When Motherhood Feels Spiritually Dry: How to Connect with God While Navigating Postpartum

There are seasons of motherhood when your relationship with God might look different than you expected it would.

That was true for me.

I imagined quiet mornings with my Bible and a hot cup of coffee while by baby slept nearby. Instead, I found myself unable to focus on what I was reading, tending to the needs of a newborn from the moment I woke up, and ending each day completely exhausted. 

Some days, reading a single verse felt like a major challenge. I would read and re-read over and over again, unable to process what was right in front of me because I was so focused on the baby in my arms. 

Prayer became scattered thoughts whispered while washing bottles or folding onesies. 

Worship became silent drives to and from the grocery store, mentally thanking God for a few moments of calm. 

My relationship with God felt so different than it did just a weeks prior. I felt worn out spiritually. 

If you've ever felt spiritually dry in motherhood, you are definitely not alone.

The truth is that being a mom often changes the way we spend time with God. The routines that once worked may no longer be realistic in this season of life. But that does not mean God is distant. 

And it doesn't mean you're a "bad Christian," either. 

God is willing and able to meet us where we are.

Let Go of What Spiritual Growth "Should" Look Like

One of the greatest obstacles to connecting with God is the false belief that our spiritual life should look just like it did before having children.

Before, there was time for deep study of Scripture. There was energy for regular, weekly Bible studies. There was time for long, uninterrupted prayers.

The thing is, motherhood requires us to change. And that change is not just physically or emotionally, but spiritually as well.

I had to learn how to release those expectations and embrace a different kind of connection with my Creator. 

I had to remind myself that this new normal was not "backsliding" or  neglect in my faith. It was simply a shift to a different way of thinking that better fit this stage of my life. 

A few minutes in God's Word while my baby played nearby was still time with God. 

A prayer whispered over a sink full of dishes was still prayer. 

Re-reading that sticky-note-verse stuck on my bathroom mirror was still meditation.

Because faithfulness is not measured by the length of time or pages turned, but by the willingness to keep turning toward Him.

Find God in the Small Moments

Some of the sweetest moments I experienced with God happened in the middle of ordinary tasks.

While rocking my baby to sleep.

During a family walk around the neighborhood.

Sitting with a coffee while my husband held our baby.

While listening to worship music during a drive to the grocery store.

God is not limited to a specific chair in the corner of a quiet room, a pre-written devotional routine with ten questions to answer, or a perfectly scheduled time of day. 

He is present in the small moments that make up our days.

Start Small and Stay Consistent

When you're feeling spiritually dry, it is often tempting to wait until there is more time, more energy, or a better routine in place. But that is unrealistic.

Instead, start small.

Read a single Psalm.

Meditate on one verse throughout the day.

Write down one thing you're grateful for.

Play the worship song while you complete a task.

Whisper a prayer as you feed your little one.

Small acts of faithfulness have a way of growing over time.

Be Honest with God

Overcoming spiritual dryness isn't always solved by trying harder. It begins with simpley being honest.

Talk to God about how you're feeling.

Tell Him you're overwhelmed.

Tell Him you feel feeling distant.

Tell Him you're struggling to hear His voice.

The Bible offers so many examples of people bringing their doubts, fears, frustrations, questions, and deep emotions directly to God. And every single time, God is faithful and close. 

He is not intimidated by our honesty.

In fact, we are reminded in Scripture that "The Lord your God goes with you' He will never leave you nor forsake you," (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

Remember: God Is Near You

Feelings come and go like changing wind. Some seasons feel spiritually vibrant, while others feel quiet.

Thankfully, God's presence is not depend on our emotion state.

He remains near, even when we don't feel it.

He hears our prayers, even when we feel alone.

And when motherhood leaves us exhausted, distracted, and overwhelmed, His grace is sufficient for this season.

Be Encouraged

If motherhood feels spiritually dry right now, remember this: You do not need a perfect routine or an uninterrupted hour of quiet time to draw near to God.

Acknowledging His presence in the midst of the ordinary is the first step to connecting with Him.

God meets us in every moment we invite Him into.

<><><>

And if you're like me and need something tangible to help you be more intentional in connecting with God during the early stages of motherhood, I created a simple daily journal to help postpartum moms. Using gentle prompts and single-verse meditations, new moms are encouraged to seek God through every emotion, challenge, and joy that the postpartum season brings about. 

I hope this journal helps you out of a season of spiritual dryness and into a new and spiritually vibrant season.