7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms Who Feel Weary
I want to be the kind of woman who knows how to cultivate deep joy. Sadly, I often feel like the overwhelmed mother who yells too much and spends way too much time in survival mode. If you can relate, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll share a story from our home; then, we’ll explore seven encouraging Bible verses for moms.
7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms
The jewelweed is shriveling beneath the heavy blanket of summer heat as I lead my three little ones through the forest.
We needed some fresh air and time outside the house. So here we are. The youngest has fallen at least ten times. The oldest two are eager to return home to screens of some sort. Mostly, I’m trying not to yell at anyone.
I hope to watch the whole crew splash in the creek while I sit on the sandy shore and do absolutely nothing for as long as everyone will cooperate with my plan.
We make it to the creek as the sun ascends high above the sycamores. Sadly, my hopes for a peaceful afternoon are quickly dashed. An argument breaks out over who gets to use the net, the oldest complains about being bored, and the little one skins his knee approximately three seconds after arriving at the creek.
Fantastic.
Gentle Encouragement for Every Overwhelmed Mother
I’m about to declare a return to the house and let everyone zone out on screens when I’m reminded of a journey I’ve been on throughout the past year. It’s a journey to be a woman who is less gritty and more graceful – to be a woman who laughs deeply and plays with her kids and chases the joy she craves. (You can read about my journey here.)
I imagine every overwhelmed mother longs for deeper joy and greater peace.
I imagine every overwhelmed mother longs for deeper joy and greater peace. #overwhelmedmother #tiredmom #peace #joy Share on XWe want to offer the perfect balance of structure and fun, whimsy and focus, compassion and firmness. We want to love our children well, love our lives well, and create space to cultivate our passions.
These thoughts flash through my mind as I make a split-second decision that will change the course of our entire day. Instead of barking commands, making threats, or dragging everyone back home, I do the unexpected. I slip out of my shoes and socks and begin walking into the creek.
Changing the Narrative
“Mom, what are you doing?” the oldest asks.
“Swimming,” I say with a smile.
“You’re going to swim in the creek with us?” the six-year-old questions.
“I sure am,” I tell them.
Within seconds, I am in the water with all three children. I walk until the water reaches my chest, little Aiden splashing and squealing in my arms. Once we are soaked and cooled, we return to the shallows and sit on the smooth stones.
The older two dunk their heads, catch crayfish, and wade across the gentle current to the island on the far end of the swimming hole. We stay longer than planned. No one complains or grows weary. We are happy, playful, and fully present with one another.
Cling to These Truths, Overwhelmed Mom:
Later in the day, I look back on our afternoon. I notice several mindsets that set the tone for our time at the creek. These mindsets invite us into the fullest kinds of lives, wherever we happen to be:
1. Don’t Take Yourself too Seriously
It’s easy for me to get caught up in my agenda, my plans, and controlling everything and everyone around me. Every time I set aside these tendencies, beautiful moments unfold. I stop taking myself so seriously, and we all end up laughing, playing, and making the best kinds of memories.
2. Embrace Spontaneity
Some of my best memories as a mother were born from times when our family embraced spontaneity. I took off my shoes to swim in a creek. We made an unexpected stop for ice cream. We went out of our way to get a treat at the grocery store. Or I took a break in the day’s work to drive tractors through the sandbox. Some of life’s best surprises happen when we pause long enough to step into spontaneous possibilities.
3. Be in One Place at a Time
I struggle to be fully present in my moments. My mind is often elsewhere: planning meals, preschool lessons, and family outings. As a result, I miss out on enjoying actual meals, preschool lessons, and family outings as they unfold in real-time.
When we make up our minds to be fully present in our moments, we deepen the quality of our experiences. We learn to eat slowly and pay attention to the flavors and textures of our food. We engage with our kids and notice the freckles on their noses and the moments that make them laugh. This kind of focus slows our rhythms and enables us to deeply enjoy what is happening around us.
We return to the creek the following day as well. We stay longer than planned, get dirtier than planned, and have more fun than we ever imagined. It all feels something like a life lived to the fullest.
I hope our story encouraged you. Now, as promised, here are seven encouraging Bible verses for moms who feel worn and weary.
Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms
1. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
When I’m struggling, I often soak in Jesus’ invitation to draw near to him for rest.
Take a moment to imagine Jesus holding you right now. He wants to nurture your heart in the same way you nurture your children. I encourage you to spend at least a moment resting in his love every day.
2. Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Does it ever feel like you spend all of your time tending to the needs of your family while your needs go unmet?
Friend, God sees.
Not a moment of your effort is wasted. Perhaps the greatest news of all is that when you love your family, Jesus counts it as if you are directly loving and serving him (see Matthew 25:40). He will care for your needs as well. He is also using the work of motherhood to shape your soul.
God is inviting you to die to self thousands of times, and in the process, you will emerge more mature and complete, looking like Christ.
3. Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Most likely, you know how it feels to be so exhausted that you aren’t sure you can go on. Turn to Jesus. Ask him for strength, weary mom. He will renew your strength and carry you through the hardest days.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
When I’m worn down, temptations often arise. I’m tempted to yell at my kids, escape into chocolate, or zone out in front of a screen.
Remind yourself that God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. When you do feel tempted to yell, binge, or escape, he will provide a way out.
5. Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
God wants to use every difficult moment of motherhood to help you grow. Your most challenging days are always opportunities to turn to him for strength in your weakness. He wants to make his power perfectly known in your weakest moments. He is also using motherhood to shape your heart to look more like Christ’s heart of selfless love.
6. Matthew 10:42
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
Did you know that God will reward you for the care you offer to your family? The work of motherhood often appears to go unseen. However, God doesn’t miss a moment.
7. Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
On the darkest days, remember this: You are loved with an everlasting God. God will be faithful to you. Continue to love your family with his love, and he will give you the strength you need for each day.
A Free Devotional Filled With Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms
I have a gift for you. Would you like to connect with God in ways that breathe fresh life into your weary soul? The Weary Woman’s 20-Day Devotional is my free online devotional to help you connect with God in your worn and weary seasons. You will find 20 daily readings to help you find refreshment in God’s presence. Click here and I’ll send it to your email inbox today!
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