When Motherhood Feels Heavy: Where to Run When You’re Worn Down
There is something about the three o’clock afternoon hour that puts the day into slow motion and makes me feel utterly exhausted.
Perhaps it’s because the afternoon feels over, but the evening has not yet begun.
I’m not sure. But what I have come to realize is that I have a choice when this moment arrives.
I can give in to the sudden weight of exhaustion hovering over me and allow it to shape the rest of my day, how I respond to my children, how I approach the housework, and how I carry myself through the evening.
Or, I can use it as an opportunity to surrender and seek the strength of the Lord.
Why Motherhood Reveals Our Need for God’s Strength
We are inherently weak people. Motherhood has a way of reminding us of this truth. We cannot do it alone, because we were never meant to. And convincing ourselves otherwise only wastes both time and energy.
In Christ, our weakness is actually a gift, because it points us to the One who delights in making His strength our own.
“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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Finding Rest for the Weary Mother in Christ
Mama, when we are exhausted, overstimulated, burned out, emotionally overstretched, when we feel like we are running on fumes, we are given an invitation.
Take refuge in Christ and rest. (Matthew 11:28)
What a glorifying and worshipful act it is to turn to the Lord for strength in the middle of our exhaustion. When we come to Him in our weakness, we declare with our lives that He is our source, our sustainer, and our help. We proclaim that we trust Him more than our own strength.
Even in our moments of weakness, exhaustion, and frustration, we can choose to surrender the weight and embrace restfulness.
Why Seeking God in Your Weakness Is an Act of Worship
Because if we do not receive this gift, we will give in to our flesh.
Our patience will wear thin. Our moods will sour. Our likelihood of snapping will increase. Caring for our families will begin to feel like a chore instead of a calling.
But when we run to Christ, nothing is wasted in His sight. Not our tiredness. Not our tears. Not the long afternoons or the heavy days. He uses every moment to draw us closer to Himself and to shape us more into the image of His Son.
The Quiet Discipleship of a Faith-Filled Mother
And what a sacred opportunity we have in those moments.
Our children are watching.
They are learning what it looks like to run to the Lord when life feels heavy. They are seeing what it means to depend on God instead of ourselves. They are witnessing faith lived out in the ordinary and the difficult.
How to Rest in Christ During the Middle of Your Day
You do not have to wait for nap time or bedtime to rest. You can embrace it in the middle of the day.
Maybe it looks like leaving the house as is during quiet time so that you can spend time in your Bible.
Maybe it looks like a Forrest Frank dance party in the kitchen with utensil-inspired microphones.
Maybe it looks like stepping outside for a walk filled with fresh air and prayer.
Rest Is Yours in Christ, Mama
When the exhaustion hits, take a deep breath and remember:
You are not the only one who finds herself here.
Your weakness in this moment is meant to point you to a greater Strength.
Rest is yours in Christ, and it is always available to you.
Walk in grace and press on, my dear sister.
He is with you, and He delights in giving you all that you need for this beautifully sacred and sanctifying calling.
Meet the Author
Elle Cardel
Elle is a sinner saved by God’s grace. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Michael, and their two little loves, Selah (4) and Aidan (1). Elle is the founder of Daughter of Delight and the author of She Delights and its accompanying Bible study, which you can find here.
With a degree in biblical theology, Elle is passionate about helping women grow in their love for God’s Word through the Daughter of Delight podcast (currently on an extended break but there are so many episodes to enjoy in the meantime here), daily devotionals, and free biblical resources (find those here).
