Rest for the Weary Mom

Can I get an “amen” from any mom out there who is tired? If you are a tired mom and you just shouted “amen” from the comforts of your couch while sitting there in your bathrobe or yoga pants, then please know you are not alone and I hope this post will be a sweet encouragement to you.

You may be weary from many nursing sessions at night that are not allowing you to get much sleep. You may be weary from potty training or sleep training or older toddlers. You may be tired because of the long hours you put in while your husband works. You may be worn out because you are a single mom and you work a full-time job and are raising babies by yourself. You may be living a tough season of life right now that seemingly will never end.

Amen.

I join you today. I am weary. No, we don’t have a teething baby, we don’t have a nursing baby, but we do have a toddler and a preschooler and are in the throws of the “terrible twos” and “terrible threes.” I love my boys so incredibly much and have a very helpful and encouraging husband. Still, I’m tired.

Weary according to Merriem Webster is:

1. Lacking strength, energy, or freshness because of a need for rest or sleep
2. Bored or annoyed by something because you have seen it, heard it, done it, etc., many times or for a long time

I’ve definitely hit the weary spot at different times in this motherhood journey, but recently it has been extremely tough. The whining is never-ending. The discipline is getting harder. The obedience never seems to come. I am weary physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I recently sat in my car in tears because the thought came to my mind loud and clear, “I can’t do this, Lord.” And you know what — I can’t (not by myself at least) and He. heard. me.

Oh, mommas, I want you to know that it is okay to admit you are weary. We do not have to be supermoms. We need people around us to shoulder the joy and burden of motherhood. And when it seems that no one is around you, always remember that you have God.

My mister was recently on a business trip, so I was a single mom for a few days. I sent him an email with the subject heading “I can’t do this!” And this was an excerpt from his response:

“I’m praying for you. Press on and know that the Lord is with you and on your side as you seek to raise him up in the discipline of the Lord. In other words, if God is for you who can be against you. He will help you. He knows. I’ll be it is hard and challenging and seemingly impossible. God chose you to be his mommy and He will equip you to do it.”

These words were such a blessing to me. Let me help you speak them to your weary mommy soul today.

1.  Prayer is a great tool for us. As I sat in my car, eyes filled with tears, God heard my prayer. He promises His children that He will hear even their faint weary cries for help.  Ephesians 6:16-18.
2. God is for you. As you journey in your walk as a believer in Him and as a Mommy who is raising up little boys and little girls in the discipline of the Lord, He is for you in that.  That was one of the roles he gives us as women — life nurturers. Romans 8:31.
3. He is our help. So many times in the Psalms we see that. And, something I’ve learned well in my life: God never changes. If he is a help for the Psalmist, then He is a help to us today. Psalm 54:2, 4.
4. God is sovereign. He chose you to be your child’s mommy. Whether you are their mommy by birth or by fostering or by adoption … He chose you! This was his plan from before ever.  This role for you wasn’t a surprise to him. Neither is your struggle. He knows your heart, your fears, your weariness. Psalm 91:14-15.
5. God will equip you. He has given you everything you need for the good work that you are about in this parenting journey. Even though it is tough — and it will be tough no matter the age of your child — He is with you and will equip you for every good work. Hebrews 13:20-21.

Weary moms, rest in that truth. Yes, take time to rest, get a day away, go out for coffee with a friend, go for a run, bake something just for yourself to eat and enjoy. This is all needed for any mom. My husband makes sure that I get that almost on a daily basis. But, know that even if those alone times don’t come as often as you would like — there is help for the weary journey.

And I encourage you to listen to this song, it will be such an encouragement to you.

Go, and be weary no more.