If I had to choose one quote that perfectly summed motherhood, it would be this one; “the days are long, but the years are short.”
Motherhood is beautiful and rewarding, but it is also the hardest work we will ever do. It’s not always Instagram-worthy moments. Sometimes it’s sleepless nights, meltdowns, and sticky fingers (that touch EVERYTHING).
These less-than-picture-perfect moments of motherhood can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted – especially when you add in personal struggles like PMDD or ADHD.
But, the truth is, it’s in these messy moments that we grow, learn, and find joy.
In this blog post, we’re going to talk about the real and raw mental moments in motherhood, and I’ll offer authentic biblical encouragement for how we can deal with these messy moments.
So, grab that cold cup of coffee, mama, and let’s get started!
You Are Not Alone in Motherhood
One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone.
Every mother has these moments. No one has it all together. So, if you’re struggling with a messy moment, it’s okay. Take a deep breath. Heck, there have been times I’ve needed to take a ride or a walk.
While we don’t want to get into the trap of mediocre motherhood and complain away our burdens to another, the truth is, we were made for community. It is the sweetest gift to have someone to talk to and process through with; a sister or SIL, best friend, mom, aunt or grandma.
Having a physical support, someone to communicate back to you is incredible. However, even if you don’t have that, you do still always have someone with you. And sister, He is available 24/7, 365.
One of the most comforting aspects of the Christian faith is that we are not expected to face life’s trials alone. God so explicitly calls us to Himself throughout His Word, encouraging us that we are not alone.
In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord promises, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
This verse is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of motherhood’s messy moments, we are sustained by divine strength and love. Trust in God’s promise, lean into your faith, and find comfort in knowing He is with you.
Embrace the Messy Moments of Motherhood
Instead of avoiding or hiding from these messy, mental moments, embrace them.
Embracing the messy moments can help you find joy in the chaos of motherhood. The moments that seem insignificant, like a sticky kitchen table or a pile of laundry, are where memories are made and bonds are formed.
Don’t get me wrong, embracing the messy times requires not just patience but a sense of grace, both with our children and ourselves.
As mothers, we often set high standards and then feel daunted when we can’t meet them. The laundry pile, dishes in the sink, floor that needs to be washed, hockey practice that we need to be at, and all while we are prioritizing self care and our marriage.
Just me?
Sister, hear this; it’s important to remember that we are human, imperfect, and in need of grace.
The Bible encourages us to turn to God during these times. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, it is written, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
This verse encourages us to acknowledge our weaknesses and find strength in God’s grace. Rather than striving for perfection, let’s choose to embrace the chaos and rest in God’s grace, allowing it to guide us through the messiness of motherhood.
Prioritize Self Care
I’m sure we have all heard that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As moms, we tend to put ourselves last, but this isn’t healthy or sustainable.
And we sure can’t pour into our marriage, children, friendships, commitments, or ministries if our own cup is empty.
Prioritizing self-care can go a long way in helping us navigate the messy moments of motherhood.
Self-care doesn’t have to look Pinterest worthy. You don’t need a bubble bath with candles lit and mood music playing.
Self-care for me personally looks like good habits; reading my Bible, wash my face in the AM and PM, take my vitamins, move my body (whether walking or on the bike), eating mostly whole foods (the food, not the store), and taking time to write or read.
What I do to care for myself and fill my own cup may not look like what you do or need, and that’s ok. Take some time to really figure out what it is that you need to do – non negotiable – to help your mind and body clear the clutter and chaos so when the messy moments hit, you aren’t scraping for a sip of water, but instead, have a cup overflowing.
The Bible is abundant with verses that encourage this kind of self-care, reminding us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and we are called to take care of them.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself set an example by taking time to rest and pray alone, away from the crowds (Mark 1:35). This teaches us that it is not only acceptable, but necessary, to take time for ourselves to rejuvenate and reconnect with God.
Prioritizing self-care is not a sign of selfishness, but a mark of stewardship, as we are entrusted by God with the care of our bodies and minds.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us deal with the messy moments of motherhood. Talk to God about your struggles, ask Him for wisdom and guidance, and trust that He is with you in every moment.
When we pray, we invite God into our messiness, and He is faithful to give us the strength and resources we need to face it.
There are many models of prayer in the Bible that can encourage us in our own prayer lives.
One such example is Hannah, who faced the struggles and heartache of barrenness. She poured out her heart to God in raw, honest prayer, and God answered her in His time (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
Another example is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who faced unimaginable circumstances. Yet, she responded with a prayer of praise and surrender to God’s plan (Luke 1:46-55).
These examples remind us to bring our struggles to God, trusting in His timing and His plan. Through prayer, we are not only provided with immediate comfort and peace, but also an intimate connection with God who is always eager to listen.
The Bible reassures us that, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18). So, in the midst of the messiness of motherhood, let’s be encouraged to continually seek God in prayer, knowing that He hears us and is near to us.
Know Your Identity in Christ – Know Your Identity in Motherhood
Finally, it’s important to remember who you are in Christ.
As a child of God, you are loved, valued, and cherished, even in the messiest moments. When we know our identity in Christ, we can face the challenges of motherhood with confidence and grace. We can trust that our worth is not defined by our performance as a mother, but by God’s unchanging love for us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
As a mother in Christ, you are not defined by past failures, current struggles, or future anxieties. Instead, you are a new creation, filled with the love and power of God. This identity transcends the daily grind of motherhood, offering a sense of peace and purpose.
By internalizing this truth, you can navigate the complexities of motherhood anchored in the living Hope of God’s eternal love and acceptance.
It’s also important to draw strength from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is a constant reminder that, in Christ, you have the strength for every challenge motherhood presents.
Let these truths settle into your heart, offering reassurance and comfort during your motherhood journey.
Conclusion
Motherhood is messy, but it’s also beautiful and rewarding.
If you’re struggling with the messy moments of motherhood, know that you’re not alone. Embrace the messiness, prioritize self-care, pray, and remember your identity in Christ.
These messy moments can be an opportunity for growth, learning, and finding joy. So, take a deep breath, and know that you’ve got this!
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I hope you found value in this post. I would love for you to share any other biblical encouragement for all the countless other avenues of motherhood we face daily.
Comment below or message me anytime!
Thanks for being here!
Nicole
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