Being a mom is one of the most blessed of responsibilities a woman can embark on. Yet, at the same time, it can be the most highly intense 24/7 job she can engage in. Many can testify that their days can be filled with laughter and smiles but other days can also feel overwhelming.
For me, one of the most challenging aspects of parenting, right now, is being able to keep up with an energetic and playful child (which I enjoy immensely by the way), who is also strong-willed and determined. Often times my child seeks to test boundaries, and I’m always at risk of continuously repeating myself and sounding like a ‘stuck record’. The one thing I dislike doing. As such, on many occasions I find myself doing a lot of self-talk, speaking to myself in the first person and saying quick prayers, so that I won’t lose it.
“I have learnt the hard way, that though self-care with respect to our physical, psychological and emotional well-being, is important, keeping grounded in Christ should be priority above everything else.”
It is, I believe, the most important dimension of self-care. In fact, it should be placed to the top of every parent’s inexhaustible to-do list. You see God has already promised to take care of you and I. His desire is for each of us to “prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers” (3 John 2, KJV). So why go through your day, fighting your battles on your own, when you are assured of divine intervention? God’s desire for all of us is to be healthy and live full lives, and as mothers, we have to take care of ourselves so that we can be exemplary at motherhood and all other roles that we take on.
Otherwise, we will be at risk of burn-out and stress related diseases, so let’s tap into that divine source, which requires total dependence on God.
He has promised that when your strength is gone and you feel like giving up that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). The statement in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” should encourage us to persevere. There are times when motherhood, added to everything else, can seem tumultuous but His Word says, “Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
I remember when my daughter was just weeks old and she was in pain, experiencing colic. She was crying constantly and I tried every possible thing to calm her down, but nothing helped. My husband wasn’t at home that night, so I was alone. Being a new mom and all, as she cried, I cried too. I patrolled the house for a couple of hours, up and down I walked. I sang, but I guess my singing wasn’t good enough. Hours passed, and in the deep of the night, out of desperation I decided to take her for a walk on the street. As I was walking, I prayed and I asked God to please touch her where it hurts and bring comfort to her. After a few moments, she began to settle and eventually went off to sleep.
I cast my care upon Him and He took care of it. More and more I understand the importance of keeping my heart in tune with God’s Word.
Even as I teach and discipline her, it’s becoming increasingly evident, that I need to keep close to God and seek His face. As mothers we were given a divine purpose to nurture and train our children. The only way we can be successful at this, is if we prostrate ourselves daily and allow God to lead and take care of us. We need to allow Him to help us to be, firstly, the women we were created to be and then secondly, the mothers that we are destined to be.
So, Mother of strength, God promises to give you peace. You don’t have to worry about a thing. When the proverbial parental world seems as though it’s crashing down on you, you can depend upon these words from John 14:27, which states, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” God’s got you, momma!
So start a praise party, reflect upon His goodness in your life and spend quality time with your family, creating new memories. Most of all, meditate upon His Word and promises that He has made available to you, so that you can handle the very situation that you are facing right now. When we talk about self-care, there is no better way to achieve maximum results but to depend upon the God who has created you and promises to “never leave you nor forsake you.” Like the song, “Standing on The Promises of Christ My King”, don’t stand alone, stand on His Promises!
Let us know your thoughts about this post or if it has encouraged you in any way in the comment section below!
Lurlyn Murray-Tull
Staff Blogger
Lurlyn affectionately called “Lyn”, is a volunteer staff member at Bright Life Family Centre. She is blessed beyond measure with a charming and God-fearing husband and an energetic and effervescent daughter who is 21 months. Her relationship with God and family are of utmost importance to her and following behind, is her love to serve and work with young people in her profession as a Counselling Psychologist and facilitator. Lyn’s ultimate life goal is to determine and fulfil God’s truest purpose for her life.