Being a mother is a joy. It is an incredible gift and a high calling.

And also, being a mother is not easy. Every day, we are called to make sacrifices, and it all can feel challenging.

And sometimes we can grow resentful.

When I talk to my other young mom friends, I am reminded that life as a Mom of littles is challenging. It’s not just me. It’s just a fact that being a parent is weighty and tiring. We want what’s best for our kids. We want them to flourish in every area of their lives. We want them to know Jesus, be confident in social situations, have good friends, eat healthy food, sleep all night, and learn to use the toilet. We want them to have good manners, read books, and someday have a successful career and a family of their own.

We want so much for our children.

And yet sometimes it’s all we can do to change their diapers and clean up the breakfast dishes without losing our patience.

It is when life feels challenging that we can grow downcast. We feel like we’re failing our kids. We grow angry that we don’t have the time, body, or clean house we used to.

We love our kids so much, and yet we find ourselves angry.

We hate that we feel that way, but there’s no denying it.

We feel discouraged.

The psalmist, Asaph, also knew what it was to feel disillusioned. In Psalm 73:13, he bemoans, “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.” He looks at the wicked and wonders why they are flourishing. He looks at his own efforts to follow God and says it feels pointless. They are happy. He is not. They are successful. He feels like a failure.

But everything changes when Asaph goes into God’s presence. Though he can’t figure out why things feel so unfair, when he goes before God, his perspective changes.

When he meets with God, He sees things the way they really are.

He remembers that the wicked are headed for destruction, and He recalls that God is always with Him. He realizes that evil will not always persist, and He learns that God is all He wants and needs.

When we lose perspective as Moms, when, like Asaph, we grow bitter, we need to go to God. We need to, as David did, strengthen ourselves in God (1 Samuel 30:6). And as we do, we will find that our perspective changes, our attitudes shift, and we experience a deeper intimacy with God.

Like Asaph, we will realize the emptiness of chasing sin, the value of following Christ (as wives and mothers), and the joy that God is with us and will guide us always.

How to fight discouragement.

1. Go to God.

This is where it all begins.

Like Asaph and David, we can go to God with our weakness. This might look like reading a psalm, praying a quick prayer while we use the toilet, or turning on a worship song in our kitchen. We can give our worries to God (1 Peter 5:7). And when we do, we will find that our perspective changes.

2. Think about what is true.

Oftentimes, when we’re discouraged, we start thinking untrue things. We lose sight of reality. We start to believe lies.

But when we go to God, we are reminded of what is actually true.

Mama, we need to fill our minds with what is true. We need get a little stubborn about it, because the enemy of our souls is a liar (John 8:44).

Write out verses on a notecard. Memorize something. Preach to yourself. Do whatever you need to do to stand firm.

3. Trust in God’s care for you.

God loves you, Mama. And He is with you.

I love how Asaph puts it. In Psalm 73:23b, he says, “you hold my right hand.” Imagine how life would shift if we remembered that God walked with us through it. Whatever comes our way, He holds our hand.

While we don’t have the power it takes to face the day and overcome the enemy and live perfect lives, we are indwelled by the One who does. The great King over all is also our Father (Matthew 6:9), and He will never fail us.

4. Delight in Jesus.

In verse 25, Asaph asks and declares, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”

All he has and all he wants is God.

Sometimes I think that God allows us to suffer and realize that all we have is Him, so that we realize that He is actually enough. When we are brokenhearted, He is near (Psalm 34:18). When we struggle with sin, we crave holiness. When we see the chaos in the world, we long for Heaven.

We treasure Him more.

If you don’t feel this yet, Mama, pray for a greater delight. Seek him for it. It is something He wants to give you.

Mama, if you are discouraged today, know that you are not alone. God is right here with you, sorrowful with you. Run to Him. Don’t wait. He is waiting for you.

FAQ About Fighting Discouragement

1. How do I know if I’m discouraged or actually depressed?

Talk with your husband. Get some outside perspective from someone who knows you and loves you, and pray together about it.

If you and your husband think you need professional care, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone.

2. What are some practical habits you’d recommend to be mentally healthy?

There are lots of practical habits you can implement. Working out, being outside, getting ready for the day, time in the Word and prayer are some great places to start!