Mommin’ it; Finding Strength in Surrender
Whether you’re a first-time mom or a mother of multiples, chances are you’ve probably experienced days when you felt like you were just mommin’ it. Maybe you were planning to leave the house on time until your partially potty-trained toddler had an accident. Maybe you tried to act like the “civilized parent” at the grocery store until your child threw a tantrum in the middle of the aisle.
The need to be in control can be an addictive habit for any mother. Parents are responsible for making decisions about every aspect of their child’s life in their early years; what they wear, what they eat, what they’re allowed to watch on TV, what time they go to be, etc. The truth of the matter is it’s impossible to be 100 percent prepared for every unexpected curveball motherhood throws.
As a single mother of a three-year-old, I can certainly identify with the common obsession. However, along my journey, I’ve found most times the root of my need for control is fear. The more I’ve tried to control, the more I’ve feared losing control, a vicious cycle that edges God out. After coming to the end of myself time and time again, I’m finally learning to find my strength in surrendering it all to Jesus.
Are you a mother that’s struggling to relinquish control? Before you let anxiety consume you, I would suggest asking yourself the following;
Is it worth my worry?
“… if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matthew 6:30)
You’ve probably sung along to one of Bob Marley’s most memorable songs. His iconic lyrics “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna’ be all right,” are timeless and relatable. Many of us moms spend way too much time sweating “little things” like how soon our babies start walking, talking, or using the potty, but is it worth our worry?
Matthew 6: 28-31 tells us just how much God cares about the smallest details of our lives. In the words of famed gospel recording group Maverick City, “If he dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor, how much more will he clothe you?” Don’t let fear keep you from giving the “little things” to God.
What CAN I control?
“When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” (Proverbs 29:18)
While God desires our full surrender, we still have a part to play. The Bible says faith without works is dead, so are you willing to put in the work? You’re waiting for God to bless your finances, but have you filled out a job application? You’re scraping pennies together to keep your child in daycare, but have you thought about asking your support system for help?
As Proverbs 29:18 says, where there is no vision people perish. In other words, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. What vision has God placed in your hands? Whatever he’s asking of you, make sure you’re not letting fear, doubt, or pride keep you from exhausting all possibilities.
What CAN’T I control?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Finally, after you’ve done all YOU can, it’s time to leave it in God’s hands. This is the most difficult step for many of us moms. It can feel daunting releasing full control to someone you can’t touch or feel, yet we must choose to believe that God is ALWAYS with us.
Proverbs 3:5 is one of my favorite scriptures; the powerful words sustain me on days when I feel like being a single mommy is too much to bear. Still, I have peace and know I’m not walking this journey aimlessly, God is leading me every step of the way.
Sincerely,
The Saved Single Mommy
Do you want to choose Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life?
Pray this prayer;
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin.
Please forgive me.
Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior.
Now, help me to live for you the rest of this life.
In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
