Motherhood, while incredibly rewarding, can indeed bring moments that, shall we say, raise our heart rate. First things first, It is essential to recognize that feeling overwhelmed is perfectly normal. Being a mom is literally the best job ever, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t chaos incarnate wrapped up in the cutest packaging. Finding peace amidst the mayhem is a journey of trial and error, and if we’re being honest here, none of us are ready for it when we bring that sweet baby home from the hospital.
What we need is to find our center. But how do we do that?
How do we renew our minds in chaotic moments? How do we find peace in the demands of motherhood? Here are three practices that can help renew your mind and foster that sense of calmness.
Set aside a specific time, even if just a few minutes, each day to talk to God and quiet your mind to listen. This could be in the early morning before the house stirs, during nap time, or even in brief moments while doing chores. Focus on gratitude, surrender your worries, and ask for guidance and strength.
Meditation can involve focusing on a single verse or a simple prayer. This quiet time allows for two things. Intentionally relishing in still moments sort of sets the tone for your day.
I have found that when I’m quiet and listen, I can hear God in that stillness. He always provides that sense of calm and peace.
God calls us to be moms, and He knows it’s a tough job, demanding both physical and mental exertion that sometimes feels superhuman. That’s why He wants us to bring it all to Him. In fact, in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), he tells us, “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.”
In that statement, He promises us His peace. This is my favorite scripture. I lean on it a lot when I feel anxious.
Speaking of scriptures, beyond quick readings, another practical way to renew the mind from the chaos of our demands in motherhood is to delve deeply into God’s Word. Choose a book of the Bible or a specific theme (e.g., peace, joy, strength) and read it consistently. Journal about what you’re learning, memorize verses that resonate and consider how the truths apply to your daily life as a mother.
This consistent input of God’s perspective helps recalibrate your thoughts. This could be combined with your quiet time or in addition to it. Also, if you’re anything like me and find it challenging to sit down to read because you’re the official snack dealer, meal cooker, dishwasher, etc, consider listening to scripture on audio.
I enjoy listening while doing the dishes. It both relaxes me and speeds up a task I deplore, all while spiritually feeding me. It’s a win/win!
It is scriptural to spend time with God in His word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
We live in a society that often overlooks the work and sacrifices we make as moms. But we are called to motherhood; it is the ultimate good work. I think that means God wants to be there to equip us to handle its demands while instilling that sense of peace we desperately need.
If you recall from Genesis, when God had finished all His work, He took a day off. I don’t think He needed the breather. I think it was modeling what we should do for self-renewal.
While a full day of “rest” might seem impossible with young children, intentionally carve out moments or periods for genuine rest and reflection. This might involve delegating tasks, asking for help, or simply choosing to do less on a particular afternoon or evening. And let’s be real: letting the kiddos play a round of a game on our phones or watching Bluey now and then isn’t going to stunt their developmental growth.
Use your downtime to reflect on God’s faithfulness, acknowledge His presence in your life, and release the pressure to constantly “do.”
Resting is about reconnecting with your soul and with God.
God reminds us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) to “Come to [Him], all you who are weary and burdened, and [He] will give you rest. Take [His] yoke upon you and learn from [Him], for [He is] gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For [His] yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light.”
Embracing practices such as intentional prayer, immersive scripture engagement, and mindful Sabbath rest can help you renew your mind while experiencing God’s peace amidst the beautiful yet often demanding journey of motherhood.
As you lean into these disciplines, you’ll find His strength to navigate the chaos, transforming moments of overwhelm into opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on Him.
Ultimately, that is what our human existence is all about – growing in faith and understanding.
And rest assured, mama, even though the days we spend in the trenches with young children can be long. The years are short. Take the time to rest; you deserve it, and just know this too shall pass.
I have three kids. Our oldest enjoyed toilet diving as a toddler, and he was FAST. Our middle kiddo enjoyed finding and putting anything that would fit in his mouth in his mouth, and our youngest was a climber. There were days I feared the phrase “Mommy, catch me” would end us up in the ER.
The chaos, my friends, is real. And remember 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV), “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”