those nights when you’re having trouble sleeping because the day was such a disaster. Hang on, Mama. His mercies are new every morning.
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9–But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I know I can’t do this mothering thing alone, nor in my own strength. This one reminds me that even in my weakness, God’s grace is enough for me.
5. Galatians 6:9–And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Don’t give up, mamas. Even though we may not see the fruits of our labors right away, we’re promised we’ll reap a good harvest if we continue doing good.
I hope these verses have a been an encouragement for you. Feel free to share your favorites below in the comments.