Being a mom is hard. Sometimes you just have to admit it. Even say it out loud, to let our mommy hearts know that this concert (as incredible as it is) doesn’t always seem so… how do I say, “rewarding”?
Honestly, it’s so easy to fall into this trap of believing that we should feel a certain way or that motherhood should come naturally in some way, especially since our faith is supposed to help us get through to the end, right? After all, the Bible is full of verses about parenting, calling us to train these little darlings with a gentle blend of discipline and love, to foster a foundation of faith, while viewing it as pure joy. If we could just follow his instructions, what could go wrong?
In fact, a lot could go wrong, as you may already know. Sometimes being a mother feels lonely as you struggle with the heavy weight of conviction or guilt after scolding your defiant child. Other times, it’s downright discouraging to watch your troubled teen drift away from the faith you so lovingly exposed to them. Not to mention all the other times, inadequacy, past hurts, comparison to other moms, frustrations or just plain hormones (we seriously can’t ignore those pesky troublemakers), come into play and sabotage all our joy!
So, what do we do? We may smile outwardly but secretly hide the feeling that no one understands our flaws, or we continue to pretend that we are all good. Either way, everything is done in silence.
So, let’s break the silence today!
The lies we believe
What if I told you that struggling in this way, especially as a mother, is based on lie? It’s true, a big lie! Everything you believe about motherhood that steals your joy and peace, forces you to press your lips together in silence, is a ploy strategically played by the king of lies! The enemy is using your silence to destroy your testimony as a mom! Reread this part. The enemy uses your silence in the form of your own personal weaknesses, imperfections, and inherited sinful nature to distract you from the truth.
Don’t you see it? He wants you here! It’s all a mind game.
How does Satan know what you believe? He doesn’t do it. But he listens and watches carefully. Every word you say in frustration and every cry for help. He uses it as ammunition. So when you sit silently rocking this sweet baby to sleep, he’s whispering lies about your failures. When you find yourself on a date with Mom with no one to talk to, he whispers lies about companionship and friendship. As you enter a daunting new season or watch your babies grow, you get it, he whispers more and more lies.
The bottom line is that the enemy wants you to sit still and be silent, getting caught up in the idea that motherhood is restrictive and hopeless. Satan is stealing the reward of raising a tribe of fearless warriors! This means we need to stop playing his game!
The truth that sets us free
Fortunately, God considered our moms’ hearts when he gave us his parenting manual. The Bible may have a lot of wise words for parents, but it also speaks to the nature of our hearts that long to be heard but often remain silent. Remember, the Bible was written for those who are struggling and in desperate need of hope and encouragement, which means it was written for all of humanity. The good news is that by recognizing the harsh realities that come with motherhood, we then encounter the unapologetic truth that sets us free!
God understands! He knows that being a parent is difficult because he is a father, and it pains him every time one of his children strays (Matthew 18:10-14). You, my dear, are perhaps the one he is looking for, inviting you to come back and remain in him, to trust him, to let him act in your life as a mother. Do you hear him calling you softly? Take a minute to tune in and listen.
Sweet mom, friend, God doesn’t expect you to have it all figured out. He is just waiting for you to come to Him and share your heart by breaking the silence so He can meet you where you are. He knows what you are carrying, he hears the painful words left unspoken, he feels your sorrow, but he waits on you so he can remind you of the truth.
The truth is that God is telling you that the greatest blessing you can have as a mother is to faithfully serve Him by loving and discipling the children He has given you, to the best of your ability. He does not ask for perfection; He asks for your service in this ministry as a mother. Although there are no guarantees, when we remain faithful, God sees. God knows. And the reward is not having perfectly faithful and obedient children or experiencing immense joy; it’s knowing that you have invested your heart and soul into your family, allowing God to be an active part of it all!
So, let’s chase away the lies while proclaiming the truths, shall we? When you have a bad day that leaves you solemn and silent, will you choose to fight the good fight? I encourage you to proclaim the verses below out loud to warn the enemy they are attacking and send a clear message that they need to back off!
God is my comforter (Isaiah 16:13).
God is my strength (Exodus 15:2).
God is my protector (Psalm 18:2).
God is my provider (Philippians 4:19).
God will help me (Romans 8:28).
God hears my prayers (Matthew 21:22).
God sees me and my struggles (1 Peter 2:9).
God wants me to be still and silent before Him (Psalm 46:10).
Break the silence; speak with your Father. He always has time for you, beloved daughter.
A prayer to encourage you now!
When you are overwhelmed by such struggles that it leads you to embrace silence, pray! Pray out loud to defeat the enemy, my friend! Pray to remember the truth. Pray because God actually commands us to pray, knowing that it fosters a relationship with Him. Praying out loud welcomes God into your heart, mind, and soul.
Faithful Father, thank you for the blessings of my children and for granting me this precious role of being called Mom. I don’t take this title lightly and I aspire with all my fibers to be good at it. But if I’m honest, many days are really hard, and I feel like I’m falling short and failing in so many ways. It hurts to know that I’m not good enough or that my children aren’t giving their best. At this point the lies are easier to believe because I’m already bowled over. But with You, God, I know I can stand up and lean into Your loving arms for support. Oh, how desperately I need your strength right now. Please wrap me in your warm embrace and remind me of the truths found in your loving word. Reclaim them loud and clear in my heart so that I can bring them into existence. Forgive me where I have let You down and sought a dark path, and when my mind wanders into that place again, please shine a light and lead me back to You, God. I love you and need your grace every day. Amen.
Related Resource: When You Feel Like Giving Up or Walking Away
When you reach that quiet moment when you think, I don’t know if I can keep doing this, you are not alone. In this episode, I talk honestly about exhaustion on a soul level, the temptation to choose comfort over commitment, and why endurance is essential to spiritual maturity.
Through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings, we see that God does not meet us with condemnation, but with rest, nourishment, and a whisper of grace. If you’re feeling tired, discouraged, or on the verge of quitting, this conversation will remind you that burnout resides, but God is faithful.
Don’t walk away.
Sometimes the breakthrough comes right after you’re almost gone. If this episode of This is exactly what I needed helped you prioritize what matters most, be sure to follow the show on Apple Or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Photo credit: ©tatyana_tomsickova
