As mamas we are pretty much guaranteed to go through seasons of exhaustion, frustration, disappointment and overwhelm - the kind of seasons that lead our souls to feel world weary. As a mom to four little ones, I’ve known these seasons intimately.

I know what it’s like to be really tired, wanting nothing more than to trudge upstairs, climb into bed, pull the covers over my face and stay there for three days. I know what it’s like to ignore that daydream and plow through the millionth load of laundry or dishes that week so that come morning, my family can eat and be clothed.

Sometimes, I don’t plow through and call it quits because honestly - I just can’t keep going. My body aches, my brain hurts, my wits are nowhere to be found and just before drifting off into a restless sleep, I note to myself that I’m too tired to even cry about the state of my sad little life.

Then, when I wake to a new day with new possibilities, the guilt sets in - the guilt that tells me there’s no reason I shouldn’t be more on top of things, and that I have an amazing life that I should be beyond grateful for. So, I tell myself today will be different - that I will be patient, loving, productive - and head to the bathroom to get ready.

Before five full minutes have passed, I hear screams from down the hall as one child hits another, and they all come barreling into my room, quickly and efficiently eliminating any hope I had of enjoying a peaceful, joyful morning. This is what motherhood looks like sometimes. This is what my life looks like sometimes.

Can you relate? Have you ever gone through seasons of bone-wearying exhaustion, where your sole aim is to simply make it through in one piece, having kept your kids alive and your sanity somewhat intact?

If so, then let this be an encouragement to you mama: you are doing just fine. Your Heavenly Father created you to fulfill this calling and He will be faithful to refine you through the trials you encounter. In Matthew 11:28 (New International Version) God says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When we can’t go one step further, He will be there to be your strength! “I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)

On those days that make you feel like you can’t go on, come back to the following truths. They will be like fuel to your soul, equipping and sustaining you with what you need to run your race well.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7, NIV)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV)

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

Fuel For the Weary Mama's Soul