David and Goliath: Finding Strength in Lent as a Working Mother

Lent is often seen as a time of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and preparation for Easter. It’s a

season that calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—three pillars that help us deepen our faith

and reliance on God. But for many working mothers juggling careers, households, and the

constant needs of children, Lent can feel like just another challenge piled onto an already

overwhelming to-do list.

Yet, the biblical story of David and Goliath offers a powerful metaphor for the Lenten journey,

especially for women balancing the demands of work and motherhood. Just as David—a young,

seemingly underqualified shepherd—faced an insurmountable giant with nothing but faith,

working mothers often confront their own “giants” daily. These giants take the form of

exhaustion, self-doubt, overwhelming responsibilities, and the struggle to find time for spiritual

growth.

But just as David triumphed not through brute strength but through faith and trust in God, so too

can mothers navigate Lent and emerge spiritually stronger.

Facing the Giants of Motherhood

One of the most relatable aspects of the David and Goliath story is the feeling of being

unprepared or too small for the challenge ahead. When Goliath stood before the Israelite army,

seasoned warriors were paralyzed with fear. David, however, stepped forward with confidence,

armed only with a slingshot and unwavering faith.

Working mothers face their own giants every day: the pressure to excel at work while being fully

present at home, the emotional labor of managing a household, and the personal sacrifices

required to put family first. Like David, many mothers might feel outmatched, wondering how

they can possibly succeed when the odds seem stacked against them. But David’s victory was not

about his physical ability—it was about his reliance on God. Lent reminds us that in our weakest

moments, God provides the strength we need.

The Power of Simple Tools

David didn’t wear the king’s armor, nor did he wield a warrior’s sword. Instead, he used a simple

slingshot and five smooth stones. In the same way, mothers may not always have the luxury of

long, uninterrupted hours for prayer or elaborate Lenten sacrifices. But Lent isn’t about grand

gestures—it’s about using what we have in the time we’re given.

Small but meaningful actions—a whispered prayer on the commute to work, a moment of

gratitude before bed, fasting from negativity, or offering kindness in daily interactions—can be

as powerful as David’s slingshot. These simple tools, wielded with faith, can make a profound

difference in our spiritual lives.

Strength in Surrender

David didn’t rely on his own strength; he relied on God’s. Lent calls us to the same surrender. As

working mothers, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of self-reliance—believing that everything

depends on our ability to manage it all. But the Lenten season reminds us to lean on God, to

allow His grace to fill the gaps where our strength falls short.

Fasting and sacrifice aren’t just about giving something up—they’re about creating space for

God. Whether it’s letting go of perfectionism, surrendering control over things we cannot

change, or trusting that our efforts are enough, Lent teaches us that true strength comes from

dependence on God.

Defeating the Giant of Busyness

Busyness can be one of the biggest giants in a mother’s life. Between meetings, school drop-offs,

meal prep, and endless emails, it can feel impossible to carve out time for spiritual reflection. But

David’s story reminds us that victory doesn’t come from frantic effort—it comes from strategic

action.

Lent invites us to slow down, to make room for what truly matters. Even in the busiest seasons,

prioritizing small moments with God—reading a Bible verse over morning coffee, listening to a

faith-based podcast while driving, or setting aside just five minutes for quiet prayer—can be

transformative.

The Reward of Faith

David’s story is ultimately one of faith rewarded. He stepped onto the battlefield believing that

God would deliver him, and he was not disappointed. Lent offers the same promise: when we

commit to the journey, however imperfectly, God meets us where we are.

For working mothers, Lent doesn’t have to be another overwhelming obligation. Instead, it can

be a season of renewal, a time to shift focus from what feels impossible to what is possible

through God. The story of David and Goliath reminds us that no challenge is too great, no

burden too heavy, when we trust in God’s strength rather than our own.

So, as you navigate the forty days of Lent, remember this: You may feel like David facing

Goliath, but with faith, even the smallest stones can bring down the mightiest giants.

Practical Lenten Practices for Working Mothers

If you’re wondering how to apply these lessons in daily life, here are some simple, achievable

Lenten practices:

1. Start the day with a small prayer – Even a one-minute prayer of surrender can set the

tone for the day.

2. Fast from self-criticism – Replace negative thoughts with affirmations of God’s love

and your worth.

3. Incorporate Scripture – Read one verse a day or listen to the Bible on audio during a

commute.

4. Offer small sacrifices – Instead of drastic changes, give up small luxuries like social

media scrolling or unnecessary complaints.

5. Prioritize family faith time – Say a short prayer with your children at bedtime or before

meals.

6. Practice gratitude – Keep a Lenten gratitude journal, listing three blessings each day.

7. Lean on community – Connect with other working moms for support and

encouragement.

Lent isn’t about adding another burden—it’s about finding renewal, trusting God, and knowing

that even in the chaos of everyday life, we are never alone in our struggles. Like David, we walk

into battle knowing that victory is already won through faith.