Stacey A. Shannon is a freelance journalist and blogger who has been published internationally. She's also a Christian, a wife and a mom of two school-aged children. She started Families with Grace in 2019 to encourage Christian moms as they create homes filled with grace, love and faith.
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A review of “The Ghost You Can’t See,” a faith-based fantasy adventure tweens and teens will love
Finding faith-based adventure books for tweens that are both exciting and clean can feel like searching for buried treasure. That’s why I’ve loved The Issachar Gatekeeper book series from L.G. Nixon.
A few months ago, I shared a review of the first two books in the fantasy series. The new book in the series, “The Ghost You Can’t See,” keeps the adventure going with a story that’s packed with mystery, courage and Biblical truth all while staying clean and tween-friendly.
I received a free copy of “The Ghost You Can’t See,” a Christian fantasy book for tweens and teens, in exchange for my honest review and social media coverage. All opinions are my own.
About “The Ghost You Can’t See”
As part of a series, “The Ghost You Can’t See” both continues with main characters we’ve come to know and love — namely Lucy Hornberger and her best friend Schuyler Williams — while also introducing new characters.
Lucy, who we meet in the first book of the series, “The Ghost of Darwin Stewart,” is a young girl (13) facing all the struggles of real life like parents, chores, school and even a bit of romance.
Early in the first book, Lucy’s world changes when she learns she’s been chosen to battle evil spirits.
Instead of having special powers, Lucy is gifted with some magical items in the first book that let her see supernatural creatures not otherwise visible. Pretty quickly Schuyler joins her with the girls having been best friends their whole lives.
The pair quickly face a series of tests in the first book. Then in the second book, “The Ghost Writer,” Lucy’s spiritual battles continue as she comes to the rescue of a classmate who has been cursed.
Like all great fantasy books, those in The Issachar Gatekeeper series let us see a mix of the real world and the magical world beyond.
Lucy is working for The High King, who reigns over all that is good, to defeat Darnathian, whose true identity is the dark prince reigning over evil.
Having fought against evil with good in the past, Lucy has fully embraced her new life in this latest book and is ready to watch out for daemons (or evil spirits) and protect those around her. However, her path isn’t easy, and her challenges grow more complex with each book.
In this third book, Lucy faces struggles with friendships, new responsibilities at home and taking on a curse from hundreds of years ago.
Lucy remains the perfect heroine for the series with a mix of relatable strengths and weaknesses in both the real world and in the fantasy world. It’s a creative way to explore spiritual warfare in an age-appropriate, Biblically sound way.
Ghosts in a Christian fantasy book
Don’t let the word “ghost” throw you off. These books aren’t about haunted houses or spooky specters.
Ghosts are often taboo in Christian circles — and understandably so in the sense of departed souls haunting others. But, that is not the take or interpretation in these books.
Nixon, a devout Christian, portrays these ghosts as manifestations of demon spirits. Early in the series, for example, Lucy learns the ghost she sees isn’t the real Darwin Stewart but a demon taking his form.
Instead of spooky ghost stories, L.G. Nixon’s fantasy novels for tweens are faith-based adventures.
This creative take on the supernatural makes it easy to connect the story’s deeper meaning to Biblical truths.
“The Ghost You Can’t See” is a great book for digging into the ways the supernatural world affects our daily life in a way that is approachable and understandable to tweens. While reading the book, I found a variety of references to Biblical concepts.
It’s an easy connection to make between The High King representing God and the dark prince, Darnathian, representing Satan — much like in The Chronicles of Narnia from C.S. Lewis.
Multiple passages throughout the book explain Biblical concepts in a great way that older kids will easily understand while also just reading a good book. This passage, for example, explains the importance of monitoring what we allow into our minds:
“Darnathian whispers half-truths and deceptive thoughts to bend your thinking — a redirection, if you will. Unconsciously, you know something is missing, so you add your own interpretation to fill in the gaps. Then, instead of truth you have a lie…Don’t you understand? What you let into your mind can change your thinking. It’s like nourishment for those little gray cells.”
“The Ghost You Can’t See” by L.G. Nixon
Nixon does a great job of encapsulating the fantasy genre while also making Biblical principles accessible. It’s a relatable Christian middle grade book.
“The Ghost You Can’t See” is a perfect book for Christian moms who are fans of Harry Potter and looking for a clean Christian book series for teens with a young protagonist fighting against a dark force.
Why tweens (and parents) will love it
Yet, with all of that said, will tweens actually like the book? Is it relatable, engaging and thrilling? In short, yes to all of the above — and for good reason! Voracious readers and casual readers alike will be drawn into this fantasy adventure for tweens.
”The Ghost You Can’t See” has lots of fantasy elements but is also relatable. Lucy is struggling with friend drama in the middle of spiritual wars. For example, Lucy faces doubts about her best friend early in this third book and finds herself losing heart.
Feeling left out or cast aside by friends is something tweens can certainly relate to. Lucy certainly isn’t perfect and struggles with a variety of imperfections, even including being clumsy.
The book doesn’t use any inappropriate language. It does, however, use language that tweens and teens will relate to. The characters’ dialogue sounds like listening to a group of kids with sarcasm and slang terms unique to the series. For example, expressions like ‘Son of a buck snort!’ add humor without crossing any lines.
The story continues
One of the great things about a book series is getting to know and follow the characters throughout their journey. Just as in any other series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, The Issachar Gatekeeper series gives tweens and teens the chance to see main character Lucy and Schuyler grow and change.
As they are growing and learning, so are young readers. It’s a great series in that it grows with the reader.
As with any great series, each book ends with just enough of a cliffhanger to make you eager for the next book. As an avid reader myself, I appreciate that each storyline ties up in the book while also leaving us wanting more at the end just as all favorite fantasy books should do!
Getting your own copy
The Issachar Gatekeeper series really is worth adding to your tween or teen’s book list. This is the perfect time to get started with the series.
L.G. Nixon’s site is running a limited time offer to get the books in the series for $10 each and receive a copy of the seasonal novella from the series, “The Ghost in Your Christmas Present.”
You can also just purchase book three, “The Ghost You Can’t See” for $15.99 for paperback, $8.99 for ebook or $3.99 for audiobook. (As the mom of a dyslexic child, I love this series has the accessibility of an audiobook as well!)
Discover how Biblical gratitude transforms everyday family life and strengthens your faith.
Recently, I was driving with my mom and daughter when the car behind us rear-ended us at a stoplight. It had already been a hard few weeks, and this felt like the “icing on the cake.”
My heart raced, but within moments, gratitude started to settle in. We were all OK. The man who hit us was kind and apologetic. Even the cupcakes for my daughter’s birthday party survived the impact.
As we drove away, my mom gently said, “God really took care of us today.” She was right. What could have been a disaster became a reminder of God’s protection and faithfulness.
My daughter chimed in with her own version of thanks, echoing what she’d heard from my mom and me. Three generations, each finding a reason to be thankful in the middle of a frustrating day.
That moment reminded me that gratitude doesn’t wait for life to go smoothly. It grows when we choose to see God’s hand in the small mercies tucked inside messy moments.
But what is gratitude in the Bible, really? Is it just feeling thankful when life is going well? Or is there something deeper? Something that could actually transform how we live, parent and walk with God?
