As parents, we are constantly dealing with life’s stressors. We balance struggles at work, with our children’s busy activity schedules, and homework — all while finding time to cook a healthy dinner before bedtime.
It’s a lot for one person to manage, but we were never meant to bear these burdens alone.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus promises to take our heavy loads from us — but He can only carry them if we give them to Him first.
If you are in a difficult parenting season, you’re not alone. We can practice the daily act of giving our burdens to Jesus by growing our faith, increasing our hope and fostering resilience.
Here are some practical ways to help you get started today.
Growing Your Faith
If you feel like your faith is small, take heart! Jesus doesn’t need much to work big miracles in your life. In fact, in Matthew 17:20, He says we only need faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains.
When you’re overwhelmed by life’s day-to-day stressors and obligations, it’s easy to neglect the life-giving habits that feed our faith. However, spending time with Jesus and reading His Word is how our faith grows.
If your faith feels a little too shallow for the season you’re walking through, that’s a good sign it’s time to reprioritize activities like:
- Praying.
- Engaging with God’s Word.
- Joining small groups at church.
- Praising and worshiping at home or on the go
You might have to rearrange some things in your schedule, but scheduling regular time with Jesus is the best way to grow your faith.
Increasing Hope
There are a lot of things and situations we can hope for in life — a better job, a cleaner house or a nicer car. However, the Bible makes it clear there is only one person we should put our hope in, and that’s Jesus.
He is the only one who can carry the weight of our expectations, and, unlike others, He will never let us down.
A lot of times, we feel hopeless because we’ve been putting our hope in the wrong things. Situational hope is elusive, especially when you are a parent of child with trauma. If you’re feeling hopeless, ask yourself, “Am I putting my trust in something or someone besides Jesus?”
It’s easy to fall into the enemy’s trap of thinking things from this world can satisfy us. If you’ve strayed into a similar way of thinking, praise God for revealing it to you! There’s no reason to beat yourself up about it — simply ask God for forgiveness and thank Him for the gift of his mercies that are new every morning.
The trials of this world can easily feel overwhelming, but the Bible is full of promises about our future. Spend some time meditating on the beautiful blessings that are still to come and thank God for all the miracles He’s worked in your life already.
HopeConnect™ helps you get started with our free digital devotional Boundless Hope. Specially written for frazzled and overwhelmed parents who need to engage with the power of God’s Word and experience His real and lasting hope in their lives.
Fostering Resilience
Focus on the Family, our strategic partner, describes resilience as “experience doing tough stuff and knowing how to make it not so tough the next time.” While we often think about fostering resilience in our children, it’s important to remember that we, as adults, need to continuously grow our resilience, too.
As parents, we constantly encounter new and challenging situations. Sometimes, we react to these difficulties poorly — and that’s part of being human. The important thing to remember is that we have the ability to choose a different response next time.
Also, it’s easier to respond to life’s difficult circumstances with resiliency once we’re anchored in the Hope of God’s Word.
KEY TAKEAWAY
No matter what problem life brings your way, you can overcome it with Jesus. Take heart in this truth and ask God to bring His faithfulness to your mind whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” ~Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
APPLICATION
When life becomes overwhelming, it’s easy to forget God designed each of us for a unique purpose. We are His own special treasure, and He has a beautiful plan for all of us. Remind your children — and yourself! — of this truth the next time you’re folding laundry by playing Fold Up, Hold Up.
Find this game and more now in the Everyday Moments™ activities collection!
