Motherhood: part Indiana Jones, part lullaby, part Call of Duty, part Magic Kingdom, part dumpster fire
You might sometimes feel your most exhilarating and shattering moments rise and fall in your kids. As author Elizabeth Stone wrote, “Making the decision to have a child — it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ” Anyone in need of encouraging verses for moms? Start here.
Encouraging Bible Verses for Mom
1. The Proverbs 31 Woman
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong… She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple… Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:17, 20-22, 25-31)
Originally conveyed as an acrostic from a mother to her son, a crown prince, this poem suggests even in the ancient world, women were crushing it inside and outside of the home. The image now known as the “Proverbs 31 woman” sketches a woman industrious, strong, dignified, capable, compassionate, wise, and entrepreneurial. She manages to be well-dressed, well-prepared, and well-spoken. And undergirding the entire package—a woman praised profusely by her family—is her holy reverence of God.
2. Don’t Give Up
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Somewhere between endless cycles of laundry, siblings intentionally crossing over “the line” in the backseat, and a child melting down when “no” escapes your lips, motherhood can feel like an endless, thankless, even pointless uphill slog. But surely as farmers anticipate seedlings, then harvest following a planting season, Galatians reminds us motherhood carries its own season for reaping—if we don’t throw in the dish towel (or bath towel or beach towel).
3. Prayer and Supplication
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
To love on planet Earth, with all its risks, is also to fear losing those we love. But God commands us here to swap worry with requests to God — who cares unspeakably for us, like we do for our own kids (Psalm 103:13, Ephesians 3:19, 1 Peter 5:7). Throughout God’s Word, His reason not to be afraid remains His presence: He is with us. Rather than cowering beneath fear’s boot, we meditate on Him more than our worry He’s given us “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
4. Gentle Leadership
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Whether you’re in the parenting phase of your T-shirt doubling as a spit-up rag or your vehicle doubling as a fast-food trash can, God knows that having children is just plain exhausting. Don’t miss His steady compassion and direction here for moms: “He will … gently lead those that are with young.”
5. The Battle is God’s
“‘For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you….’ ‘Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. … You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold fast to what you have, and behold, I am with you, declares the Lord your God.”’” (2 Chronicles 20:12, 15)
When your family is under siege, whether by tantrums, sibling rivalry, or financial stress, remember that the battle is not yours, but God’s. He promises to be with you, and in His power, you can stand firm and hold fast to what you have.
6. Your Worth in Christ
“Now you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
In a world where your worth is often measured by your productivity or accomplishments, remember that your worth is rooted in Christ. You are not your own, but belong to Him, and in His eyes, you are precious and loved.
7. The Power of Prayer
“Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
In the midst of chaos, remember to pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, and know that this is the will of God for you.
8. God’s Love
“See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” (1 John 3:1)
Remember that you are a child of God, loved and cherished by Him. This love is the reason why you can face any challenge, knowing that you are not alone.
9. Faith Over Fear
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When fear creeps in, remember that God has given you a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Faith over fear is the key to living a life of courage and confidence.
10. God’s Presence
“Or which one of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not instead say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you shall eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done everything, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty to do.’” (Luke 17:7-10)
When you feel like you’re just going through the motions, remember that God is with you, even in the everyday tasks. His presence is what gives you the strength to keep going.
11. Rest in God
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
When you’re feeling worn out and weary, remember that God invites you to come to Him, to rest in His presence. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
12. God’s Sovereignty
“His ways are not our ways, nor are his paths our paths. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
When you don’t understand what’s happening in your life, remember that God’s ways are not our ways. His sovereignty is what gives you hope and peace, even in the midst of chaos.
13. God’s Goodness
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
In a world that can seem dark and uncertain, remember that God is the source of every good gift. His goodness is what gives you hope and encouragement, even in the toughest moments.
As you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, remember that you are not alone. God’s Word offers you encouragement, hope, and guidance to help you face each new day with confidence and courage.