The truth is, Bible verses about thankfulness aren’t just nice sentiments to cross-stitch and hang on our walls. They’re invitations into a way of life that changes everything.
Biblical gratitude isn’t about pretending hard things aren’t hard. It’s about training our hearts to see God’s goodness even when life feels overwhelming.
This November, I’m diving into Biblical gratitude in a fresh way with our free Living Out Gratitude Bible Reading Plan. And I’d love for you to join me as we explore together how a grateful heart isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a spiritual practice that brings peace, joy and deeper connection with Christ Jesus.
Affiliate links are used in this post, if you make a qualifying purchase via my link, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. It helps support my blog, so thank you for your support! Read my full disclosure here.
What is gratitude in the Bible?
When we talk about what gratitude means in Scripture, we’re talking about so much more than a warm fuzzy feeling. Biblical gratitude is a posture of worship. It’s a deliberate choice to recognize God’s goodness and respond with thanksgiving, regardless of our circumstances.
In the Old Testament, gratitude was woven into the fabric of Israel’s worship. The psalmist declares in Psalm 100:4, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
Notice that thanksgiving comes first before we even enter into worship. Gratitude isn’t the result of getting everything we want. It’s the door through which we approach the Almighty God.
The New Testament deepens this understanding. The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:15-17 about letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and being thankful. He connects gratitude directly to the word of Christ dwelling in us richly.
When we’re filled with God’s Word, thankfulness flows naturally through spiritual songs, through our words and through our actions done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Biblical gratitude is both an attitude and an action. It’s cultivating a heart of gratitude while also expressing it through the fruit of our lips, good works and a sacrifice of praise. It’s recognizing that every good gift and every perfect gift comes from the Father of lights, who doesn’t change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).
Here’s what makes Biblical gratitude different from the world’s version: it’s not conditional. We don’t give thanks only when life is comfortable. First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
That’s radical. That’s countercultural. And that’s exactly what transforms an attitude of gratitude from a nice idea into a powerful spiritual practice.
When we understand gratitude as the will of God, it changes how we approach difficult times, small frustrations and even the mundane moments of everyday life. It becomes less about our feelings and more about our obedience and trust in God’s character.
Why gratitude matters in motherhood
If motherhood teaches us anything, it’s that we can’t control most of what happens in a day. The toddler meltdown in the grocery store. The science project due tomorrow that we’re just now hearing about. The comparison trap that hits when we scroll past another mom who seems to have it all together.
In the chaos and exhaustion of raising kids, gratitude can feel like one more thing on the list. Gratitude can seem like something we “should” do but don’t have the energy for.
But here’s the beautiful truth: gratitude isn’t another burden. It’s actually one of the best ways God gives us to find peace in the middle of the mess.
When we practice gratitude, something shifts in our hearts and minds. Research shows that grateful people experience better mental health, less anxiety and more resilience in difficult circumstances.
But more importantly, Scripture promises us that when we bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
That peace isn’t dependent on our circumstances changing. It’s a supernatural gift that comes when we choose to focus on God’s goodness instead of our problems. A grateful heart doesn’t ignore the hard things. It simply refuses to let the hard things have the final word.
The importance of gratitude in motherhood can’t be overstated. When we model thankfulness for our children, we’re teaching them to recognize God’s blessings even in small things. We’re showing them that joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances but in a relationship with a good and faithful God.
And in those moments when we feel like we’re failing at everything else? Gratitude becomes our lifeline. It reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient, His love never wavers and even our imperfect efforts matter when offered with a thankful heart.
How to live out gratitude
Living out Biblical gratitude isn’t about waiting until we feel thankful. It’s about making intentional choices that cultivate gratitude as a way of life. Here are four practical ways to embrace the transformative power of gratitude in your own life and home.
Cultivating a grateful heart
Gratitude starts internally, in the quiet places of our hearts where we choose what we’ll focus on. King David understood this. Even in the midst of being hunted by enemies, hiding in caves and facing betrayal, David wrote psalm after psalm of thanksgiving. His secret? He intentionally turned his attention to God’s character and past faithfulness.
We can do the same. When difficult times hit—and they will—we can train ourselves to look for God’s goodness in the small things. The way the morning light streams through the window. A child’s laughter. A friend’s text message at just the right moment. These aren’t accidents; they’re reminders that God is present and active in our everyday life.
Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Sometimes cultivating a grateful heart means deliberately remembering.
What has God done for you this week? This month? This year? When we make remembering a practice, gratitude becomes our natural response.
Try this: Before your feet hit the floor each morning or before your head hits the pillow each night, name three things you’re thankful for. It might feel mechanical at first, but over time, this small practice trains your heart to notice God’s blessings throughout the very day.
Expressing gratitude to others
Biblical gratitude isn’t meant to stay locked inside us. The Word of Christ dwelling in us should overflow into how we treat our family members, friends and even strangers.
Colossians 3:16-17 connects being filled with God’s Word to speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as well as doing everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving.
What would it look like to express gratitude more freely in your home? To tell your husband you appreciate how hard he works, even when the little things he does feel invisible to everyone else? To praise your kids for good deeds and kind words, rather than only correcting what they do wrong?
Small ways of showing appreciation create a culture of gratitude in our families. A note tucked into a lunchbox. A genuine “thank you” for helping with chores. Taking time to recognize someone’s effort, even when the result wasn’t perfect.
The Apostle Paul regularly expressed gratitude for the people in his life. His letters are filled with thanksgiving for fellow followers of Jesus for their faith, their love and their partnership in the gospel. When we follow his example, we bless others while simultaneously deepening our own heart of gratitude.
Serving with a thankful spirit
There’s a direct connection in Scripture between gratitude and service. When we truly recognize God’s blessings in our lives—the gift of salvation, God’s unfailing love, His daily provision—the appropriate response is to serve others with joy.
Hebrews 12:28 says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Our gratitude to God naturally expresses itself through good works done for His glory.
This is where gratitude moves from internal feeling to external action. We serve our families not as a burden but as a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
We look for opportunities to bless others because we’re overflowing with awareness of how we’ve been blessed.
We make a joyful noise in our worship not because we have perfect voices, but because we have hearts full of songs of praise for God’s goodness.
Even in the mundane tasks like folding laundry, making dinner, driving to soccer practice, we can cultivate a thankful spirit by remembering that we serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24). Every act of service, done with gratitude, becomes worship.
Gratitude as a family lifestyle
The goal isn’t just personal gratitude. It’s making thankfulness a way of life for our entire family.
When our kids grow up in a home where gratitude is practiced daily, they learn that recognizing God’s faithfulness isn’t something we do occasionally; it’s who we are.
Start small. At dinner, go around the table and let each person share one thing they’re grateful for. Create family traditions around thanksgiving not just in November, but year-round.
Make gratitude activities part of your rhythm: a gratitude jar where family members add notes throughout the week, or a gratitude scavenger hunt where kids look for evidence of God’s love in creation.
The beauty of making gratitude a family lifestyle is that it shifts the atmosphere of your home. Instead of focusing on what we lack or what went wrong, we train ourselves to see the good things God is doing all around us. We become grateful people who naturally point others toward God’s goodness.
