Motherhood has grown me in so many ways.
It stretches me constantly. It’s shown me how much more resilient and capable and resourceful I am than I often realize. It’s abundant and full, which means I am learning how to balance and manage life better.
But being a mom has also brought about more anxiety in me than ever. Two little sets of eyes are constantly looking to me for help and approval. I want so much good for them, and try my best to make it happen.
It’s easy to look at the world around us and feel powerless. From unfamiliar viruses that are growing in impact to acts of hatred we can’t comprehend – it’s a tough time to be a mom. It’s difficult to raise kids when you aren’t sure what will happen next.
How do you go about dealing with anxiety as a mom?
How do we stay grounded when things seem out of control? What’s the best way to protect our kids and raise them well? Where do we put our trust?
Political agendas? Nope.
Social media? Not so much.
Experts and scientific studies? They change every day.
My own expertise and ability? I fall short often.
Sometimes these things help or make a difference. But…
It’s times like these that faith is strongest place I can turn.
I can’t make sense of the things going on, I can’t control a lot of what’s happening – but I feel so much stronger when I can see God working. I feel more confident when when I have promises I can trust in.
Here is your official reminder that anxiety doesn’t have to win.
It doesn’t have to rule you. You don’t have to be prepared for everything. You can take back that power, and you can find peace. Because exactly no Mama has time for anxiety, overthinking, and extra stress. Our hands and hearts are full enough.
Just for you: here are some Bible verses for worried mothers, scriptures for the anxious heart. I hope these will be a resource for you to arm yourself with a Bible verse about worries and stress, for the times when you feel overwhelmed or out of control.
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He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those who have young. – Isaiah 40:11 NIV
God gently leads those who have young. (Us moms!) He knows we have boo-boos to kiss, cereal to sweep up, dinner to get on the table, bed sheets to wash. There is extra grace for this season of life. (Don’t forget to give yourself grace too.)
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:13-15 NIV
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:1-5 NIV
God has a special place in his heart for children. He doesn’t exclude them or think less of them – rather he exalts them, even before the grown men who were squabbling in this case. They exemplify the attitude he wants all of us to have! They are important to him, as they are to us.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10 NIV
Guardian angels are always looking out for our little ones. Those angels have a direct line to God. I don’t have all the details, but this encourages me when I feel like I’m the only one protecting my child, or when I feel like I lack control over the details of their day.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4 NIV
We can fear so much for our kids, but God delivers us from all of those fears. Maybe it’s in ways you don’t expect. It can even possibly be in ways you’ll never know or see firsthand this side of Heaven.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. – Psalm 34:10 NIV
I don’t think this is really about lions. Running on our own strength leaves us tired and weak. Seeking God wholeheartedly will fill us abundantly.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Oh how much I need this scripture! I go back to it every time anxiety and overthinking threaten to win out over my mind. Perfect peace sounds like a dream – a calm and rest that the problems of this world and my own fears can’t reach. This promise depends on us constantly choosing to trust and rely on God instead of ourselves.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV
We have power over our anxious thoughts (although it may not feel that way in the moment). They may not obey us, but they will obey Christ. It reminds me of those moments in the gospels when Jesus commands the demons to be silent. We can control (or learn to control) those lies.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:5-7 NIV
Probably the ultimate practical answer to when dealing with anxiety as a mom, as we battle our fears. Pray and petition, be grateful, trust God’s peace to protect you.
I have told you all these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33 NIV
A double-edged sword – a promise that trouble will come in this world, but also a greater promise: that Jesus has already overcome it. If he has overcome this world, what do we have to fear in it? Trust that God is greater than the problems we face.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18 NIV
The fear is ours. The perfect love is God’s. Trusting in his perfect love (his goodness, his abundance, his faithfulness) leaves us without fear. His love is perfect and whole for us and our children.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1-2 NIV
God can feel distant when we feel overwhelmed. But that’s not the truth – he is right here with us, ever present. That goes for us and our kids.
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Mama, I know the fear can be so real when it comes to our children. But the Word tells us that we can rely on God, that he will conquer our fears and care for us abundantly even in our toughest times.
How about you?
How do you go about dealing with anxiety as a mom? What are some verses you cling to, or some ways you rely on God when you feel anxious?
For more, check out my Christian Mom Encouragement and Inspiration board on Pinterest.
Photo Credit:
1 – Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash
2 – Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash
3 – Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash
4 – Roxxie Blackham on Unsplash
What a wonderful resource! I have turned to all of these verses at one time or another, but the one I want to cling to right now is Isaiah 26:3. Thank you for that reminder.
That’s the one I’m hanging onto right now, too! Lots of uncertainty, but at least we can tap into peace. Thanks for reading 🙂