12 Resources for Overwhelmed Moms

I almost didn’t write this post. In fact, I almost quite writing the Rediscovering Joy in Motherhood series altogether!

It’s funny how the things we try to encourage others about, the lessons we think we’ve learned, and the situations we believe we’ve mastered are the very things that challenge us once again.

My husband and I are in the throes of packing–trying to sift through eight years of our lives in an effort to declutter as we get ready to move in less than a month. And it’s so. completely. overwhelming.

The clean laundry that I stacked neatly near the door of the toddlers’ room to be put away? It looks like this now….after remaining there for five days.

The bedroom that’s supposed to be sanctuary for my husband and I at the end of the day? It’s filling with boxes and random piles.

I had actually been fairly organized for the past few months….but I should have known that the craziness would begin again. I don’t share this to feel sorry for myself but rather to say that I’m not “that mom” who is always put together and whose house is always clean and organized. And that’s reality.

As a mom, there are seasons of life that can pull us under in the swelling tide if we don’t have something to hang onto. While I was feeling frustrated last night, God brought to mind a verse that has meant much to me through times of turmoil. It’s a familiar one, I’m sure you’ve heard it too.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:10

As I brace for change, deal with my perpetually messy home and paddle furiously trying to stay afloat, it is good to hear the gospel: the good news that transforms even the most frazzled moments.

What about you? Do you need encouragement? There are so many great resources for overwhelmed mommas, starting with the Word of God and branching out to well-written books and devotionals that minister to us when we are barely hanging on. Let me share with you some resources that have been a great help to me.

12 Resources for Overwhelmed Moms

The Holy Bible

Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman – The refreshment and reminder we need of God’s pursuit of our hearts.

Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic – So personal and relateable, stories and examples with which every mom that’s had small children can connect!

The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart for Eternity by Sally Clarkson – Sometimes we need a whack upside the head and other times we need a kind voice showing us the gentle way. That’s where this book comes in.

The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ’s Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children by Sally Clarkson – I am always challenged by this book and have read it several times.

She’s Gonna Blow! Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill – One of the characteristics, so to speak, of an overwhelmed mom can sometimes be lashing out in anger. This book, which I read three years ago during a very low time, gave me practical solutions to the “yelling problem” which helped immensely.

Searching for Sanity: 52 Insights from the Parents of the Bible – I have not read this book and only recently came across it. It looked interesting and so I ordered it! I hope that it will offer some “straight from the Scriptures” advice for motherhood!

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Children with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick – We are reading this right now in a family discipleship group I am a part of. I am LOVING it so far! The tangible examples really help me to know how to implement the biblical truths found in this book.

Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin – I loved this book with it’s practical applications. Really I think some of the points in this book could work for praying for girls too :)

Undivided Mom by Kayse Pratt – A gospel-driven devotional that reminded me of the good news of Christ despite my failings (and believe me, I need that reminder daily!).

8 Scripture Verses for Struggling Moms (Free Printable)

Live for Him: A Grace-Filled Look at Planning by Leigh Ann Dutton – Sometimes overwhelm is caused by being completely unorganized (at least in my house!). I’ve enjoyed using this planner and like that it is not only organizational in nature but encourages us to look at planning our lives from an eternal perspective. 

 What are your favorite resources for when you feel overwhelmed?

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