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
When we live out gratitude consistently, we’re passing down a legacy of faith to our children by teaching them to recognize God’s work in every aspect of our lives.
Examples of gratitude in the Bible
Scripture is filled with stories of gratitude in the Bible that show us what thankfulness looks like in action. These aren’t just ancient stories. They’re powerful examples that speak directly to our lives today.
King David stands out as a man who expressed gratitude constantly. His psalm of thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16 overflows with shouts of grateful praise: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”
David wrote songs of praise even when he was running for his life, proving that gratitude isn’t dependent on easy circumstances.
The Apostle Paul is another powerful example. Despite being imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked and rejected, Paul’s letters are filled with thanksgiving. He thanks God for churches, for fellow believers, for the grace of God at work in people’s lives.
In Philippians, a book of the Bible written from prison, Paul says he’s learned the secret of being content in any situation, and that secret is rooted in gratitude and trust in Christ Jesus.
Jesus Himself modeled gratitude for us. At the Last Supper, knowing He was about to face crucifixion, Jesus took bread and “gave thanks” (Matthew 26:26). Even in His darkest hour, gratitude was His posture.
He thanked the Father for hearing Him when He raised Lazarus (John 11:41). He recognized that everything good comes from God, and He lived in constant communion with His Father.
These examples of gratitude in the Bible remind us that thankfulness isn’t about our circumstances. It’s about recognizing God’s character, faithfulness and love, no matter what we’re facing.
Practical ways to practice gratitude
If you’re wondering how to move from understanding gratitude to actually living it out, here are some realistic, family-friendly ways to make thankfulness a daily practice.
Start a Christian gratitude journal.
There’s something powerful about writing down what we’re thankful for. My Christian Woman’s Gratitude Journal includes prompts specifically designed to help you connect gratitude to Scripture and prayer.
When you write it down, you create a record of God’s faithfulness that you can look back on during difficult times.
Create a family gratitude jar.
Keep a jar in a central location with slips of paper nearby. Throughout the week, family members can write down things they’re thankful for and add them to the jar.
At the end of each month, read them together and celebrate God’s goodness.
Try gratitude activities designed for families.
Faith-based gratitude activities help kids engage with thankfulness in hands-on ways. Create a “grateful tree” where family members add leaves with things they’re grateful for.
Do a gratitude scavenger hunt where kids look for evidence of God’s love in nature. Make “thankful turkeys” where each feather represents something they appreciate.
Use printable resources.
Sometimes we need a little structure to build new habits. Download free printables from the Families With Grace Printables Library to guide your family’s gratitude practice.
The Living Out Gratitude Bible Reading Plan is specifically designed to help you explore thankfulness Scripture by Scripture throughout the month.
You don’t need to add hours to your day. Simply add a gratitude moment to bedtime prayers, car rides or mealtimes. Ask, “What was the best thing about today?” or “Where did you see God at work?”
The important thing isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. Small, daily practices of gratitude accumulate into a transformed heart and home.
Conclusion
Mama, I know life is full and your plate is overflowing. The last thing you need is another expectation or one more “should” added to your list.
But here’s the beautiful truth about gratitude: it’s not about doing more. It’s about seeing more—seeing God’s goodness right where you are, in the middle of the messy, ordinary, exhausting, beautiful life He’s given you.
Biblical gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that even when everything isn’t perfect, God is still good. His love is still unfailing. His grace is still sufficient.
And every good and perfect gift in your life, including the challenging parts that are growing you, comes from His hand.
As you practice gratitude this month, be gentle with yourself. Some days will feel easier than others. Some days you’ll remember to give thanks before your feet hit the floor, and other days you’ll collapse into bed realizing you forgot entirely. That’s OK. God isn’t looking for perfect gratitude. He’s looking for willing hearts that want to draw closer to Him.
Let this be the month you discover how the transformative power of gratitude can shift your perspective, deepen your faith and change the atmosphere in your home. Let thanksgiving become your natural response, not because life is easy, but because God is faithful.
Grow deeper this month with the Living Out Gratitude Bible Reading Plan—a free printable designed to help you put Biblical gratitude into practice every day. Download the free Living Out Gratitude Bible Reading Plan.
I still remember standing at kindergarten pick-up for my oldest, watching groups of moms laugh together while I clutched my toddler’s hand and smiled politely at strangers. My heart ached with a familiar loneliness I didn’t expect motherhood would bring.
If you’ve ever felt invisible in a crowd of other moms, you’re not alone. Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends as a Christian mom—when you’re exhausted, covered in spit-up and can barely remember the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation—feels nearly impossible.
But here’s what I’ve learned through the loneliness and the awkward first conversations: God created us for connection. And while learning how to make friends as a Christian mom takes intentionality and courage, it’s one of the most life-giving things we can do for ourselves and our families.
You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone. Friendship is possible, even in this busy, overwhelming season.
Why friendship matters for Christian moms
We weren’t designed to do life in isolation. From the very beginning, God looked at Adam in Genesis 2:18 and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”
That need for companionship doesn’t disappear when we become mothers. If anything, it intensifies.
The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of what friendship can be:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Christian moms need that kind of friend—someone who will help us up on the hard days, celebrate with us on the good ones and remind us of God’s grace when we’re struggling.
Friendship isn’t a luxury for mothers. It’s a lifeline.
When we’re connected to the body of Christ and rooted in genuine community, we become better moms, better wives and more grounded in our faith. We need women who will pray for us, laugh with us and show up with coffee (or chocolate!) when life feels too heavy to carry alone.
Understanding different types of friendships
Not all friendships look the same, and that’s actually a beautiful thing. As Christian moms, we need different kinds of friends for different seasons and needs.
Friendships within the faith
There’s something sacred about friendships with other Christian women who share your faith and values. These are the moms who understand when you say, “I’m praying about it,” or “I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me.”
They’re the ones who will text you a Bible verse on a hard day or show up to your small group even when they’re exhausted.
Christian mom friends can become kindred spirits who walk alongside you in both motherhood and faith. Whether it’s through a Bible study, a church mom’s group or simply another family at your local church, these friendships ground us in community and remind us we’re part of something bigger.
When I was in the baby and toddler phase of mothering, a woman from my church invited me to a small Bible study meeting at a friend’s home. I was hesitant to go at first, but my soul ached for connection and community.
That’s exactly what I found, and I’m so glad. It’s now more than a decade later and our group no longer meets for study but is always available to message with prayer requests or give big hugs when we see one another.
Friendships beyond the church
Non-Christian friends can be incredible gifts, too. God places people in our lives for mutual respect, common ground and genuine connection. And sometimes those people don’t share our faith background.
I’ve made great connections with other moms at library story times, arranging play dates for my children and sitting on the school playground. These friendships have taught me about grace, hospitality and loving people well.
They’ve challenged me to live out my faith authentically without being preachy, and they’ve shown me that kindness and companionship aren’t limited to the walls of the church.
Different friendships bring different gifts. Some friends are perfect for deep spiritual conversations. Others are the ones you text memes to at 10 pm. Both matter.
Practical ways for how to make friends as a Christian mom
OK, let’s get real. Knowing you need friends and actually making them are two different things. Here are some doable, realistic ways to start building new friendships. This is something I’ve struggled with a LOT.
