For many mothers, the responsibilities of family life can feel overwhelming. But maybe you’re one of those who has an immaculate home, a family command center working like a well-oiled machine, and you’ve never broken down into a sobbing mess over a pile of laundry, dishes, or toys. If so, this devotion may not resonate with you. If you have, if you are, if it feels likely to happen any minute—and your life is running more like an engine patched together with duct tape and prayer—then you’re in the right place.
Messy bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms—every room. Yep, I’ve been there. Not just there, either. I’ve had messy emotions too. When a new cleaning routine promising to declutter and clean my house in fifteen minutes a day fails to deliver—again—my hope falls into despair. When I wake up with energy and a plan to get my house under control, only to have a big, fat wrench thrown into my motor and watch all my plans fall like dust—more dust—energy is replaced with bone-deep, soul-deep tiredness. It’s so easy to feel isolated. I’ve been there too many times to count. And truth be told, if I hadn’t let embarrassment and pride stop me, I might have found the help I needed much sooner.
Maybe your mess looks different than mine. Maybe things were going great before your husband became ill, your child started having trouble in school, or a family member passed away and you inherited a houseful of stuff you don’t know what to do with. Whatever the cause, if life is or has become chaotic and emotions are haywire, God is right where He’s always been—beside us, before us, behind us, above us, beneath us, surrounding us. We aren’t alone. If anyone sees what’s hiding in that closet where the laundry disappears when company comes—the uncertainty and challenges of motherhood—it’s Him. And He is a merciful God who knows us and loves us, messy floors and all.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. – Isaiah 40:29 (ESV)
Real peace comes when our faith and focus are placed on the One who created us. Are you familiar with the story of Mary and Martha? Martha was “anxious and troubled about many things” as she worked hard to serve Jesus and the guests, while her sister Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. This story reminds us that sometimes “serving” can lead to stress, anxiety, bad tempers, and even sin. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen to Jesus and seek His purpose for our lives.
Can the Lord use our mess for His message? Of course He can. Can He help us climb out of the rubble and get control of our homes in a way that honors Him? Yes. There is hope. This “ADHD Mama” is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel—and it isn’t because I’m an empty nester. Four of my grandkids live next door, and they might have more stuff at my house than at theirs. Still, I’ve learned a few lessons since my children were young, and the chaos created by little and big people doesn’t overwhelm me like it used to. Do I have it all together? No. To tell the truth, this devo is a good reminder for me, too. We must die daily. Right?
Sometimes the perfect opportunities to teach our children or grandchildren about timeless truths—like thankfulness and faith—are found in the middle of life’s difficulties, not just when things are going well. God can use our mess to proclaim His message.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV)
In all circumstances? In the dirty dishes? In the ups and downs of family life? Yes. Is it hard? Absolutely. But “this is the will of God…” If we have the salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that the troubles of this sinful world are temporary, then we recognize that everything we have is a gift from the Lord. We can be thankful because we have been BLESSED!
How can we proclaim thankfulness in our homes? By showing gratitude in our prayers, attitudes, and actions. By being good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us. By treating our things, our home, and each other with respect—because ultimately, everything and everyone belongs to God. In short, our perspective may need to change.
Still, many of us have accumulated more than we need. Have you heard the saying, “You can’t clean clutter”? Maybe it’s time to bless others by donating the excess—those things that are no longer useful or have lost their value to us. It may mean recognizing trash for what it is and removing it from our lives. It may mean becoming more mindful shoppers and realizing that everything we bring into our homes must be maintained and a place for it has to be found.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26
The Lord knows our weakness. He knows we get tired and stressed. The struggle is real—take it to the Lord. The overwhelm is real—take it to the Lord. Let our children hear us pray, “Lord, I can’t do this without You.” Because that’s true in every area of our lives. And our children need to understand that when life gets hard, the Lord wants to be their strength. He wants to be their portion.
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant… You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. – Matthew 25:23 (ESV)
Though we’re called to be faithful stewards of what we’ve been given, God doesn’t expect us to do it alone. He is always with us. There are countless videos and resources on how to declutter, organize, and clean. And God gives us friends and family for a reason. We don’t need to be ashamed—no one is immune to troubles. But let’s not simply focus on the end goal of a neat and tidy life. Instead, make the process count for something more meaningful. Let us trust the Lord, seek the Lord, and pray for real transformation in our hearts and in the hearts of our families.
But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.– 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Yes, the Lord can use our mess for His message—and may He be glorified every step of the way.
Read more about Sandy and her writingson her website: https://www.sandykayslawsonwriter.org/
About momQ
momQ is a nonprofit ministry that equips and encourages moms to follow God’s design for families through mentor-led small groups, biblical teaching, and intentional community. We believe motherhood is a powerful place of discipleship, and that God uses everyday rhythms to shape hearts for His Kingdom.
If you’re looking for support, encouragement, and practical tools as you seek to disciple your children and grow in your own faith, we invite you to learn more about momQ and connect with a community of moms walking this journey together.
