If you’ve ever felt unequipped or at a total loss on how to handle your kids, be assured you’re in good company. Over the decades, moms and dads wrote to Billy Graham asking for spiritual guidance on dealing with family situations.
“Parenting is the most important responsibility most of us will ever face, and none of us does it perfectly,” Graham once said.
>> Scroll down to read 7 encouraging Bible verses for parents
The problem is, we’re quick to compare ourselves to other, seemingly “better” parents.
You know, the kind who are involved in everything, always know what’s going on and have this discipline thing down. Their kids behave in the grocery store and the church pews while you’re wrangling an unruly toddler or exasperated over a rebellious teen.
And that was before the coronavirus and involuntary homeschooling.
>> 5 ways to be the mom God called you to be
>> 5 ways to follow God’s example for fatherhood
A quick scroll through Facebook or Instagram may showcase all the fun, creative parents who look like they have it all together—or at least enjoy all this extra time with their kids.
Meanwhile, maybe you feel guilty for wanting to hide in the closet, or find yourself sending up a prayer for schools to open ASAP.
It’s great to see examples of positive parenting laid out before you, but every mom and dad is different. And, here’s a not-so-secret: A lot of parents are winging it.
Think of your children right now. Now think of this: God gave you these kids.
Let’s repeat that. He gave you these kids.
Give yourself grace today. You can’t expect your kids to be perfect, and you shouldn’t expect it of yourself, either.
Yes, it’s a feat to balance grace with discipline, boundaries with bonding. Add to that the extra layers of parenting children with special needs, stepchildren, foster children, and adopted sons and daughters.
Thankfully, it’s not all up to you. God is on your side and has filled His Word with encouragement for you today.
7 Bible Verses to Encourage Moms and Dads
1. Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Whatever you’re lacking today—patience, wisdom, direction, compassion—God knows and can meet that need. Have you asked Him to?
2. Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
The mundane things you do day in and day out are not insignificant. Whether it’s giving of your time and effort to wash clothes, help with homework or make a meal that will be gone in five minutes—the personal sacrifice is an act of worship to God.
3. Psalm 121:4
“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Next time you’re up late, trying to get your kid back to sleep, worrying about your son or daughter, or wondering if you’re being a good parent, remember God isn’t asleep, either. He is watching over you at that very moment.
4. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This may be a familiar verse, but don’t read over it too quickly. While we have a tendency to try to conquer everything on our own, we just can’t, no matter how dedicated or clever we are. God, on the other hand, has all the strength in the world to help you through the trials of parenting. Look to Him instead.
5. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
When you’re feeling run down or like you’re failing at everything, come back to this verse. It’s at your lowest that you have to rely the most on God who will sustain you and carry you through.
6. Isaiah 40:28-29
“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
God is the source of all understanding. Ask Him to help you know how to handle the situation before you, and to strengthen you when you’re weary.
7. Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Everyone needs refreshment now and then. Make it a priority to get away some place quiet—even if for a few minutes. Sit and ask God to replenish your spirit. Read through all of Psalm 23 for reminders of His comfort and protection. Sing, paint, pray—whatever it is that invites Him into your space today.
Find more resources on parenting, including Q&As from Billy Graham.
