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10 Powerful Bible Verses to Combat Mom Shame

10 Powerful Bible Verses to Combat Mom Shame

As moms, we tend to overthink most things. Which diaper brand is best? Do we let our kids cry themselves to sleep or co-sleep? Should we work outside of our homes or stay home with our kids? Is doing things like exercising,  working, socializing, or even cleaning selfish? We have worries on top of worries, but that is not a burden we have to carry on our own.  

Part of the reason we have these turbocharged brains is by design. God gave us a whole battery of instincts, hormones, and skills that kick in the moment we become Mom. This is so we can nurture his created beings with the love and care they require and deserve. Yet, the flip side is that if we don't learn how to find balance and wisdom in approaching parenthood, our worry can push us into feeling undue guilt and shame.  

I've lived this reality. In my first years as a Mom, my 'new Mom hormones' sparked an anxiety disorder. I was so ashamed that obsessive worrying thoughts and bouts of panic were stealing my joy as a Mom. My shame made my journey to healing much longer than it should have been and stemmed from deep-seated pride that lived in me that said I was able to muster my own healing without enlisting the help of my community and my God. Don't let shame paralyze you from finding the support, healing, and grace you need to live joyfully as a Mom.  

Here are some verses to help you see that God loves and sees you as a Mom. You are not alone on this parenting journey! God can supply all we need when we invite him into our stories. 

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  • Mother overwhelmed

    1. Isaiah 61:7

    Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.

    Shame is not a part of God's plan for his people. He wants to take our shame and give us a double portion of joy! Let's lay down our fears, worries, and failures and ask God to exchange these burdens for his portion.

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  • woman reading a book

    2. Psalm 34:4-5

    I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

    When we face fear, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty, God invites us to seek him. It's his gift to deliver us from the fear that so easily consumes us. He graciously lets his light shine on us. When we walk in his light, we do not have to live with shame.

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  • A pregnant woman, An Ohio city declares itself a 'sanctuary' for the unborn

    3. Proverbs 31: 27-28

    She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

    Motherhood is a busy job. We watch over the affairs of our home, working nonstop to care for our people. It's our joy to be called blessed by our families. Don't let the lie that we should be ashamed of motherhood diminish the significance of your holy work. God sees you and is proud of how you serve your people.

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  • Mom and two kids

    4. Proverbs 11:2

    When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

    Humility is how we learn. Don't let pride that says you have to get it all right lead you to a path of shame when you inevitably face a season where you need help. The wise live with humility. They seek forgiveness and help, admit their wrongs, and allow God to hold them when life gets hard.

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  • Woman reading Book of Ephesians

    5. Nahum 1:7

    The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

    God is our strong place where we can find safety when the storms of life come our way. When you feel tapped out, unsure, or like you've failed, run to the Lord. He is able to redeem our brokenness. He gives us the words we need to mend broken fences. He cares for our kids, even when we make mistakes. We can find hope and refuge in him.

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  • woman reading bible and journaling

    6. Isaiah 40:11

    He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

    God promises to gently lead us who are caring for the young. He knows that this season is intense. That there are moments when we are unsure if we've done the right thing for our kids. He carries us close to his heart, and when we follow him, he is faithful to lead us.

    Photo credit: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema
  • Mom with baby postpartum depression

    7. Isaiah 40:31

    But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

    When you feel weary, it's time to wait on God. This looks like being still before him. Reading his words, praying, and asking for his guidance. Spend time soaking in his presence. It is there you will find the strength you need to do the good work he has called you to.

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  • Woman praying with her Bible

    8. Romans 12:12

    Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

    Remember, God is our hope. No matter what is going on around us, he is able to do more than we could ever think, ask, or imagine. Trust in his goodness. Let prayer be your weapon. Be patient and hopeful that God will make a way for you when you feel guilt and shame telling you all hope is lost.

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  • Mom gardening with her two young children.

    9. Romans 5:5

    And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

    We can have a secure hope in Jesus that will never leave us feeling foolish because his love has been poured into our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. The spirit is your comforter. Let God's truth and everlasting hope remind you that he has a plan and purpose for every part of our story.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images /RyanJLane
  • mother holding newborn baby, fears of first time mothers

    10. Lamentations 3:24

    "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

    We can set our eyes on Jesus because he is our hope! We do not have to live in shame because God is able to take our stories and make beautiful things out of us. He is your potion. You can trust him.

    May you find hope that encourages your heart as you read God's Word. Shame is not your portion! Healing, grace, and everlasting joy are what he has promised you.
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    Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.