Devotional For Moms: Tips For The Busy Mom
Daily Devotions for Moms
It might be a challenge for the busy mom to find time for daily devotions, but do not lose heart! Start simple and create a plan that works and is easy to follow. Begin small with short devotions. Do not overwhelm yourself at the outset. Before you start, you might want to consider the following reflection questions:
- When is the best time for me to have devotions during the day?
- What kind of devotional do I need in my life right now?
- Where is the best place for my devotional time?
The most important thing is to decide what to study and when. Once you have decided, it becomes much easier. For me, the best time for devotions is before the kids wake up. To have my devotions, I have to wake up early. I also need a Bible study plan.
Last year, I decided to read through the Bible in a year, and I did exactly that. This year, I am doing the same thing, and I am so happy that I have found a routine that works. Sticking to the reading plan gives me a sense of effectiveness and satisfaction. Daily devotions are therefore a must in my life. I know that I need God’s word on a regular basis. And I can say that these quiet moments are priceless. They change my heart, for sure.
My best devotionals are those when I am alone and there is complete silence around me. The early morning solitude is so peaceful and quiet that I do not think that any other time of the day is better. I also have clearer thoughts in the mornings. Bible teaching is easier to understand when there is nothing else vying for my attention, which in turn helps me develop the “gentle and quiet spirit” that I need as a mother, as it talks about in the Bible verse below:
1 Peter 3:3-4: Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Struggling With Finding Time
There is an endless to-do list in motherhood. Not to mention the single parent who has a lot more on their shoulders than a mother who gets help from her husband. I see you! Life can be really hard! When going through hard times in life, lean into God’s promises and clothe yourself with the armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:11-18:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
The best way to find time for devotions is to prioritize it and get started. You can always find time for what is truly important in your life. If you struggle with this, you need to let go of something else that is filling your life. If late night is the perfect time for you, then make time for it in the evening. On the other hand, if early mornings are better, then make sure you get up early enough to have devotions. You need to do what works for you in this season of motherhood.
Remember, spending time with God is not time spent in vain. Think of it as your “loading station,” where you can gain practical wisdom from above that will help you in your daily life as a mother or a homeschooling mother. Moreover, you are setting a good example for your kids. They are looking and watching you, even when they are sleeping, haha!
There is no such thing as a “perfect mom.” When you have a bad night or feel that you do not have the energy for devotions, or you suddenly remember that you have not had devotions for days, do not get sad about it. Just get back into it. Do not blame yourself or think negatively about yourself. We are always in different seasons in life. The first-time mom of a newborn needs to adjust to the new situation in her life. The kids might get sick or your mom needs help. The journey of motherhood is changing all the time, therefore do not let mom guilt drag you down.
If finding time is still a struggle, remember that devotional time is one of the most important things on our to-do lists! This quiet time is a must for us mothers to be the kind of mothers we want to be! Besides, our children need our constant prayers…
“Let every mother feel that her moments are priceless; her work will be tested on the solemn day of accounts. Then it will be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and women have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty it was to guide their childish feet in the right way. Then it will be found that many who have blessed the world with the light of genius and truth and holiness owe the principles that were the mainspring of their influence and success to a praying, Christian mother.” – The Adventist Home p 239.1 (Ellen Gould White).
Setting Realistic Goals for the Weary Moms
What kind of reading plan do you like? To get started, try downloading the YouVersion Bible app on your phone. In it, you can find many different Bible reading plans about all different kinds of topics that you struggle with. Some are short (for example, three days) and some are long (for example, six months). This app is a great way to start getting into the routine of daily devotions.
For the stay-at-home mom, maybe you need to set a small goal to begin with. Remember, the ultimate goal is to get quality time with your best friend, Jesus Christ. Using devotional apps can be very helpful. I have been using the YouVersion Bible app for a long time, and I have been reading through several Bible plans several times.
As I mentioned before, my personal goal is to continue reading through the entire Bible every year forward, but maybe in different translations. I love delving into a single Bible verse and looking at different translations because it gives me so much more depth and understanding of God’s Word.
Also, before you get into a Bible Study, remember to ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. In James 1:5, it says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Starting your devotions like this will lead you in the right direction. Do not have devotions in your own strength.
Set realistic goals for your devotions and think through these helpful questions:
- How much time can I devote to my devotions every day?
- What kind of topic am I interested in knowing more about?
- What are my pain points right now?
- What do I need to gain peace and hope in my life?
Digital Resources vs. Paper Resources
I have been using my phone for many years for my devotions, but I am so thankful that I now use my paper Bible again. I do not know exactly why, but I feel that I can concentrate and enjoy the peacefultime more easily with the Lord if I use my paper Bible instead of the Bible on the phone. The phone can easily distract me from the word of God, which is something I dislike very much.
I must say, though, that I still use my phone on some occasions. For example, when the kids are sick or I am sick and have to stay in bed. Then it is much easier to use the phone instead of the paper Bible. That being said, what is your favorite Bible? Do you like the digital or paper Bible? Or maybe both? Whatsoever, the information does not change, only how we receive it. The very best daily devotionals are when you are connected to God in heart and mind.
Finally, I hope that this information was helpful in some way and that your devotional life will be pleasant and bright. May God’s love fill your life as you spend time with Him.
