How to Bring Peace to a Worried Mom’s Heart
3 Meaningful Ways to Bring Peace to a Worried Mom’s Heart
I didn’t realize how much I allowed fear into my spirit until our first daughter was born. Now I know all moms go through an adjustment period when their first baby is born. Figuring it out all and not being sure of what in the world you are doing is normal.
But I had no idea how many things there were to worry about as a new mom!
Looking back, one of my biggest fears was about her nutrition.
“Is she getting enough milk? How do I know how much she is drinking? Am I even nursing right!? What if she’s hungry and I starve her because I can’t tell she’s hungry…”
Now I realize many of those thoughts are unhelpful or irrational. But at the time I worried about ALL. THE. THINGS.
If it wasn’t milk, it was sleep or stimulation or socialization. You name it and I’m sure one mama out there worried about it.
The sad part is I worried about how much our daughter ate for an entire year! I was too scared to diet and lose the pregnancy weight I gained in fear of my daughter not getting the milk she needed.
It was kind of ridiculous.
Looking back I wish I could have enjoyed our breastfeeding journey more and celebrated the victories instead of worrying about the what-ifs.
Follow Inspired Motherhood on Instagram for Encouragement in Motherhood!
As our kids grew I found myself having new worries. “How do I know what type of discipline is right for us? What if he grows up to be a brat? What if something bad happens to my kids and I can’t fix it?”
The fears never end. In each stage there is always something new to contemplate or worry about.
I recently saw a meme on Facebook that said “Motherhood is really about accepting the fact that you will be permanently worried for the rest of your life.” At first glance you may think AMEN SISTER!
But after more thought this quote drove me crazy. Living in a permanent state of worry is NOT where God wants us to stay! Why are we accepting this!?
Everything about the quote is counter to what the Bible tells us. Worry is not from our Heavenly Father.
So how can a mom who worries too much find peace? I’m going to share with you three ways to overcome this in motherhood.
A side note before we start: I have a background in psychology and anxiety disorders, postpartum depression, etc. is so real. It’s very important to get the help you need if you are facing this. Find a doctor and/or therapist you can trust, someone who can give you the medical care you need to feel better.
First, Identity the Negative Thoughts
This may seem like a no brainer, but so often we don’t even realize all the things we think about on a daily basis. Take a mental inventory of your thoughts.
How often are they negative? How often are they positive? What do you worry about the most?
After you identify your wrong thinking, find the root of the thought.
Second, What is the Root?
To get to the root I had to take a look at my situation and reflect. What was I REALLY worried about? Many times worry or fear is deeper than you initially think.
For me, I realized I like to have control and being a new mom I felt totally out of control! I wanted to plan and prepare, but I quickly realized this was almost impossible with a newborn.
As I prayed God showed me different times in my life when fear was planted into my heart. I needed to remove these seeds. He also told me, and this wasn’t the first time, you need to trust me.
Third, Ask God to Renew Your mind
After I recognized the root of my anxiety, it was time to change. But when your mind is so used to worrying as the default it’s not as easy as saying “I want to change” and poof….like that it’s gone.
Mind renewal is a process and through it I’ve found peace through God’s word. His Word is life giving.
It’s in His word he tells us: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)
So don’t do it. Don’t accept what the world tells you: as a mother you NEED to worry. That’s a lie from the enemy!
Instead, declare that you have a sound mind and God will take care of your tomorrow. Did He not say He would sustain you? Watch over you? Let those promises soak into your heart. Meditating on God’s word brings thanksgiving and peace.
Lastly, find scriptures to pray over your children and family (find more here) and scriptures for when you feel overwhelmed.
Stand on His promises.
For many of us, fear comes down to trust. Did we trust God to watch over our children? Did we truly believe He loves us and cares deeply for our well being?
Find rest in knowing the God of the universe is covering you this very moment.
A Prayer for the Worried Mom’s Heart
I want to send you off with a prayer for a worried mom’s heart. Speak it out loud.
Lord we thank you for who you are! You are the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. You are our protector. The keeper of our hearts. Our rock and fortress. We praise you because you are always watching over ____ (child’s name or your name). You will not let the sun harm us by day nor the moon by night. You never sleep or slumber therefore you are always watching over our lives. Help us to rest on Your promises and find peace in Your presence.
This prayer has aspects of psalm 121 and I prayed it many nights over our daughter. As soon as I spoke the words out loud I felt a peace come over the room. No longer bound by fear.
So what about you? How do you ease a worried mom’s heart?
Do you have anxious thoughts as a mom? How do transform a worried mom’s heart?? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Be sure to connect with our community on Instagram for daily encouragement in motherhood.
Even now with my children in their thirties, I still worry for them and their partners! Thank you for your prayers and info!
My mom feels the same way! But PRAYER really changes things!!