But, I promise, these tips will work even if you’re an introvert (like me) or haven’t made a new friend since high school.
Pray about it
You may be thinking that sounds like a trite, Sunday School kind of tip, but stick with me here. I have struggled with friendships throughout my lifetime. Yet, it wasn’t until a few years ago that it occurred to me to pray about it.
I had a “duh” moment of realizing that if God created me (and all of us) for community, then He wanted me to find that community. He knows me more than I know me.
I might think I’m awkward, quiet and kind of weird, but I am who God made me, and He doesn’t make junk. I knew there had to be people out there I could connect with.
So I started praying about it. I asked God to open my eyes to connections and give me courage to reach out to others. And He did.
Before you start trying to make some steps toward friendships, talk to God.
Start where you already are
You don’t have to join 10 new things to make mom friends. Who has that time?!
Look at where you already spend time. Do you go to the same coffee shop every week? Chat with the other moms there.
Does your child attend a soccer game or take classes somewhere? Strike up a conversation while you’re waiting.
A lot of times, the best friendships start in the places we already frequent. Your local church, the library story time, even the grocery store are all great places to meet other moms who are navigating the same season.
Make the first move
This is the hardest part, I know. But someone has to take the first step, and it might as well be you. Smile. Introduce yourself. Compliment another mom’s patience or her kid’s adorable shoes.
Then—and this is key—ask for a phone number or suggest getting together. “Would you want to grab coffee sometime?” or “We should plan a playdate!” It feels vulnerable, but most moms are craving connection just as much as you are.
I’ve learned that most people are relieved when someone else makes the first move. They’ve been waiting for permission to reach out, too.
And others may blow you off, but that’s OK, too. You still made progress by reaching out in the first place, and the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Join a group in person
Small groups are one of the best ways to build consistent friendships. Whether it’s a Bible study at church, a book club or a local moms’ group, joining something structured takes the pressure off.
Groups give you regular touchpoints with the same women, which is how acquaintances become true friends. You don’t have to overthink it. You just show up consistently and let friendships develop naturally.
Make sure to actually give the group a solid try. I have been tempted to stop going to groups after the first meeting when I felt awkward and didn’t know who to talk to or what to say.
Remember that in-home Bible study I talked about? The first meeting was OK, but I also felt a bit awkward, because that’s who I am.
Yet, I’m so glad I kept going and gave it a fair shake. It made a huge impact in my life both practically and spiritually.
Join a group online
In-person connection is important, but connection in general matters. I met a group of moms through a forum for expectant moms back when I was pregnant with my oldest (who just turned 16!).
That group spun off and I have a few of those mamas with whom I still talk regularly about life and faith. I have watched their kids grow up from afar as they have mine. They’ve been great support for questions about parenting, since we’re in the same phase with parenting at least one of our kiddos.
Online communities can also be a great place to connect. Social media can be a starting point for how to make friends as a Christian mom—especially for long-distance friendships or when you need encouragement at 2 a.m.
My own experiences inspired and helped me so much, that I’ve created my own group for Christian moms. Check out and join the free and private Christian Moms with Grace Facebook group!
Here’s the truth: your house doesn’t have to be clean, and you don’t need to have it all together to invite someone over. Some of my deepest friendships have been built over messy living rooms and store-bought cookies.
Hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Invite a new mom over for coffee. Suggest meeting at a coffee shop if your home feels too chaotic.
Plan a field trip to the park or children’s museum with another family. Just create space for connection, however imperfect it might be.
Look for common interests and common ground
Friendship grows faster when you share something in common. Maybe it’s a similar parenting style, a shared love of hiking or both being new to the area. Maybe you’re both navigating the challenges of a new baby or adjusting to life in a new city.
Finding common ground doesn’t mean you have to be identical. It just means you have something to build on. Even shared struggles can become the foundation for deep connection.
I once connected with a mom at the playground over struggles with managing constipation for one of my kids. Mom life can bring connections in the oddest ways sometimes!
Expand your comfort zone
If you’ve been doing the same things and seeing the same people, maybe it’s time to try something new. Join a Christian homeschool co-op if you homeschool. Volunteer at your child’s school.
Try a different service time at your church to meet new people. Or maybe even seek God’s will and move toa different church if He so leads. Sometimes you can spend years at a church and not be connected.
You don’t have to become someone you’re not, but gently stretching beyond your comfort zone opens doors to new friendships you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
When friendships are hard or inconsistent
Let’s be honest: adult friendships are complicated. Schedules don’t align. Texts go unanswered for days. A good friend moves to a new place, and suddenly your mom tribe feels smaller.
Some seasons of motherhood are lonelier than others. When you have a new baby, when you’re adjusting to a new town or when life just feels too full, maintaining the kind of friendships you long for is much harder.
Give yourself grace. Give your friends grace, too.
Friendships ebb and flow, and that’s OK. Your best friend from last year might be in a different season now. A group of moms you used to see regularly might drift apart as kids get older and schedules shift. That doesn’t mean the friendship wasn’t real or valuable; it just means life is changing.
And sometimes, despite our best efforts, connection feels impossible. If you’ve tried reaching out and it’s not working, remember that God sees you. He knows the loneliness, and He’s faithful even when friendships feel inconsistent or hard to find.
Keep showing up. Keep being the kind of friend you want to have. And trust that in different places and seasons, God will bring the right people into your life at the right time.
I’ve learned through my life that some friends are for a season. This is true even outside of motherhood.
Some people are situational friends. You’re in the same situation together (work, school, etc.) and you become friends, but once that changes, you drift apart.
It’s OK to let that go and be glad for the time you had together. New seasons can mean new friends. Life is always changing.
You were made for community
Motherhood is beautiful and exhausting and overwhelming. And it was never meant to be walked alone. God designed you for connection, for friendship, for community within the body of Christ and beyond.
Making friends as a Christian mom takes courage. It requires you to be vulnerable, to make the first move, to step outside your comfort zone and risk rejection.
But the reward—genuine connection, true friends who see you and love you and walk beside you—is worth every awkward introduction and every unanswered text. And it makes the initial stress about how to make friends as as Christian mom pale in comparison.
This week, I want to encourage you to take one small step. Send that text. Smile at the mom in the church lobby. Sign up for a small group or a Bible study.
Show up to the birthday party even though you’re tired. Invite someone for coffee, even if your schedule feels impossibly full.
You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to start.
God sees your loneliness, and He’s inviting you into something better—a life marked by connection, friendship and grace.
The mom tribe you’re longing for? It’s out there. And it starts with one brave, imperfect step toward someone else.
Music has always been my way to connect with and learn about God, even as a child. Now as a mom and someone who writes church curriculum for children’s ministry, I see how powerful Christian kids’ worship music can be for helping little hearts learn big truths about God.
There are so many verses and concepts I remember due to songs I learned with catchy melodies that have stuck with me. The same is true for my own children.
The fruit of the Spirit? We can recite those thanks to a song the kids learned in children’s church.
Yet, I also know how little children work: they get bored of the same songs after a while. You may hear the song on repeat for ages, but eventually they are ready for a new song.
Finding good children’s worship media resources is important.
