One of the things I struggle with most as a mother, particularly as a Christian mother, is to trust that my children will be alright. From the moment they wake up until they fall asleep at night, I worry about them every.single.moment. Did they get enough sleep last night (no!)? Do they need to eat more veggies (yes!)? Is my son being treated kindly at school? Does my baby know I would do anything for her? This mama stuff is nerve-wracking! But there is a way to make it less stressful: put your trust in the Lord.
Easier said than done, right? I’ve never been good at doing self-led bible studies (I lack discipline), and the ones I’ve done in groups have been somewhat overwhelming (there is so much to learn!). But there are a few bible verses I love that I go to when I need some Jesus guidance. If you’re a faith-filled mama finding it hard to let Jesus lead, try to have a handful of bible verses committed to memory. In fact, start with these 7 verses. They are great ones to pray for your children everyday, as you navigate this scary world we call motherhood.
1. Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
This prayer is great for children and mothers. (See very first sentence of this post.) If I can’t let go of my worries and fears, I hope that I can at least encourage my children to “let go and let God.”
2. Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Oh how I hope I’m a shining example of Christ’s love and mercy, despite being deeply flawed. I want nothing more than for my children to light up this world a million times brighter than I’ve been able to!
3. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
This is definitely a hard verse to practice. With so many horrible things happening in our world, it’s difficult to stand tall and have faith that God is always with us.
4. Matthew 22:37-39
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This. This is the most important message in the bible. If you pray just one bible verse for your children, let it be this one. As John Lennon once said, “all you need is love.”
5. 1 Peter 5:8
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
I don’t want my children to live in fear, but I do want them to know how very real Satan is. The topic of evil is a hard one to talk about, but I want my children to know their strength when it comes to battling the enemy.
6. Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I’ve always been a red marble in a world full of blue ones. I wish the same for my children. As Christians, we are called to follow Christ, no matter how much we are persecuted. Let us remember the cross whenever we are tempted to give in to the ways of the world.
7. Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This bible verse, while more appropriate for parents, is a great one for children to hear. Each and every child should know what a blessing they are from God. How very special they are. And most importantly, how much they are loved.