OK friends, I’m about to be really honest…I love my children with everything I have, but some days they test my last nerve!! They nitpick and fight with each other, whine and complain when I ask them to do “a chore”, and plug their noses when they see a vegetable on their plates. But you know what’s harder than dealing with my kids’ reactions? Recognizing and accepting that I’m flawed too. Yes, this mama does her best to nurture and love, but sometimes my response is anger, impatience, or harsh words. And then the enemy has a field day, filling me with guilt and telling me that I’m a failure as a mom. Hopefully someone out there can relate!
In moments when that guilt sets in I really try to break down those lies, crack open my Bible and remind myself to replace those thoughts with God’s truth. Here are some points God has reminded me of that will hopefully help any other moms who suffer from “mom guilt” like me…
We are loved.Just like you love your children deeply…even when they mess up or push your limits…God loves you MORE than you even love your children. Hard to imagine or process that, right?! Nothing you do or say can remove His love for you.
I am convinced that neither death nor life…neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
We are called.Some days you may feel like you’re barely making it and you’re just taking motherhood one day at a time– but remember that this is more than just survival! It’s a calling. God has placed these children in your care for a purpose. Even if it’s not clear what that purpose might be right now, trust that He has a plan.
Jesus said, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you (John 15:16).
We are equipped.You might be thinking, “That’s great that I’m called, but I still have no idea what I’m doing or where to go from here” …well remember that God has provided everything you need. It might be strength to carry on for one more day. It might be understanding from a friend or advice from a mentor. Whatever you’re facing, God will equip you to parent your children well.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has granted me the needed strength and made me able for this, because He considered me faithful and trustworthy, putting me into service for this ministry (1 Timothy 1:12).
We are enough.When the stresses of motherhood overwhelm you or you feel like a failure in your calling, rest in the fact that you are enough. Scripture says that the Holy Spirit actually dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16) and that God’s power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are enough because He is enough.
So, friends, take a deep breath and keep pressing on.
XOXO ~D~
