A short devotional for Christian moms to manage doubts

“When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!”

Psalm 142:3

In the earlier days of motherhood, I’d have moments of being overwhelmed or even surprised by the fact that I was the one in charge. As a new mom, so many things are overwhelming.

I questioned every decision and worried I’d do the wrong thing. I imagined my daughter one day talking with a therapist about how all her problems started back when she was 4 months old, and her mom let her grab a pair of scissors from the floor.

Even now, my children are older as a tween and teen. I still question my decisions and worry I’m doing the wrong thing. Navigating parenthood is hard.

Through all of my struggles so far, though, God has been right there. I have lost track of how many times I’ve prayed in the midst of difficult conversations with my children and pled for His wisdom and words to come out of my mouth.

I don’t always know the way. In fact, I sometimes think I may even be turned completely around. But, thankfully, I do know and can trust in the One who not only knows the way by created it just for me.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for having a plan for my life. I ask that you continue you to guide me and show me the right way to go in all that I am doing and facing as a mom and in general. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A short devotion for Christian moms about finding joy in God

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

One of the lessons all parents invariably teach their children is the difference between needs and wants. It’s easy to get caught up in our wants, even as adults.

I have thought about how often God tries to teach us those same lessons. He wants us to have good things – nice things, even. But He promises to supply our needs, not all of our wants.

When my children have pleaded with my husband and me to buy something they want, I’ve often pointed out to them how much I buy them: food, shelter, clothes.

That challenges me as a child of God. How often I have pleaded with Him for things I want to make hard times go away, to heal a loved one, to provide a financial blessing and on the list goes.

Yet, I know I haven’t just as often thanked Him for providing for my needs. Ouch. That’s hard. In the moments we stop to thank God for His provision, we find contentment. Getting past our “wants” leads to more joy in God.

Prayer

Dear God, help me to see your hand at work. Show me the ways you’ve met my needs that I haven’t noticed before. Thank you for your faithfulness to take care of me always and even providing some of my wants. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A short devotional for Christian moms about anxiety

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

When you are consumed with taking care of everyone else, like we moms are, your emotional and mental health can suffer. If you already had struggles before having children that compounds even more.

I’ve struggled with anxiety for years, but I didn’t have a name for it until more recent years. I’ve learned more about how to deal with anxiety as a Christian.  

And I have also learned God is with me every step of the way; He has good plans and unconditional love for me. I need His help every day.

Along with physical strength, mental strength is just as important to be the amazing mother God created us to be. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit can minister to our hearts and soothe our anxieties.

Prayer:

Lord, when I have anxiety great within, I ask that you console me and bring me joy. Strengthen me mentally and emotionally. Give my mind rest. Help me show my children what good mental healthcare looks like. Remind me always of your goodness and presence in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Encouragement for Christian moms to find God in the midst of hard times

“Jesus wept.”

John 11:35 (NIV)

This Bible verse is often a favorite for church-going folks to joke about being a favorite memory verse because it’s so short. But, as I’ve read the story in which this verse is found, I’ve been overwhelmed by its impact.

Jesus was on His way to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that was what He was going to do. Yet, when He encountered Lazarus’ sister, Mary, He was so moved by her grief that He wept with her – even knowing her grief was about to turn to rejoicing.

Sometimes we can think of God as a judgmental Father, but He is so much more than that. He is compassionate and empathetic. He hurts when we hurt. When your mama heart is breaking, He aches with you – even knowing the future and the way He’s planning to move.

I find comfort in a God who is with us every step of the way no matter what comes or how broken we feel. That is a God I want in my own life and in my children’s lives. He is one we can trust to turn to who understands and sees us completely.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your love and compassion. Thank you for being present even — and especially — when we are hurting. I ask that you wrap your arms around me and remind me of your presence and goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouragement for Christian moms to speak up for their kids

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.”

Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)

When my daughter (my oldest) was a newborn, I felt in my gut that something was wrong with her. She would cry and curl into herself like her stomach hurt.

As an exhausted and desperate new mom, I called the pediatrician to get in. Her usual doctor was out, so we saw a different doctor. I explained what was going on and how it seemed like her stomach hurt.

The pediatrician looked at my husband and me and told us that babies can’t talk so we don’t really know when or if they experience pain. We were flabbergasted. Of course, we know based on how they react!

It was preposterous to us and also beyond frustrating. Fortunately, my husband figured out that our daughter was having trouble sucking and we were able to learn how best to feed her. Her usual pediatrician returned and soon she was well fed and happy.

We spoke up for her when she couldn’t speak for herself. That’s our job as parents. Even once our children are old enough to use words and communicate all sorts of messages, we are still their biggest and best advocate.

Sure, they need to learn to speak up for themselves and have a chance to do so, but they are also learning and growing. It’s OK to be the squeaky wheel when you need to be in order to get your children help.

That day in the doctor’s office with our daughter was only the first of many, many times we’ve advocated for our children. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to let them know we are with them, on their side and fighting for them.

Prayer:

God, thank you for always being on my side and fighting for me, even when I don’t see it. Give me wisdom and strength for how to best advocate for my children who you’ve blessed me with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouragement for Christian moms to live in the joy and strength of faith

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
    who daily bears our burdens.”

Psalm 68:19 (NIV)

Some seasons of life are just hard. I’ve heard one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I’ve had seasons where that felt too close to home for me. Life can be tedious. Motherhood can be tedious.

I start the mornings with the best of intentions. Yet, some days – especially in hard seasons – those intentions get away from me. I start dwelling on all the hard stuff.

Just when I’m ready to throw in the towel and give up, God pokes my heart with reminders of His presence. He fills me with His strength when I so desperately need it.

Because while I may lay my burdens at His feet when I pray in the mornings, I often start picking them back up as I go throughout the day. I guess I think that God needs my help carrying them – as if He isn’t strong enough.

When I think of it in those terms, I laugh at myself. I’m not a strong person. I’d never win a weight-lifting challenge. Who am I to think the God of the universe needs my help to carry anything?!

Today, I will rest in the reminder that He is strong enough to bear our burdens daily, and we can let them go. We don’t have to carry them around with us.

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to truly lay my burdens at your feet and leave them there. I praise you for your strength, faithfulness and love for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Encouragement for Christian moms to teach their kids about who God is

We will not hide them from their descendants;
    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 78:4 (NIV)

Throughout my decades as a Christian, I have been encouraged time and again by stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of others. In fact, seeing God work in the lives of those around me helps me to keep my heart and eyes open to seeing more of Him at work in my own life.

Of all the things I want to teach my kids, I want most to teach them to rely fully on God. We started reading the Bible to them and praying with them when they were still babies.

Many of us come up with habits of faith to encourage our children and help them grow in their walk with God. But it can be easy to forget to share with them the things God has done in our lives – both in the past and the present.

One of the greatest testimonies we can share with our children is our experiences with God in real life. Not only does this demonstrate God in action in daily life, but it also helps them to be more open to seeing God at work in our lives.

Prayer:

God, give me the right words to say to my children to tell of your goodness and how you have worked in my own life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.