When I was raising my three young children, I had many sleepless nights and long, daunting days. During that time in my life, my faith wasn’t as strong as it is now, and I often found myself struggling to get through each day. As I reflect back on those times now, with two of my children in college and my third in high school, I wish I had known then what I know now.
For all the parents struggling with the stress that comes with raising young children, I want to share some bible verses about anxiety and stress that I wish I knew when I was a parent of young children.
Things to Remember When Raising Children: Bible Verses About Anxiety & Stress
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
When you’re stressed out from things like managing your household, caring for your kids, helping them with homework, schlepping them to all of their school and extracurricular activities, all while trying to carve out even a few minutes each day for yourself, this verse will remind you that God cares for you and that you can leave all of your stress, worry, and anxieties with Him.
During those times when you feel like a rubber band stretched to the breaking point, take a deep breath and focus your thoughts upon Him and upon His Word. It can be helpful to imagine Jesus wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you in His lap. Just as you would comfort your child if she were overwhelmed. Keep in mind that as much as you love your children, your Heavenly Father loves you–and them–far, far more, and He longs to assure you of His loving presence and His ability to give you strength to ‘keep on keeping on.’
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
Start every day remembering that God’s mercy has gone before you, and His faithfulness will see you through everything that you will confront in your day. Our Amazing God’s love and mercy are never-ending. Starting your day with prayer, Bible reading, or a favorite devotional is a great way to invite Jesus into your day and keep you mindful of His presence and steadfast love for you. You may think,” With all that I have to do, I don’t have time for that!” But the reality is that looking to and spending time with the Lord will make every other aspect of your day more enjoyable, peaceful, and purposeful. I and many others who have developed the habit of giving the ‘firstfruits’ of my day to spend time with the Lord have discovered that when making Him my priority, He faithfully orders my steps throughout the day so I can accomplish all that I need to get done. And I have greater joy and peace than when I start my day without first going to Him.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 (ESV)
For those moments when you feel that you’re a failure or just not good enough as a spouse, parent, daughter, full or part-time worker outside of the home, friend, neighbor, or whatever role and season of life you’re in, remember that God is with you and for you. It is His strength that is made perfect in and revealed through your weakness. Every day and in every relationship, He will help you grow stronger in your faith and become the warrior He created you to be if you choose to turn to Him and lean upon Him.
Something I learned that helps me to remember my weakness and His strength when I am really feeling that I can’t do all that is before me or manage all of my relationships is to stop, take a deep breath, and speak out these words, “Lord, I can’t”… then take another deep breath and say, “but You can!”
That exercise reminds us that our need for Him is like our need for the air we breathe; we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5), and because of His great love for us, we never have to! Remember, God never intended you to do life on your own; you were created to continually be in a relationship with Him and to rely upon Him. He will infuse you with His strength to carry on when you go to Him with all of your cares and needs.
“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 (ESV)
If you’re feeling uneasy about a decision you need to make, this verse is an excellent reminder that you don’t have to be anxious about which way to turn, but just go to the Lord and lay your need before Him, thanking Him that He is a God who will provide an answer and that He knows what’s best. So often, we don’t experience the peace God longs to give us because we hold onto our anxieties instead of giving them to God in prayer. This is part of the great exchange we can have with God: we can turn our anxieties over to Him, and if we truly leave them with Him and put our wholehearted trust in Him, in place of our anxiety, He will give us peace that those who don’t know God can never experience.
“Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)
The above proverb is wisdom that should guide every action of a parent and help you develop your faith as you apply it, and help you raise fearless children. I encourage you to always point your child to the Lord, tell them of His love and faithfulness throughout each day by sharing the truth of His Word and by modeling to them grace and forgiveness so that from a young age, your children will know His character and ways and be assured of His love and faithfulness.
When you share His Word daily –which is the truth and wisdom that leads to abundant, peaceful, and joyful living– both you and they will be equipped to live abundantly in this world and eternally in the next.
You’re a Warrior and Will Conquer Anxiety and Stress
Build up your inner warrior by creating your own “go to” prayer and bible verse lists. Carrying this list with you will help guide you when you’re having a tough day or need to make an important decision and will enable you to share it with your children and others throughout the day.
Learn more about True View Ministries’ ‘Faith Your Fear Prayer & Scripture Cards’ and how they can be used to help you find your inner warrior. Learn more here.