Let me say that again.

Being a Mama is tough.

It can make you feel so full of love that you think your heart might burst.

And it can empty you, causing you to question your ability to go on or make you wonder what God was thinking when He trusted you with children.

The one constant we have, no matter what kind of mothering or parenting moment we find ourselves in, is God.

He never changes.

When I feel broken, when my strength has been depleted, and when every ounce of energy has been used up (for example – from parenting a teenager, hypothetically speaking, of course), I can choose to surrender and lay everything at the feet of Jesus. In this place I find hope, healing, and strength to start over again tomorrow.

In our current study of “Am I Messing Up My Kids?” by Lysa Terkeurst, she says,

“Anything I do right as a mom is because of my constant dialogues with God. Anything I do wrong as a mom is because of trying to do things in my own strength.”

After twenty-two years of parenting, I know this to be truth. And yet, still some days I find myself neglecting my source of strength, wisdom, and joy.

But His grace never runs out and His mercies are still new every morning.

So lay down those burdens, sweet mama friend, and pick up His Word.

You’ll find hope there.

Bathe your mind in truth and wrap your heart in His promises.

Surrender those worries, throw away those feelings of inadequacy, and please PLEASE break that measuring stick that falsely accuses you of being less than others.

God doesn’t love us based on how well we perform or how perfectly behaved our kids are.

He loves us not because of anything we are but because He IS love.

His affections have been set on you today. Right now. This. Very. Moment.

Breathe out that thing weighing you down.

And breathe in His grace and strength to keep going.

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.  Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:22)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”  (Isaiah 40:29)

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”  (Psalm 100:5)

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” Psalm 62:1

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16.

Isn’t He so good?

Love,

Shelly

(Need encouragement from other mamas? Join us here —> Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies.)