While our parenting journey changes over time, it never ends. As an empty nester, the heavy lifting certainly is behind me, but I still can find myself gripped with worry for my adult children. I’m forever grateful for the friends and family who have (and still do) offer support and encouragement as I navigated various ages and stages with my children.
God speaks to us in many ways: his Word, people and prayer, to name a few. When I’m faced with struggles, concerns and doubt, it’s often my first instinct—and the easiest—to run to my Christian friends and family for encouragement and advice. And while I have received MUCH wise council over the years, God desires that we seek him FIRST.
5 Biblical* Reminders to Seek God First for Encouragement & Wisdom
- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 199:105
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
- All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Wherever you are in your parenting journey, all of us need encouragement, and the best place to find it is in the Bible. So here’s a handy list of Bible verses to encourage parents—well, not just parents, of course!—when you begin to struggle with doubts, fears and anxieties.
Click the link below to download a printable file of these six Bible verses to keep and take with you.
6 Bible Verses to Encourage Parents
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act.” (Psalm 37:5)
It’s important to remember that God is trustworthy, and his ways always are better. He desires a relationship with us, and one of the ways we can draw closer to him is in reading the Bible, the divinely inspired Word of God. When making decisions about the “right” way to parent or discipline, trust in him to show you the way. He always has our best interests at heart; trust in that.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Day-to-day parenting looks nothing like it does on Instagram. Reality for all of us includes days that are complete train wrecks. One day I might feel like Mother of the Year; the next, I’m just hoping I haven’t caused my kids additional time in counseling.
Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Fractured relationships, financial strain, prodigal children, medical distress and more all might be real issues families face over the course of a lifetime. But when are fears are greatest, God reminds us to “fear not.” He remains in control, and he redeems all he allows.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:19)
- Will my children be okay?
- Will they make choices in life that lead them closer to you, Lord, or will they face a season of wandering?
- Will the consequences for their sin—and mine—lead to life-altering struggle and heartache?
Will they…will they…will they…?
I could fill an entire page with the questions that often keep my mind turning. And that’s why I love this verse because the cares of my heart ARE many. When coupled with the verse below (one of my personal favorites!), I find peace.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
And while last, but definitely not least, never forget God is with you. The God who created the universe loves you more than you can imagine. He sent his son Jesus to take on the sins of humanity and die on a cross so that each of us would have the opportunity to spend eternity with him in Heaven.
Never underestimate the depth of his love and the power of his plan. As parents, we are not alone in the journey. Whew! Doesn’t it feel great to rest in that?
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
God is with you…always!
So what Bible verses do you turn to when you are seeking encouragement either for yourself or other parents?
I’d love to hear from you; you can click here to email me!
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