Having children - whether by birth or adoption - and raising them is a high and holy calling. Parents are called to mirror the image of God. They are to reflect the Father's heart to their children and to love their children unconditionally. There are many Bible verses about having children. These scriptures underscore the sacredness of the call to parenthood.
When Is the Right Time?
The decision to have children is a big one for young parents. Parenting is a long journey requiring wisdom and selflessness. It’s good to seek God’s wisdom on timing. At the end of Romans 11, the Apostle Paul writes a beautiful doxology about God's wisdom: “Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay them? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:33-36). Couples should seek the Lord for wisdom on the timing of all things, especially having children.
At times couples desire to get settled financially and enjoy each other for the first few years of marriage before they bring children into the equation. God seems to honor that decision. At other times, couples become pregnant unexpectedly or immediately, and God also honors that turn of events. God is the author of life, and whether or not a couple has planned on pregnancy, the life tucked in the womb is a gift from God. We see this all through the scriptures. Here are 10 Bible verses about having children:
10 Bible Verses about Having Children
Genesis 25:21 – “Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife became pregnant.” In the very first book of the Bible, we see a prayer to be able to conceive. As couples, it’s important that you begin your journey of parenting with prayer. Ask the Lord if it’s time for you to get pregnant. Ask for wisdom in the journey. Ask that You would be able to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy. God delights in those prayers because He delights in children.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” These verses are a charge to parents to disciple their children. There truly is no better venue for discipleship than in the home. This is part of God’s plan for global redemption.
Psalm 8:2 – “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger”. These verses demonstrate that God has ordained that even infants can bring Him praise and glory.
Psalm 113:9 – “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.” In the time of history when this was written, children were viewed as a blessing. A woman who had no children often suffered shame and sorrow because her womb would not produce. Children were meant to be a part of God’s plan to fulfill His purposes around the earth.
Though today some view children as an inconvenience, the woman who is able to have children is indeed blessed. However, even for those who cannot give birth, adopting children is a wonderful blessing and illustrates God’s heart for redemption. Often, whether or not a woman can conceive, adoption is part of God’s plan for giving women a happy home. How blessed is the family that has been able to partner with God through adoption.
Psalm 127:3 – “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring are a reward from him.” This verse from the Psalmist demonstrates God’s heart for children. He views children as precious, and they are to be treasured. From the womb through to adulthood, children are a prize and reward for parents.
Psalm 128:3-5 – “Your wife will be a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children.” This verse shows God’s heart for children and for posterity. It delights His heart to bless families with children. Part of how God intends to change the world is through the legacy of godly families. As generations rise up to bless the Lord and pass down faith to the next generation, God is honored.
Psalm 139:13-16 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” God takes delight in the infant tucked in the womb. As the Master Creator, He delights in forming little eyes, tiny ears, and baby toes. Every child is precious to Him.
Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as prophet to the nations.” Again, this scripture makes it very clear that God has a plan for each child, even in the womb.
Matthew 19:14 – “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus always invites children to come. He doesn’t consider them an inconvenience or a burden. Instead, He considers them a blessing to be enjoyed.
Mark 10:15 – “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” In Jesus’s kingdom, children are the heroes. Often, we elevate intelligence and logical thinking. However, Jesus in His kingdom honors the simple faith of a small child. His desire is that we become like small children.
What to Do if You’re Scared to Have Children
Having children and raising them is certainly an intimidating journey. Yet, God’s will is for humanity to continue and be brought into the love of Christ. If you feel anxious about having children, go to God in prayer. Practice turning your panic into praise. God will meet you as you praise Him. Seek Him for wisdom about the right timing to have children, and then praise Him that He will be with you through the entire process.
Closing Prayer
Almighty God, I praise You that having children was your idea. I praise You that all through scriptures, there are Bible verses about having children. Thank You, that as a result of our love as man and wife, we can enjoy having and raising children. This is a sacred calling. Show us the perfect time, I pray. I praise You that You will oversee the entire journey from conception to adulthood. When I feel fearful, fill me with Your courage. When I lack understanding, fill me with Your wisdom. When I feel anxious, bring Your calm. Thank You for Your promise to be with me through the entire journey of parenting. Teach me to wait on You with trust. You are good and faithful. You will never leave me nor forsake me as I seek to raise my children in a way that reflects your heart. I trust You, Lord!
Related: Listen to Our FREE Parenting Podcast! Christian Parent/Crazy World with Catherine Segars is now available on LifeAudio.com. You Can Listen to the first episode here:
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Authentic. Passionate. Funny and Biblical all describe Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats, and other events. She is the author of 11 books, including Our Father, Psalms for the Anxious Heart, How to Listen so Your Kids Will Talk, The Extraordinary Power of Praise, and her newest book, Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World.
Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and a seasoned Bible teacher. You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter, @beckyharling, or on Instagram at Becky Harling