Prayer for tired mothers on this Mother’s Day
Alicia Sarle
Bible Reading:
“Let us not tire of doing good, for at the right time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
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Last weekend we headed to the beach with eight friends to celebrate our daughter’s 16th birthday, enjoying a picturesque waterfront picnic. As lovely as it sounds, it also had drama, stress and bittersweet reminders that my mother was missing out on yet another monumental event.
Unfortunately, my mother’s heaven birthday clashes with my middle daughter’s earthly birthday, making it a rather emotional day. However, over the past three years, it has become a little easier over time, and today, transformed into something new, but there are ways to stir up repressed emotions, which generally leads to the idea of declaring “this doesn’t seem fair.”
Mother’s Day is no exception… Rich emotions remain, and it makes it difficult to avoid spring time, especially with sensitivity and bounty. Still, I often wonder what my mother would say to me if she was here today. Ah, how can I use her wisdom and solid advice now? The teens were rough and they actually tore my heart in ways I didn’t know it was impossible. For days I feel like I’m drifting together, barely hanging, completely failing. It’s overwhelming to say the least, and I’m just tired!
Then I recall the poem that my mom hangs in her closet, “We will no longer be tired of doing good. In Galatians 6:9, Paul speaks to the Galatian Church, reminding us that doing good work is not easy but difficult! Not only that, but when the followers begin to stray from their solid foundations and question what they are doing, they fail to understand God’s promises to guarantee the depth of sacrificial love and the eternal place!
Sadly, as a mom, you can fall into the trap of believing that you have to do something wrong if motherhood isn’t easy or is not instantly rewarding. If we are doing our best to walk in faith and live by the fruits of the spirit (or irritating), this can be even more painful (or irritating) (Galatians 5:22-23), we just feel that we are losing a very long role!
This is exactly where our enemies attack when we begin to question our work, our values, and our motherly identity. If this pattern continues, we grow tired, faintly, and sometimes long to give up. But the truth is that when we fall into this misunderstanding, we do not place trust in our Father, but are merely trembling into our abilities, efforts, feelings, and lies (Proverbs 3:5).
Motherhood is a tough job and there’s no need to say that it’s extremely humble! Time, energy, and effort not only mention the endless sacrifices that have often come with sets of emotional baggage unnoticed. But God does not want our past to steal our joy in us or our present situation. He wants him to look at a future that expands far beyond this life.
Sweet mom friend, I don’t know where you are on this maternal journey. I don’t know how many little darlings are trying to connect with Christ, the struggles you face, the support you receive (or lack of it) are about to do. I don’t know if you’re talking to your life or if there are currently no moms. I don’t know about the weight your heart holds, the burden you carry, the feelings you struggle with, but I know this – you have a father who sees you weave your work in as a mother. Every day, he sees the sacrifices you have made, the battles you face, the difficult truths you wrestling with, he invites you to put you at his feet and find peace, comfort and rest.
This Mother’s Day will be kind, kind and patient. Let us allow you to take the much-needed and deserved break from your motherly duties by speaking truth and love on your tired heart and leaning against God who provides you with a healing rest. Then take a deep breath, relax and enjoy that precious father’s daughter’s time.
Let’s pray:
Father, you are very good for us. We can’t even begin to guess the wonders of your love and how you will meet us where we are. When we are tired, we ask that you draw close and give us the power to continue doing good work through your incredible powers. This Mother’s Day speaks to your precious daughter’s hearts, who need a sweet reminder that she is seen, cherished and deeply loved. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©istock/getty images plus/peopleimages
Alicia Sarle is a prayer writer, blogger and speaker, and is passionate about pouring her heart out and directing women of all ages towards Jesus. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Background and Literacy. Her favorite people call her mom. So much of her time cheers them in softball games and dance classes. She is married to a heartbeat (a tall, pointy blonde) that can whip the average latte. She sipped on the goodness of the puppy while licking her legs and writing her mind on the page. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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