Christian Moms Need to Lean on Jesus
Have you had trouble with having enough patience with your kids? Being able to slow down and be in the moment? Having less anxiety and more joy and peace?
If so— you’re in good company and I wanted to share some of the spiritual break-throughs I’ve had in the last few months with you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Moving From Overwhelm to More Peace
In the last few months I’ve noticed a positive shift in how I’ve been showing up for my kids and how I’ve been emotionally and mentally feeling day to day. Having more patience, peace and joy, and the ability to slow down— get out of fight or flight— and soak in precious moments has been a huge prayer of mine for many years. My oldest is 9 now, and how I wish I could have had this break-through sooner.
P.S. All the mamas with chronic illness, dealing with health battles, while growing through life— I see you!
My “I’ve Got This” Mentality
I don’t know if you can relate, but I have a type A personality. I tend to treat life like, “I got this,” ”I can do it,” ”I’ll figure it out,” ”I can do better,” ”I’ll push through.” One day the Holy Spirit showed me how much my thoughts were centered on “I.” My own strength. I’m not sure why that hadn’t occurred to me before. Maybe I didn’t fully understand that Jesus wants to be apart of every single moment and aspect of my life. And I can’t let Him into every moment and aspect, if I compartmentalize where I ask for His help. I realized I wasn’t honoring the Lord by trying to be self-sufficient apart from Him.
In fact, I can see now how all that “self sufficiency” caused unnecessary anxiety. Having high standards for yourself is a good thing. But without Jesus’ help filling in the human sized gaps— anxiousness creeps in and settles more and more over time. If I’m relying on myself— I know all my short comings and limitations. I can’t have full trust in my imperfect self— and so— enter in anxiety.
I ended up coming to the end of myself when it comes to patience with my children and getting tasks done. I’ve tried for years to pull myself up by the boot straps in these areas. Constantly having reoccurring feelings of never measuring up to my own expectations.
The Holy Spirit showed me that God wants me to ask for His help in Everything. He wants to add His strength to All my weaknesses. I started to really understand that God wants me to not only ask for help with the big things— but for every small thing too.
Lean on Jesus for Help in Everything
I started asking the Lord for His help all throughout my day. Usually just a simple, Please help me Lord, as soon as I start to feel anxious about anything.
For example, I struggled with waking up and feeling not ready for the day ahead. In the morning, I started asking God for the patience and compassion that I need for my children that day.
Another example, as soon as I start to feel any negative feelings towards tasks that need to be done, I ask the Lord to fill me with His peace and help me to get the tasks done.
I will also try to remind myself this truth often as I’m talking with God— God I know I can’t do it on my own, I need your help.
And for every mentally drained moment, a— Please help me Lord, is more than enough with God.
Quiet Shifts— Deep Freedom
This habit of asking God for help in everything, didn’t change my life overnight. And in all transparency, I’m asking Him to help me continue to go deeper in this area right now as I’m typing. I have not arrived. But I did notice small positives that have really compounded in the last few months. Realizing how much more I need God, even in the smallest things like washing the dishes, has brought me more freedom. It brings tears to my eyes actually. I am so grateful for this break-through that the Holy Spirit showed me.
Here are some more scriptures that you can stand on today:
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
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.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
..I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Have you had a similar experience in this area? Or have you prayed similar prayers when you need help? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
This was really good and so true! Thank you for your raw honesty. 🙏🏻