Why Busy Moms Struggle With Boundaries (and How to Set Them Biblically)
A Devotional for the Mom Who Feels Torn Between Yes and Peace
Mama, have you ever said yes to something, and immediately afterward felt a tug in your spirit — like you just took on more than God asked you to carry? Maybe you felt that tiny rise of stress in your chest, but you pushed it down because…
“They really need me.”
“It’s the right thing to do.”
“A good mom / wife / woman of faith never says no.”
I’ve been there too.
For years, I thought being available to everyone all the time was what made me loving, faithful, even spiritual. But slowly, I realized something—
I wasn’t saying yes out of calling. I was saying yes out of guilt and pressure.
And guilt is a terrible guide.
Why Boundaries Feel So Hard
As moms, we’re praised for being selfless, always helping, always pouring out. But Scripture never tells us to pour from an empty cup — it calls us to abide, not to exhaust.
Jesus Himself practiced boundaries.
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 (paraphrased)
He stepped away. He said no to the crowds. Not because He didn’t care — but because He cared too much to serve from an empty place.
If Jesus — the Savior of the world — could say, “Not right now,” then Mama… so can you.
The Hidden Cost of Never Saying No
When we lack boundaries, here’s what happens:
- We live reactive, not responsive to God’s voice.
- We confuse being needed with being called.
- We slowly drift into burnout and begin resenting what we once prayed for.
And God didn’t design motherhood to feel like that.
A Heart Check for Your Next Yes
Before you say yes, try this simple prayer:
“Lord, is this mine to carry?”
- If it is — He will supply grace.
- If it isn’t — He will supply peace to release it.
Either way — His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
A Better Way: Grace-Filled Boundaries
Here’s what biblical boundaries look like:
- Saying yes with intention.
- Saying no without apology.
- Trusting that obedience is better than people-pleasing.
Boundaries aren’t about pulling away from people — they’re about making space to stay close to God.
Want Help Practicing This?
If your heart is tired of overcommitting and you’re craving more Harmony, Not Hustle, I created something just for you…
Grab my FREE 7-Day Flourishing Devotional — a gentle, faith-filled way to reset your rhythms and start creating space to breathe again.
Click here to download
Prayer to Close
Father, help me to walk in alignment, not exhaustion.
Teach me to recognize what You’ve truly called me to — and give me courage to release what You haven’t.
Let every yes come from peace, not pressure, and every no be covered in grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
P.S. Want more encouragement and resources to help you flourish as a Christian mom? You’ll find all my devotionals, free guides, and coaching links here.
P.S.S. Don’t miss the video that goes along with this post — Why Busy Moms Struggle with Boundaries. It walks you through these rhythms with real-life examples and encouragement.
Click here to watch the video.