“Of course they’re tired. They’re Moms.”

The statement was lighthearted. It was meant to crack a smile.

And in many ways, it was true.

Moms, especially new ones, are tired.

And that’s normal.

But when seen in a different light, this statement is problematic.

Indeed, there is a certain level of exhaustion that simply comes with new motherhood, new babies, and busy toddler life. However, in our efforts to normalize that kind of tiredness, I wonder if we’ve inadvertently normalized something else, something that doesn’t have to be normal. In fact, it shouldn’t be.

It’s soul tiredness. It’s a weary mind. It’s a dry spirit.

It’s living in survival mode far longer than necessary.

And my friend, it just doesn’t have to be this way.

We as Moms can experience true rest – in our hearts and souls. And here’s why.

Why Moms Can Experience Rest

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Right here, Jesus himself says why and how we can have rest.

Why? Because He gives it. Because He is gentle and lowly in heart. Because His yoke is easy. Because His burden is light.

New moms can rest, because of Jesus.

And how do they get this rest? By coming to Him. By taking His yoke. By learning from Him.

My friend, the truth is that you don’t have to live in survival mode longer than necessary. You don’t have to be anxious. Your spirit doesn’t need to feel dry.

You can rest.

And it begins with Jesus. If you have never come to Him before, I encourage you to call out to Him. Believe that He died and rose again to save you from your sin and ask Him to be your Savior and the Lord of your life.

This is where true rest is found.

And if you have come to Jesus for salvation and are simply struggling to live out the reality of your salvation, I want to, based on the truth of Matthew 11:28-30, share 12 ways to experience this rest in your own life. These are practical, simple ideas that I hope will be helpful.

12 Ways To Rest As a New Mom

1. Stop trying to earn what’s already been given.

True rest begins when we stop trying to earn our salvation. Jesus’ gift of grace is just that – a gift. The ultimate rest we can experience is not physical sleep, mental relaxation, or emotional ease. It’s having peace with God.

Do you have this peace with God? If you do, my next question is: Are you living like it? I think it’s possible to be saved and yet continue to live like you have to earn grace (Gal. 6:6).

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Let’s live in light of reality. Let’s rest.

2. Pay attention to what recharges you.

There are some activities that are inherently more life-giving and recharging than others. Pay attention to what those things are. When we notice how certain activities affect us, we can more wisely choose how we spend our time.

3. Cast your anxiety on God.

When our hearts are weighed down by worry, we aren’t resting. So rather than trying to carry burdens and haul heavy loads, choose to give your anxieties to God.

Come to him (Matt. 11:28). Cast your anxiety on him (1 Pet. 5:7). Give him your burden (Ps. 55:22).

4. Accept what you can’t control.

When we try to carry responsibilities that were never ours to steward, we get anxious. When we try to force something to happen that we just can’t control, we get frustrated and resentful.

We can’t control other people. We can’t control the state of the world. We can’t even control the weather. Let’s entrust these things to Jesus instead of trying to carry them ourselves.

5. Do the next obedient thing.

God promises rest to his followers (Matt. 11:29). He takes care of His children, and there is great blessing in walking with Jesus and following Him. It may sound ironic, but when we bow in submission to Christ – literally take His yoke (Matt. 11:29) – then He gives us rest.

While we can’t control a lot of things, we can know our role and what God wants us to do. Let’s do that and leave the rest in His care.

6. Establish a weekly rhythm of rest.

Having an intentional day of rest every week is a blessing. It allows us to stop our usual flow of work and hustle and take time to enjoy God’s good gifts. We can meet with other believers. We can take a walk, a nap or eat a special meal. A day of rest is a gift to be cherished.

7. Rest every day.

Prioritize something every day that refuels you. Perhaps you read, write, go on a walk, or watch an uplifting show. We as believers are secure and loved, so we are free to enjoy God’s gifts in a way that glorifies Him. We don’t hold the weight of the world on our shoulders, so we can sit down, laugh a little harder, and have fun with our loved ones.

8. Prioritize sleep.

This may seem obvious, but that doesn’t make it easy. As a new mom, it can feel impossible. As a parent, it can feel daunting. But sleep is so important for every area of our health. We can think clearer and feel more rested, not just physically but mentally when we get enough sleep.

9. Turn off the noise.

While it’s fun to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts, sometimes it’s good to turn off the noise. We bring our stress level down and feel more rested in our hearts.

10. Catch wrong thoughts, and replace them with truth.

Stop believing lies. Replace them with the truth of Scripture.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“

11. Have boundaries.

Say no sometimes.

Remember that you don’t have to say yes to every opportunity and invitation that comes your way. Have boundaries. With your kids, your friends, and your family. You are not the hero. You are not omnipotent. God is.

Embrace humility by setting limits.

12. Memorize and meditate on Scripture.

Fill you mind with truth, with thoughts about God and the Gospel. That brings life. That brings peace.

Romans 8:6 says, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.“