Almost every mom I know feels like she is carrying the world's weight on her shoulders. Her responsibilities are never-ending, and her worries are unrelenting. And for many mothers nowadays, there's a sense of uneasiness they can't quite explain.
If this describes you, I want you to know you aren't alone. I pray that this post will encourage, strengthen, and equip you for the days ahead. The Scriptures I share are not only powerful in the face of uneasiness, but they are also mighty in casting down everything that comes against the peace of God.
My friends, it's time to cast off our uneasiness and allow the Lord to replace it with the fullness of joy. Being a mom is one of the most precious gifts this side of heaven, and time is too short to be living in worry or fear. Our victory is in Jesus - and it's from a place of victory we live and move and have our being.
Here are 7 Biblical reminders for moms who feel uneasy:
1. Ephesians 3:14-19 NKJV
"For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
I wanted to save this Bible passage for last, as it's one of the most powerful encouragements I've ever read. However, because it reminds us of the fullness of God rooted in the love of Christ, I couldn't help but share it first as the ultimate example of the strength God provides.
I pray that as you read Ephesians 3:14-19 again, every ounce of uneasiness will be lifted away by the fullness of God's presence. Remember, you are rooted and established in the love of Christ, and in His love, you and your children are held safe and secure.
2. Romans 8:37-38 ESV
"In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I don't know about you, but when I read this passage, I feel like a warrior mom ready to face every battle. The love of Jesus empowers us to say "no" to anxiety, fear, and dread and be the strong examples our children need.
The Bible doesn't say we are "almost conquerors;" it says we are "more than conquerors." So let's live as "more than" by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God - and His love is powerful indeed!
3. John 16:33 NKJV
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Have you ever gone through the New Testament reading only the words of Jesus? It's a wonderful way to be reminded of the Savior's promises and be assured that He has everything under control.
So often, our uneasiness comes from trying to control everyone and everything around us. Instead of giving our worries to Jesus, we try to Google the answers, which almost always leads to more worry and anxiety.
Remember what Jesus said in John 16:13. "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
The Holy Spirit guides us in all truth. We don't have to worry about tomorrow because He will lead us every step of the way. We will have tribulation in this world, but Jesus has overcome the world!
4. John 8:31-32 NASB
"If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Are you ready to be set free from uneasiness? I know I am! And there's no better time than now. Jesus gives us the key to our freedom by saying, "If you continue in My word…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
A mom's greatest weapon against fear is the Word of God. Every time the enemy comes, we defeat him by saying, "It is written!" By declaring God's truth in the face of the adversary - in the mighty name of Jesus - he has no choice but to flee.
I cannot encourage you enough to hide the Scriptures in your heart and speak them aloud. Don't let uneasiness get a foothold. The second you start to worry, speak God's truth. The more you do this, the stronger you'll become.
5. 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
"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."
Humility may seem like a weakness, but it is more powerful than we realize. South African writer and pastor Andrew Murray once wrote, "Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble."
Murray's words remind us of the powerful way humility brings quietness of heart, rest in the Lord, and calmness of soul. By humbling ourselves in the sight of God, we are saying, "I trust You, Father."
Let humility become a daily practice as you bow before the Creator and know that He is God. He loves you and your children more than you could ever imagine!
6. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
I love this verse for many reasons, especially knowing God has given us a sound mind. In a world where clarity of thinking has become clouded by confusion, we need the soundness of mind that God gives to all who love and follow Him.
If you take any verse with you today, let 2 Timothy 1:7 be the encouragement you need to replace uneasiness with the power of God, the love of Christ, and the soundness of mind given to you by His Spirit.
Remember, God is not a God of confusion. He brings everything into focus in light of His Word. Any time the culture tries to cloud your vision of Him, you need only seek Him. Here are a few practical ways to focus on the Lord:
-Go for a prayer walk and recite the Scriptures you've memorized.
-Listen to a Christian podcast.
-Call a trusted friend for prayer and wisdom.
The fastest way out of uneasiness is to directly oppose it. Choose an uplifting, truthful, and decisive activity that will bring clarity to your situation.
7. Revelation 22:20-21 NLT
"He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!'
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's holy people."
I can't think of a better way to end this post than to share the reminder that Jesus is coming soon. What a day that will be when our Jesus we will see! This is where our focus needs to be as we raise our children in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Sisters, He's got this. He's got you. He knows all about the uneasiness of your heart, and He longs for you to keep your eyes focused on Him - the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Remember the words of the old chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.'
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.