Be Vigilant Against The Lies

“Our God is a loving Father, who looks at these “mistakes” as opportunities for us to turn to Him, leaving fear and shame behind us as we draw nearer to Him”

“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” 1 Peter 5: 8 (CSB)

Have you ever had one of those nights, when you’re exhausted from the day, and finally lay your head down on your pillow, only to find your mind racing, filled with feelings of regret as you replay all your “mistakes” and “failures” from the day? 

Maybe your kids had a little more screen time than the recommended daily amount. 

Maybe you worked a 12 hour shift and only got to see your kiddos for an hour before bedtime.  

Maybe you couldn’t play right at the exact minute your little one asked because your to-do list was longer than a receipt from CVS, and the laundry, the dishes, and the cleaning weren’t gonna do themselves.

Maybe your kids have been at their dad’s for the weekend, and the stillness of your house is a reminder of all the things that you “could have” or “should have” done differently.  

Maybe you lost your cool, and said something you wish you hadn’t. 

Whatever it is, friend, please know that you are not alone.  As I look back on my own experience with mom guilt, I recognize that most of the time, I was doing the best I could at that moment.  

Are there a million little things that I wish could have looked different? Yes.   

Do I also accept the grace that God has provided for me? Yes. 

See friend, that second question is just as important, if not more important than the first. That second question is the one I pray my kids will understand. Getting it “right” all the time is unrealistic, and it’s only through the help of our loving Father, that we even have a chance of getting it “right” at all.

Today's verse from 1 Peter begins with the directive to “be sober”, or “be vigilant” (KJV). Calling us to wake up and see the adversary for who he is, a vicious predator waiting for the perfect moment to launch his attack. The fear and shame associated with mom guilt is exactly the opportunity the enemy is looking for. That one tiny incident that he shifts into the ultimate lie that you’re not good enough or that you are a bad mom. 

Friend, please remember that those “mistakes” and “failures” are not how God sees you, and that one incident does not define you as a mom. 

Because our God isn’t a God of single chances. 

Our God is a loving Father, who looks at these “mistakes” as opportunities for us to turn to Him, leaving fear and shame behind us as we draw nearer to Him.  

Action Steps:

• When mom guilt starts to set in and you find your mind spiraling downward in feelings of failure, fear, and shame, stop.  Instead, fill your mind with thoughts of Him, our good and gracious Father. Cast your cares to Him, accept the grace that He has provided for you, and go. Go out, let the Holy Spirit fill you, and allow His loving goodness to flow out through you and into those around you.  

• Read Ephesians 6:12

• Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You, Lord, for my children.  I know that You have called me to be their mom, I know that this calling is not always easy.  Thank You for knowing me, my heart, and how I long to be the best mom I can.  With You, Lord, I know that I can be the mom You called me to be. We love You, Father, and it’s in Your precious name we pray. Amen. 

Author: Kelsey, mom of 2, experienced mom guilt survivor