VOICE OF TRUTH FOR TODAY
Motherhood Trenches
There are days in motherhood when I feel like I’m drowning.
Toddler screams. Crumby floors. Unfolded laundry. Dirty dishes. Arguments, tears, schoolwork, endless questions, and way too much noise. Some days I wonder what more I could have done with these years—or why God keeps entrusting me with more when I’m so painfully aware of my failings.
Motherhood truly can feel like a battlefield. But our battle is not against our children. There is an enemy who would love to steal what God has given, destroy what He desires to build, and discourage us from investing in the precious souls entrusted to our care.
I think of Peter stepping out of the boat. As long as his eyes remained on Jesus, he did the impossible. But when his attention shifted to the wind and waves, he began to sink.
Isn’t that what happens to us?
I begin sinking when I focus on what I’ve accomplished—or failed to accomplish. When I measure success by my children’s behavior, the condition of my home, or my ability to fix everything.
But when my eyes return to Christ, my feet find solid ground again. My ability to experience joy in these messy, loud, imperfect days does not depend upon their ease. It depends upon the goodness and loving-kindness of God.
Mama, you are not defined by your children’s behavior, your patience, or your parenting successes and failures. You are defined by the One who called you and loves you by name.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).
If you feel like you’re sinking, perhaps you’re carrying something He never asked you to hold.
Put down the burden. Fix your eyes on Jesus. And let Him carry you through the trenches.
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Excerpt from Voice of Truth Magazine
“Wide Open Wonderment” by Rachel Dube