Three Devotionals for a Tired Mother

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

I am the mother of five children. Today they are all adults, and several have children of their own, giving me the wonderful title of Grandmother.

As I look back over the years, one thing is certain: motherhood is a long journey. It is beautiful, rewarding, sanctifying… and often exhausting.

There are seasons of changing diapers, sleepless nights, school projects, sports practices, homework, and endless loads of laundry. Then, just when you think you’ve crossed the finish line, motherhood changes.

Now you become the encourager through job losses, financial struggles, marriages, parenting questions, health scares, disappointments, and dreams that don’t always unfold as expected.

The responsibilities may change, but a mother’s heart never stops loving.

Through every season, I have discovered one truth: God has always been my strong tower.

When my strength wasn’t enough, His was. When I didn’t know what to do, He did. When I wanted to quit, He reminded me to keep walking one day at a time.

Many times, I have pictured the faces of my children and imagined the future God had for them. Those moments helped me press through another difficult day. More importantly, I remembered that Jesus loved them even more than I did.

Devotional One — God Sees the Weight You’re Carrying

There was one season of motherhood that nearly overwhelmed me. While carrying my own physical pain, one child after another faced unexpected health challenges.

Several of my children experienced unexplained passing-out episodes. One suffered a bowel obstruction that lasted more than thirty days before doctors found a solution. Another broke an arm. Another battled RSV for nearly three years.

It seemed like every time one child recovered, another crisis began.

Our pediatrician looked at me one day and asked, “Have you ever read the book of Job?” Even he recognized that what our family was walking through was far beyond what most families experience at one time.

Yet today, I can testify to God’s faithfulness. We made it through. God healed my children. God strengthened me. God carried our family.

If you are in a season where the weight feels too heavy, remember this: God sees every burden you carry. Nothing escapes His attention.

Devotional Two — God Chose You to Be Their Mother

Sometimes motherhood can make us question ourselves. “Am I doing enough? Am I failing? Will my children be okay?”

The enemy loves to whisper fear into a mother’s heart. But Scripture tells us something different.

God knows every step we take. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb.

That means He also knew your children before they were born — and He intentionally chose you to be their mother. Not because you’re perfect. Not because you’ll never make mistakes. But because He will faithfully work through a heart that continually turns to Him.

Your family is not an accident. Your calling as a mother is not an accident. God’s grace is sufficient for every season.

Devotional Three — Keep On Keeping On

One of my dad’s favorite sayings has always been: “Keep on keeping on.” Simple. Steady. Faithful.

Those words have carried me through many seasons. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t wish away the difficult years. Those exhausting days became the very places where I witnessed God’s greatest faithfulness.

He provided. He protected. He strengthened. He healed. He carried us when we couldn’t carry ourselves.

So today, if you’re a tired mama, don’t lose heart. Don’t spend all your energy wishing this season away. Instead, begin looking for God’s fingerprints throughout your day — notice His provision, His protection, His grace, His peace.

Every day may not be easy… but every day His mercy is new.

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV)

Motherhood was never meant to be walked alone. Jesus has promised:

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)

Whatever challenge motherhood has brought into your life today, take heart. You will get through this — not because you are strong enough, but because He is.

Keep trusting Him. Keep walking with Him. Keep living day by day in His presence.

And above all… keep on keeping on.

With love,

Suszanne Parker Founder, Women of Wonder Ministries