I recently had a chance to preview the new Slugs & Bugs release “Sunday Songs.” I came away with some new Sunday School songs stuck in my head—in a good way!
As parents, we want to fill our homes with things that point our kids toward Jesus, but finding music that’s both fun and faithful can be tough. That’s what makes finding great Christian family music like Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” such a gift.
I received a Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” CD at no charge in exchange for providing a review and social media posts about it. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copy.
A bit about Slugs & Bugs
If your family hasn’t discovered Slugs & Bugs yet, you’re in for a treat. Their songs are smart, Scripture-based and silly in the best way — the kind of music you won’t mind on repeat.
Slugs & Bugs is a ministry for families that provides great resources for teaching children about Jesus in fun and catchy ways. Back in 2006, Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson released the first Slugs & Bugs album and the ministry has been growing ever since.
In fact, Mr. Randall, as he goes by on stage, has toured Slugs & Bugs Live throughout the United States to play more than 350 shows. Since 2019, the ministry has also released four picture books and a 26-episode T.V. series.
The Slugs & Bugs YouTube channel is filled with terrific music videos of kids songs and fun lesson videos kids of all ages will enjoy.
The songs on this Christian kids’ worship music album
The Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” album includes a mix of classic hymns and new Christian worship songs. Some children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School favorite songs on the album include:
“Father Abraham”
“This Little Light of Mine”
“I’ve Got the Joy”
“Jesus Loves Me”
“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
You’ll also hear some new songs that teach Bible stories. I love that the CD pulls out some lesser known Bible stories, such as the story of Joseph in the Old Testament who was sold into slavery.
I know the story well, but I didn’t remember the exact name change he had. I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce it, to be honest! But now I know.
And even better, children will love the song that will leave a lasting imprint on them for years to come.
One of the first songs released on streaming from the album is “Lydia, Seller of Purple.” This snappy tune tells the story of Lydia, which isn’t one of the New Testament stories often shared in children’s church.
And then the album also includes three tracks of characters talking help children understand the Biblical truth they’re singing about in a fun way.
Whether it’s classic songs your kids already love or new tunes that tell Bible stories in memorable ways, “Sunday Songs” will have your family singing truth without even realizing they’re learning it.
Ways to use “Sunday Songs”
This Christian kids’ worship music works well for home, church or anywhere you want music that brings God’s Word to life for kids.
You can listen to in daily life—think car rides from one errand to the next—or during your family worship time.
Yet, it’s also great for children’s ministry. From children’s church to Vacation Bible School to Sunday School, kids’ church programs can easily use the songs as part of instruction and worship time.
You can even use it for children’s choir. The other CDs released from Slugs & Bugs include sheet music and chord charts for purchase. “Sunday Songs” will likely have these released soon as well.
Where to get “Sunday Songs”
Right now, there are two options for getting Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” album. First (and most ideal), you can order the CD for $19.99.
The songs are also releasing on streaming services, such as the Spotify app, two per month. With 16 tracks on the CD, it will take a while before they are all released.
However you listen, “Sunday Songs” is a joyful reminder that worship isn’t just for Sundays. Worship is for every moment of family life.
Practical encouragement and Scriptures for motherhood’s lonely moments
The weird thing about motherhood nobody ever talks about is the loneliness. Yes, you’re surrounded nearly constantly by the people who love you and need you most, but even in the middle of the fray, feelings of loneliness can creep in.
It’s a strange kind of lonely in motherhood. Often it comes from feeling unseen, overlooked and even discarded. Maybe you miss the you who is more than a mother. Maybe you want to connect with friends, but you’re all too busy being mom to make anything happen.
Maybe you miss adult conversation, or you long for a friend who truly understands what you’re going through. Maybe you’re carrying silent struggles in your heart and don’t know who you can trust to share them with.
I’ve been there in my own life, mama. I know what it’s like to smile on the outside while feeling lonely on the inside. And the truth is you’re not alone in those feelings. The Bible talks a lot about loneliness and reminds us again and again that even when we feel isolated, God is with us.
Loneliness in motherhood is real — even for us introverts.
That’s why I put together a free Bible reading plan on loneliness and God’s presence. It’s designed especially for Christian moms who need encouragement in this season.
You can download it here, and follow along as we spend the month focusing on Scriptures that remind us we are never truly alone.
But before we jump into the plan, I want to share some of the most encouraging Bible verses about loneliness that have carried me through the quiet, heavy moments of motherhood and reminded me that God’s presence never leaves.
Table of Contents
God sees us in our loneliness
One of the hardest parts of loneliness is feeling invisible — like nobody notices what you’re going through. As moms, we pour ourselves out for our families in a hundred unseen ways every day. And while we don’t serve to be noticed, sometimes it hurts to feel like nobody really sees the effort, the exhaustion or the heart behind it all.
The beautiful truth is this: God sees you. Even when others don’t.
God sees the overlooked
“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
These words come from Hagar, a servant who was mistreated and cast aside. Alone in the wilderness, she felt abandoned, but God met her there.
He protected her, encouraged her through an angel and promised her son’s descendants would become a nation.
What’s remarkable is that Hagar, a woman with little standing, was the first to call God El Roi, “the God who sees me.” (She was also the first account in the Bible of an angel appearing to a person!)
The same God who noticed Hagar in the desert sees you when you’re wiping counters late at night, folding laundry for the third time in a week or holding it all together when you feel like falling apart.
God knows us completely
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)
God not only sees us like a casual acquaintance would, He knows every part of us inside and out. Throughout your path of life, God has been part of every moment and loving you through it all.
We can lean into the presence of God, knowing He truly understands us. When loneliness whispers you’ve been forgotten, God’s Word whispers back that you are fully known and deeply loved.
God holds us steady
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
This verse has gotten me through one hard time after another ever since I was a child and learned it. The “do not fear” part is what initially drew me.
But, later in life, the second part is what has gotten me. Knowing I am held in the right hand of God being strengthened and helped by Him comforts my heart. Your Father in heaven is holding onto you while you are holding onto your children.
When a feeling of loneliness tries to creep in, remember that you are never alone. Not only is God with you, but you are held in the mighty hand of God.
There is no safer pace to be. His presence is steady, even in difficult seasons.
Mama, you may feel invisible at times, but you are never unseen. God notices you. He values the work you’re doing, both big and small, and He promises to walk beside you every step of the way.
A step for your week
This week, try writing “God sees me” on a sticky note and placing it somewhere you’ll see it often — maybe on the bathroom mirror or next to the kitchen sink. Let it be a daily reminder that even in the loneliest moments of motherhood, you are never out of His sight.
Bible verses about loneliness in the lives of God’s people
Loneliness isn’t new. Even in the pages of the Bible, we see men and women of faith wrestling with deep feelings of isolation. Sometimes, it came in the form of betrayal. Other times, it was discouragement or fear. If you’ve ever felt like no one understands what you’re carrying, you’re in good company.
These biblical figures remind us that loneliness doesn’t mean weakness or failure. It’s part of our experience as human beings. But in every story, God showed up.
Elijah’s loneliness
“He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’”
1 Kings 19:4 (NIV)
Elijah was a prophet who had just experienced a huge victory on Mount Carmel, proving God’s power over false idols. And yet, right after this incredible high, he ran into the wilderness, exhausted and afraid. He felt so alone that he wanted to give up.
