10 Scripture Verses to Encourage the Heart of the Working Mom

1. God doesn't come and go... God lasts..."

“... He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch His breath. And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, and gives fresh strength to dropouts.” (Isaiah 40:29-31, para.)

Tapped out, overburdened? Have you considered “dropping out,” like it’s suggested in the passage? We’ve all entertained the “dark” thoughts at some point—the ones where we give up, “speak our minds” to whomever will listen, or disappear. 

God lasts, which means the daughters of God, last. Beautiful woman of the Most High, you are wholly and beautifully of God. You will indeed persevere, as you rely on Him for every drop of strength required to navigate your day. Don’t forget to ask for it. 

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2. "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me..."

“... Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to deal with the rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11:29-30)

Do you go above and beyond at work? Are you adamant that your little one will eat very specific foods, sleep at precise hours of the day, and receive the best of your efforts at all times? Maybe you’re even tempted to give an impression of the perfect Proverbs 31 Woman. Let’s be honest, she was a business giant if the rumors are true. 

None of those desires are necessarily bad, but sometimes we assume responsibility for good projects, but not best-for-us projects. The work is good in the eyes of the world, but God has not called us to it. “I’ll show you how to deal with the rest,” Jesus says. “Learn to live freely and lightly.” 

Could there be something He’s asking you to let go of? Keep company with Him.

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3. "If God gives such attention to the wildflowers..."

“... most of them never seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?" (Luke 12:22-26)

Have you ever heard the phrase, “The devil is in the details?” According to Wikipedia, the idiom stems from an earlier version born out of the 1800’s: “God is in the detail.” 

Women work hard, but we can also agree that there’s a fine line between excellence and micro-managing everyone and everything within arms reach. Here’s the take-away: God gives attention to things we’re not even capable of seeing with our limited perspective. 

So breathe, busy one. Do your part, but kiss worrying about the small stuff goodbye. Our God makes good on His promises.

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4. "Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all the slideshow distractions..."

“... Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.” (Proverbs 4:25-27, para.)

My husband has this saying that he shared with me a few weeks ago. At first, I recoiled at the sound of it. It seemed harsh, not like something I would repeat. His comment went something like this: “I’ve worried about it for too long and I can’t change their decision. At this point, it’s not a ‘me problem.’ They’re going to have to figure it out and I’ll have to be okay with whatever they decide.”

It’s not a “me” problem. To a woman like me, who wants to “fix” every issue, that statement was tough to absorb. However, our personal tendencies don’t make a wise statement any less true. 

Boundaries are important both at work, and in the home. We can choose not to become entangled in a co-worker’s drama. We can speak into poor decisions, but allow others to practice free will. Expending energy on a distraction from our purpose comes at a detriment to our families and employers. Time and talent are perishable gifts to those who lose sight of them. 

Let’s keep our eyes straight ahead. There are smoother roads to travel.

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5. "Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts..."

“... Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night…” (Deuteronomy 6:6)

I have a friend who judges herself harshly for not weeding through the books of the Bible more regularly with her kids. Let me put this woman into perspective for you: She works full time, reads her Bible daily (along with various faith-based others), volunteers at church, and attends Bible study. 

She remembers to pray regularly with her kids and makes sure they attend youth gatherings as often as possible. Two years ago, she found out that she had cancer while 20 weeks pregnant. Now she shares, with anybody willing to listen, about the peace of God despite excruciating circumstances. 

You be the judge, is she doing enough? According to this passage, we model faith in every decision we make throughout the day… not just in the obviously teachable moments. When our identity rests in the Almighty, others can’t help but to encounter His goodness by virtue of witnessing lives well lived.

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6. "God said, 'It's not good for the man to be alone..."

“... I’ll make him a helper, and companion.’” (Genesis 2:18)

Are you the type who tends to “go it alone?” Sometimes it’s easier to get the job done ourselves rather than hashing out details with a helper. Did you know that not only were women created to work alongside men, but also, God calls Himself a helper to us? (Hebrews 13:6)

There’s no shame in asking for support. In fact, we’re expected to work together. Be encouraged, no (wo)man is an island.

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7. "Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame..."

“... Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” (Romans 12:11)

In the All the Women of the Bible commentary on Lydia, the writer says this regarding the words of Paul in Romans 12:11: “We do not know whether he had his hospitable convert, Lydia, in mind. She certainly exemplified these three virtues, and grace can be ours to emulate them.”

Lydia was a shrewd businesswoman. At first spiritual, but not Christian, she’s said to be Paul’s first European convert. Like Lydia, we can excel in both business and the growth of the church in the modern day—keeping our eyes open for new opportunities to serve and support. Whether in the marketplace, a classroom, or home, we can use our resources to support ministry in our communities.

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8. "Blessed woman, who believed what God said..."

“... believed every word would come true!" (Luke 1:45)

Do you take time to celebrate? To savor the moments when God’s promises materialize? There’s a time and a place, but we forget to do it. Women can be “all work, no pleasure” when our “to-do’s” run long and daunting. 

If we believe what God says, it’ll come true. And when it does, there’s no better response but to take the time to cheer, grateful for the blessing. So order the meal, gather together, sing a song in the kitchen, and share your joy with everyone you know!

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9. "If I speak God's Word with power..."

“... revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, ‘Jump,’ and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)

Some days it feels like good isn’t good enough. We’ll strive for the finish line, lay our max efforts on the line, and fall short. There will be bad days, heinous parenting moments, and failed conversations with a spouse. Feast and famine.

But love. It’s entirely possible to fail, and yet emanate a love that’s antithetical to our circumstance. Our victory isn’t found in the success alone. It’s buried and secret. Search our hearts, Lord, so that we can love first. Every other problem seems so much smaller in comparison.

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10. "Jesus gave in. 'Oh, woman, your faith is something else..."

“What you want is what you get!’ Right then her daughter became well.” (Matthew 15:28)

What would it be like to look at the Savior of mankind in the eye and have Him say to you, “Woman, your faith is something else…?” I chuckle even typing these words. How relational is our Jesus and how much dignity does He bring to those around Him!

A Prayer for the Working Mom

Lord, give us the gift of faith. When the pot boils over and the bread combusts in the oven. When the car breaks down. The pitch is rejected. The family member walks away. The pain, unbearable. Be there, God-of-Angel-Armies. We thank you for the opportunities to serve You in such unique ways. We trust that You are Provider for everything we need. Strengthen us for the tasks ahead. Amen. 

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