He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28

I’m not a perfect mom. Sometimes I’m not even a nice mom. There are days that I wake up in a rotten mood. I feel tired and the littlest thing irritates me, driving me into an irrational craze. I don’t want to feel this way, but it happens.

Maybe you’ve had a day or two in this irrational land of irritability. It’s possible that you’ve had weeks or even months of complete frustration. You read parenting books, blogs, and see sweet pictures of what you think life should look like, yet there seems to be a sweetness lacking in your own home and life.

I know because I have had a few days, weeks, and even months when I’ve been less than pleasant to the people who I call “gifts from God.”

I want to be an example of godliness, holy living, kindness and love, but I don’t always measure up.

What’s a mama to do when she wants to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but she feels more like a viper or a snapping turtle ready to snap at the very next word that comes from a little mouth?

1. Rest – When I’m tired I get irritated easily. I need to focus on getting to bed at a decent hour in order to feel ready for another day. Although my list is rarely completed by bedtime, if I stay up late to feel accomplished, I will likely feel inadequate the next morning.

2. Eat – No, not brownie batter and potato chips, although I love them both. Eat something that will give you energy and help your brain work properly. I’m not a health coach, but I know Pinterest has lots of good ideas. My main go to is water and lots of it, and a healthy breakfast. This gets me on the right track for the day. Oh, and I usually have a cup or two of coffee.

3. Exercise – Work out your spiritual and physical muscles. Try to find some type of exercise that you can enjoy. I rarely feel like exercising, but when I do I usually feel better afterwards. I like to listen to Christian music or spiritual podcasts while I work out. I get my work out in and flex my spiritual muscles all at the same time. Don’t misinterpret me here, I don’t spend hours in the gym. I’m talking twenty to thirty minutes of walking or bike riding about three times a week.

4. Be Still – If you’re in a funk and can’t seem to snap out of it, allow yourself to slow down. Take time to do some heart searching and see what’s bothering you. Hand it over to the Lord and ask Him to change your thoughts, attitude and actions.

Resting, eating right and exercising are all good ways to help improve your mood, but they do not hold the heart changing power that you need when you are feeling less than your best.

The power of prayer and God’s Word will cut the cord of irrational irritability better than any workout, nap or new eating regimen. Pray for God to change your heart and search His Word for a renewed perspective on your current reality.

When He does, you’ll have a better handle on how to manage the mood swings that threaten to cast doom and gloom into your “want-to-be” happy home. Don’t give way to the enemy’s attack by saying it’s just a bad day. Fight for your joy and ask God to reveal Himself in and through you. I need to do this every single day, some days over and over.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Not that we are sufficient to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. II Corinthians 3:5

How does a mom override a bad mood?

She let’s Jesus change her heart, calm her crazy and form her thoughts through His Word and power. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! And while you’re at it, go to bed a little earlier, eat a good breakfast, get moving and open up that mood to the will and way of Jesus.

How do I know this works? I struggle often. I get moody. I get mean. The proven way to snap out of it is by submitting my heart, my thoughts, and my mood to Jesus. A submitted heart isn’t irritable, irrational or frustrated. A submitted heart allows Jesus take over, doesn’t freak out, and reacts calmly with compassion. That’s the “mom” I want to be.

Now, take a deep breath. You are going to be okay.

I’m taking my own advice today!

If this has been an encouragement to you, pass it on!

Love and Blessings,

Micah