As moms, we can relate to that crash after a big moment — the day after the birthday party you planned, the week after finishing a big project at work, the season of caring for a sick child. Loneliness can sneak in when our strength runs out. But just like with Elijah, God met him where he was. He didn’t scold him. Instead, He provided food, rest and gentle encouragement.
David’s loneliness
“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.”
Psalm 142:1–4 (NIV)
David knew what it was to be surrounded by people and still feel utterly alone. In many of his Psalms, we hear the raw honesty of his prayers. He admitted when he was hurting and poured out his soul to God.
I remember in the early days of motherhood feeling like I was drowning. And I remember wondering if anyone would even notice if I did.
Because that’s life and the loneliness that can be part of motherhood. David understood this feeling: “no one is concerned for me…no one cares for my life.”
But, he also knew one of the best ways to get through a season like this was complete honesty with God. God’s love is bigger than our complaints and hurts. He already knows what we’re feeling; being honest with Him keeps our relationship strong.
We can be honest about such things as loneliness, frustration, questions and hurt. We don’t have to pretty things up for God. We just have to show up.
Paul’s loneliness
“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.”
2 Timothy 4:16–17 (NIV)
These words are written by Paul. This is the same Paul who was formerly Saul. He was persecuting Christians and then had an encounter with God when Christ Jesus appeared to him in a bright light and changed his heart completely.
And now he was being persecuted and imprisoned himself for planting churches and preaching the Word of God. Yet, in one of his darkest times, he was deserted. Those around him left him on his own, but the Lord God stayed with him through every moment.
We don’t have to be going on trial to feel like we’ve been deserted. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have a friend to call or like you’re carrying motherhood alone, Paul’s words remind us of an unshakable truth: when others walk away, the Lord stands beside us.
Jesus’ loneliness
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’”
Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
Even Jesus felt the sting of loneliness. In His deepest moment of anguish in Gethsemane just before His crucifixion, His closest friends couldn’t stay awake to support Him. He cried out to His Father instead.
And our God of all comfort sent an angel to strengthen and comfort His own Son. Even though the love of Christ for us was so strong He was willing to die for us, He still had a broken heart in His own humanity of knowing what was ahead.
Sometimes we can struggle and feel like nobody understands our pain or situation. And that’s a lonely place to live.
The good news is, though, that Jesus understands it all. He’s been there and felt the sting of abandonment. He promises to never leave you in your hour of need.
A step for your week
This week, follow the example of David and Paul by writing out an honest prayer to God. Tell Him exactly how you’re feeling — no filters, no masks. He already knows your heart, but something shifts in us when we lay it bare before Him.
God’s comfort in lonely seasons
One of the sweetest truths in Scripture is that God doesn’t pull away from us when we’re hurting. In fact, His Word tells us He draws near to us in our brokenness. When moments of loneliness feel heavy, God’s presence brings comfort, peace and hope.
God is close to the brokenhearted
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
When we are in the middle of a hard season, we can feel crushed under a heavy weight that won’t lift. But God’s promises — like this one in Psalm 34 — hold true regardless. He comes closer to us when we need Him most.
God’s unending love is drawn to our lonely hearts. He is right in the middle of the ache.
Our mama hearts can break is so many ways. From a toddler tantrum that leaves you exasperated to a teen making a heart-wrenching decision, the challenges of motherhood can leave us feeling alone and disheartened.
God meets us there, not with judgment, but with compassion. The power of the Holy Spirit can soothe and comfort our broken hearts.
God goes with us
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
These words were first spoken to the Israelites in the Old Testament as they faced uncertainty, but they are just as true for us today. God goes with us. He doesn’t leave us behind or forget us.
Motherhood is full of moments that feel overwhelming — the diagnosis you weren’t expecting, the sleepless nights that stretch into years, the days when you feel like you’re failing. But God’s promise here is unshakable: you don’t face any of it alone.
We can feel the peace of God even in just knowing He won’t leave us or forget about us. No matter what is going on and what we are facing, He is right there with us.
God gives peace in His presence
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
This is a similar verse to the one before. Again, the Israelites need encouragement to walk into God’s promised land. And, again, God is provided it for them.
Discouragement and loneliness often go hand-in-hand. I’ve struggled with both in my own life. They’re the quiet voice saying, “You’re not enough. You’re not on your own. Nobody wants to hear what you have to say.”
But, the love of God speaks differently: “Be strong. Be courageous. I am with you.”
When I’ve walked through seasons of discouragement, this verse has reminded me to lean into God’s presence instead of my own feelings. Feelings come and go, but His presence is steady. And I’m so incredibly thankful for that.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
John 14:16–18 (NIV)
In the New Testament, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, He promises that we’ll never be left alone. His promise to leave a comforter for His disciples hold true today for us as well.
Even in the loneliest moments — when the house is quiet, or when it feels like no one understands — His Spirit is with you.
You are not abandoned. You are not unseen. The Spirit of God Himself is your comforter, your advocate and your strength. He is our helper fit for every part of our lives.
A step for your week
When loneliness feels heavy this week, pause for just a minute. Take a deep breath and whisper, “God, thank You that You are with me right now.”
It doesn’t have to be fancy. That simple reminder can shift your heart back toward His presence.
Godly friendships in seasons of loneliness
While God’s presence is always with us, He also designed us to live in community. We weren’t meant to do life alone.
Friendship doesn’t always come easily in the busy years of motherhood, but these Bible verses about friendship and loneliness remind us how life-giving it can be to spend time with God’s people.
Two are better than one
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV)
Motherhood has plenty of days where we fall — whether it’s emotionally, spiritually or just plain physically after chasing little ones. Having a Godly friend to help us back up makes the load lighter.
One thing I’ve learned is that often we have to be intentional about friendships. We can’t expect others to always know when we need them or keep pursuing us as friends when we give nothing back.
From a casual friend to a best friend, finding little ways to stay in contact can make a big difference in seasons like this. I’ve been encouraged by a text from a friend saying she was praying for me or by having 20 minutes to chat with a friend unexpectedly.
God reminds us that we really do need each other, especially when loneliness hits.
A friend who loves at all times
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
True friends don’t disappear when life gets messy. They’re the ones who walk with us through sleepless nights, unexpected diagnoses or just the never-ending laundry piles.
As moms, it’s easy to think we don’t have time for friendships. But sometimes friendship isn’t about grand outings or long phone calls; it’s about showing up in small ways. A quick message, a handwritten note or a shared laugh can be the lifeline that reminds another mom she’s not alone.
For example, after a friend of mine had a baby, I spent time at her house, playing with her older children and washing her dishes. It was little, small stuff. But recently she mentioned this to me as something she’s always remembered even now seven years later.
Sometimes just being God’s hands and feet on earth can make a big difference. And serving others with good cheer can also bring hope and healing to our own hearts.
Spurring each other on
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)
Motherhood can be isolating, but the Bible calls us to stay connected. We need encouragement, and we’re also called to be encouragers.
It doesn’t mean we have to lead a Bible study or host big gatherings in our own home. Sometimes it means joining a local mom group, inviting a friend for coffee or even connecting on social media where faith and encouragement are at the center. When we show up for one another, we reflect God’s love in powerful ways.
