Encouragement When You're Struggling With Motherhood

As a mom, we all have that moment of bliss but in general, we have struggled with our role as a mom ever since we became one.

This isn’t the case for everyone, but I know that I am not alone. So, read on to encourage those of us moms who feel stuck when it comes to enjoying our kids.

Acknowledge the Good

Naming the good things in my daily life as a stay-at-home mom doesn’t come naturally for me, at least not initially. I tend to understate the positive aspects of motherhood because it feels like I will lose credit for all the parts of it that are hard.

But because we have a God who sees it all and enters into both the light and the dark places of life alongside us, we can freely acknowledge the good in motherhood as a vital part of growth in joy. 

We see Scriptures affirm motherhood as a gift from the very beginning. Eve recognizes this in Genesis 4:1 when she responds, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” God has demonstrated incredible kindness by including women so centrally in the ongoing materialization and nurturing process of His most important creation: mankind.

Though it is wrought with pain from the curse of the fall (Genesis 3:16), the woman’s role in bringing forth life is a true honor, and one that deserves our utmost gratitude.

The practice of gratitude in daily life has been scientifically proven to increase joy and reduce depression.

Make an effort to regularly acknowledge the good things surrounding you: from coffee, to a cozy blanket, to even that little child who was driving you up the wall five minutes ago, but now is sweetly sitting in a sunny spot on the floor. Notice those brief pleasantries and give thanks for them.

Trust God with Your Struggle

Regardless of what percentage of your struggle as a parent, there is grace for you in Christ.

He paid for all the ways that we fall short, so we have the freedom to look at those ugly sides of us straight on. He is not surprised by your inability to love your kids perfectly.

Isaiah 49:15 speaks to this reality: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” You are loved by God and so are your kids.

Though our delight in our children waivers, the good news of the Gospel assures us that His never does. His grace and His love are truly enough. 

While God’s love is sufficient, He is merciful not to leave you as you are. And because of His grace, you are free to give voice to the things that are hard for you as a mom.

Exploring your struggle is another vital step in growing in joy toward your kids. Suppressing, ignoring, and dismissing the emotions within yourself will lead to either relational explosion or withdrawal as a parent.

However, be mindful of the direction of your complaints. They have the potential to produce great healing or harm, depending on the posture of your heart. If you simply stew internally or vent to a friend or on social media about how much your kids annoy you, toxicity and bitterness will grow within.

Alternatively, gird yourself with humility and honesty about the disappointments you face as a mom, and take them to the Lord.

As you allow the Spirit to enter into your struggle through prayer and community, you will be met with encouragement, redemption, and hope.

Find Joy in Jesus

Above all, remember that the true source of contentment lies in the Author of joy Himself. Psalm 37:4 assures believers, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As you seek Him, your joys will become His. But first you must daily cling to Him.

Though the limited downtime that comes with motherhood makes it nearly impossible to dig deep into God’s Word, He can still meet you in the midst of chaos.

You may not have an hour of quiet time to drink your coffee and write in a prayer journal, but He can minister mightily to you as you read His Word throughout the day.

Build in habits of having a devotional time with the Lord so that you can be reminded of His presence and refreshed by His love.

So fellow mamas, remember this:

Whether your circumstances change or stay the same, He will remain faithful, and you can be filled and satisfied by Him as you abide in His love.