It can even be taking a moment in the bathroom at Target to distract a fussy baby getting his diaper changed to give his mama just a moment of comfort and fellowship.
A step for your week
This week, ask God to bring one person to mind who may need encouragement. Then reach out. Send a quick text, drop off a note or simply say, “I’m thinking of you today.”
That one small act could be exactly what she needs to know she’s not alone.
Hope in God’s presence when you feel lonely
Loneliness can feel like it will last forever. But the truth is, our present feelings don’t have the final word. God’s promises remind us that He has a bigger story for our lives filled with His presence, peace and everlasting hope.
God is our portion forever
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:23–26 (NIV)
Sometimes what we need most in the midst of lonely seasons and difficult times is a reminder that God is with us now and forever. Because while God is our Savior, He is also our best friend.
The end of this passage is perfect for the exhaustion and heartache of motherhood. I look back now at the days after my second child was born and still cannot explain how I survived it physically other than God. He strengthened my heart and my body.
We can rest knowing God’s presence will carry us not just today, but forever.
Nothing can separate us from God’s love
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38–39 (NIV)
Loneliness tries to convince us that we are unloved and unwanted. Because, let’s be frank, sometimes our feelings lie to us.
But Scripture is clear: absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not our mistakes, not our circumstances, not even our feelings of isolation.
As moms, when our hearts ache for connection, this promise reassures us that we are held by a love that never lets go.
One day God’s presence will wipe away every tear
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Revelation 21:3–4 (NIV)
This is the ultimate hope we cling to: a future where loneliness, grief and sorrow are no more. A day is coming when every tear will be wiped away by the very hand of God.
That truth doesn’t erase the pain of loneliness now, but it anchors us in hope. We can face today knowing that eternity with Him is secure — and in that eternity, we’ll never know loneliness again.
A step for your week
Write down one verse of hope (maybe Romans 8:38–39 or Revelation 21:4) and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily. Let it be a reminder that no matter what today holds, God’s presence is your forever promise.
You are never truly alone
Loneliness often shows up in motherhood. It can feel overwhelming to carry so much responsibility while wondering if anyone really sees you. But the good news of Scripture is this: you are never truly alone.
From Hagar in the wilderness to David in the caves, from Paul in prison to Jesus in the garden — God’s presence was there in their loneliness, and His presence is with you in yours. The same God who promises to never leave or forsake His children walks beside you in the messy, beautiful, exhausting, joy-filled journey of motherhood.
If loneliness has been whispering that you’re unseen or forgotten, let God’s Word whisper something different: you are loved, you are noticed and you are never abandoned.
To help you dive deeper into these truths, I created a free reading plan of Bible verses about loneliness. It’s designed especially for moms like you who need encouragement in this season. You can grab your copy here:
And if you’re longing for community, I’d love to invite you to join us in the Christian Moms with Grace Facebook group. It’s a space for encouragement, prayer and connection with other moms who understand the ups and downs of faith-filled motherhood.
You don’t have to walk this road alone. God is with you, and we’d love to walk alongside you, too.
Mama, when the quiet moments feel heavy or the days feel isolating, take heart: your Father in heaven sees you, knows you and holds you close.
An honest review of The Message Women’s Devotional Bible and why it’s a great choice for encouragement and spiritual growth
I’ve been a fan of study Bibles from the time I was a teenager. Devotional Bibles, however, are newer to me — and as a busy mom I’m quite loving them for my daily quiet time.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve explored a range of women’s Bibles — from the “ESV Women’s Study Bible” to the “She Reads Truth CSB”.
But when I picked up “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible,” it felt like the perfect blend of study depth and devotional encouragement. It’s easily the best women’s devotional Bible I’ve looked at.
Mom life is busy, so I especially appreciate Biblical resources that help me grow in my relationship with God in easy, concise ways.
I received a copy of “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible” at no charge in exchange for providing a review and social media posts about it. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copy.
What is a devotional Bible?
If you’re not sure what sets a devotional Bible apart, here’s the quick breakdown.
Regular Bibles contain just the Biblical text in a specific translation.
Study Bibles add background notes, historical context, detailed maps and commentary to help you dig deeper into God’s Word.
Devotional Bibles combine the best of both — the complete Biblical text plus devotionals, reflection questions and other tools to help you apply Scripture to your everyday life.
Some devotional Bibles lean heavily on inspiration. Others, like “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible,” balance encouragement with solid teaching, making it both uplifting and practical.
Because this edition is built on The Message translation, the language is fresh, modern and easy to understand, which is perfect for quick daily readings or longer reflection time.
First impressions
The cover design of “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible” is straightforward and clean. I got the terracotta leather-look edition. The front includes a gold triangle overlaid with a circle.
To me, this represents the Holy Trinity in a simple way. The Bible is also available in hard cover and paperback with a cream cover featuring a watercolor landscape.
The Bible, which was released Aug. 5, 2025 by NavPress, includes 320 personal reflections from Christian women.
Each devotional study coincides with a passage of the Bible and helps women in all stages of life apply Biblical principles in their own spiritual journey.
The graphic design throughout the Bible stays with the terracotta theme and color scheme in a minimalist, clean way that’s easy to read.
Along with the devotionals, “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible” includes a variety of character profiles for both men and women of the Bible.
What makes this the best women’s devotional Bible
Besides the basics and background information, what truly sets this Bible apart is its heart. The authors begin with introducing the Bible and their vision for it.
Their goal is not to rewrite the Word of God or take away from what is in the Bible. It is, however, to make the text more applicable to women and highlight the role women played in Biblical times. All the supplemental content is written by women for other women.
For a variety of reasons, including its place in history, the Bible is strongly patriarchal and male-dominated. The authors set out to address how women fit in and how much a God who let some horrible things happen to women in Bible times (and now) is One who loves them so completely.
What I appreciate most is the lack of platitudes. There is a deep-dive into topics. In fact, some of the devotionals are noted for being a possible trigger for women who have experienced various traumas.
Deep spiritual insights
In the truth of God’s Word, we see a lot of horrible things as well as a lot of good ones. Esther, for example, is my favorite book of the Bible and one of my favorite women in the Bible.
I’ve studied the book and its characters many times. I’ve taught Bible studies about Esther and written children’s curriculum about Esther.
Yet, “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible” included insights I’d not previously considered. We often dismiss King Xerxes’ first queen, Vashti, as being a mere blip in the story. However, she’s more than that. She was a strong woman in the Bible by her own right.
Vashti refused to be objectified by her drunk husband and his friends. She knew she’d be banished (or executed), but made the decision anyway, standing on her own principles.
And thankfully she did so to make the way for Esther to become queen and save the Jewish people. Esther was incredibly courageous in risking her life to save her people. We cannot dispute that. But would she have had any amount of courage to do so without the example of Queen Vashti standing up for herself? Maybe. Maybe not.
Yet, as the story progresses, we also take a closer look at Esther through a lens that is seldom talked about:
“People often read the book of Esther like a fairy tale in which she is chosen by the king to live happily ever after, but the reality is that Esther was a victim of sexual and racial abuse. She lived at the mercy of one of the most powerful kings in history and the patriarchal assumption that women were designed for the purpose of sexually pleasing powerful men.
“When we think about Esther’s story, we must consider the nuanced layers of conflict. Esther was pulled between two cultures and pushed by powerful men to submit but somehow maintained a purity of heart that held its own power.”
The Message Women’s Devotional Bible
These are the kind of deeper insights that help women form a deeper connection to their God and their faith. We’re left with our own reflection questions: do we have enough faith and trust in God to stand up to injustice like Vashti and Esther?
Easy to read and understand
Another reason this is the best women’s devotional Bible for Christian moms in particular is that The Message translation is the easiest mainstream translation to understand. So if you are trying to get in Bible reading and devotion time in 10 spare minutes, you need to absorb and consume as much as possible.
Beyond just reading Scripture in a Bible app, “The Message Women’s Devotional Bible” offers a translation that is easy to read alongside character profiles and devotions that are simple and impactful. It can help mamas make the most of their devotional time when devotional time is limited.
Every two or three pages of this Bible is a devotion, character profile, section introduction, book introduction or other insight to help make understanding the Bible and applying its message to everyday life.
My final thoughts
I expected to like this devotional Bible for women, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. I had to literally make myself stop reading the other day so I didn’t miss a deadline and got back to work.
Anything that helps me draw closer to God through His Word is a resource I love. I’m an avid reader anyway. This felt more like reading for fun than for spiritual reasons, yet I was spiritually blessed through reading.
This isn’t just another devotional that will sit on your shelf; it’s a resource that will genuinely transform your daily walk with God.
Buy it for yourself. Buy it as a gift. Or do both!
Encouraging Bible verses and practical wisdom for Christian moms
Motherhood is both the most rewarding and most challenging job we’ll ever have. As a mom, I’ve experienced some of the best moments and some of the worst moments of my life.
Just last week, for example, I had a great evening with my 15-year-old daughter shopping for a first day of school outfit. But I also had an evening of frustration when chores weren’t getting done by either kiddo.
We go from marveling at our children’s beautiful hearts to questioning every parenting decision we’ve ever made in minutes sometimes.
Add in the weight of being a Christian mom and raising children in the modern world, and, quite frankly, it can be overwhelming. Know that you’re not alone.
In fact, it’s for these very reasons that I put together a free monthlong study about grace-filled parenting. The truth is God didn’t create us to parent on empty and feel overwhelmed. We can lean into His patience, wisdom and love.
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Being a mom with grace isn’t about being a perfect mom (because she doesn’t exist!). It’s about showing up as present, faithful mothers who rely on God’s strength, extend grace to our children and ourselves, and trust in His wisdom for the important job of raising human beings who will impact the world for His glory.
It’s a style of parenting that works whether you have younger or older children.
I’d love for you to go on this journey with me with four weeks of practical, grace-soaked truth, one mom talking to another, chocolate optional, Spirit essential. Ready? Let’s dive in together.
Weekly themes for the Grace-Filled Parenting Bible study
Grace-Filled Parenting is divided into four different weeks with their own themes. And the best thing about this study is it’s rooted in Biblical principles and is created for mamas like you (and me) who don’t have hours a day for quiet time.
Each week has a Bible reading plan with one to three verses per day, reflection questions, a short video and optional emails. The Christian Moms with Grace private Facebook group will also be home to the study for discussions and more.
Encouragement + discussion in our private FB group
Free printables each week
Weekly Zoom call for connection & prayer
Week 1: Living faithfully as a mom
Before we get into parenting techniques or how we speak to our children, we need to start with something even more foundational: our own faith. This first week is all about resetting our hearts and realigning with God. We’re not doing this out of guilt, but because He is our source.
As moms, we often pour ourselves out without pausing to be filled up. But a grace-filled home starts with a mom who is anchored in Christ.
Living faithfully doesn’t mean we never have hard parenting days or moments of failure. Instead, it means we clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, ESV) as we navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
When we’re exhausted from sleepless nights or dealing with challenging behaviors, it’s easy to react from our flesh rather than the Spirit. But as Christian parents, we have access to supernatural love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
During this week, we’ll take a look at what living faithfully as a Christian mom in daily life really means, how to pursue spiritual growth while raising kids and how God equips us even in the mundane and ordinary moments of motherhood.
This week isn’t about doing more. It’s about coming back to the heart of why we mother the way we do. Because when we live rooted in God’s Word, everything else begins to shift with grace.
Week 2: Speaking life over your children
As moms, our words carry incredible weight. From cheering on our kids to correcting them mid-tantrum, how we speak becomes part of their inner voice. This week, we’re focusing on the power of our words — not just what we say to our children, but how we speak about them, over them and even to ourselves.
God calls us to speak life with both grace and truth. That means we don’t ignore misbehavior or hard moments, but we approach them from a place of love and wisdom, not frustration or fear. It also means extending that same grace to ourselves when we don’t get it right.
This week, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the tongue, encouragement, blessing and gentleness. And we’ll learn how to reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father through our everyday communication.
We’ll be reminded that our words can build up or tear down, and we’ll ask God to help us become moms who are intentional with how we speak, choosing words that plant seeds of faith, identity, and love in our children’s hearts.
Week 3: Discipling your children daily
Teaching our kids about Jesus doesn’t have to mean daily devotionals or elaborate object lessons. While those can be wonderful, everyday discipleship is more often about how we live than what we say.
It’s the rhythms of our home, the conversations at bedtime, the way we handle stress and the example we set in our own faith walk.
This week, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to disciple our children in the daily moments like driving to school, folding laundry or navigating another round of sibling arguments.
God hasn’t asked us to be perfect moms with Pinterest-worthy faith routines. He’s asked us to be faithful, to model trust and to bring our kids along as we follow Him.
As we dig into these verses, we’ll be encouraged to sow truth into our kids’ lives in small, consistent ways — not with pressure or perfection, but with presence, intention and grace.
Week 4: Trusting God with your parenting journey
No matter how much we plan, pray and prepare, parenting will always bring uncertainty. There are seasons of fear, moments of regret and questions we can’t answer.
But one of the important things to remember is our children belong first to God. And we can trust Him with their hearts, their futures and even our shortcomings.
This week is about surrender. It’s about letting go of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and choosing to believe that God is faithful, even when we feel like we’re failing.
We’ll reflect on verses that remind us of His presence, His provision and His promises for our children and for us as moms. Whether you’re in a joyful season or walking through difficulty, these Scriptures will point you back to the One who sees, sustains and equips you.
This isn’t a passive trust. It’s an active choice to parent from peace rather than fear. And it’s the beautiful reminder that while motherhood can feel like a heavy responsibility, it’s also a sacred partnership with a God who never leaves us to figure it out alone.
What grace-filled parenting looks like in real life
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life or start a brand-new routine to practice grace-filled parenting. In fact, the beauty is the gift of grace meets you right where you are from the carpool line, to the kitchen, to the middle of a meltdown.
Here are a few small but powerful ways you can start shifting your home toward grace — one moment at a time:
Start your day with God — even if it’s short.
A few quiet minutes before the chaos starts can set your heart in the right direction. Ask God to help you see your kids through His eyes today and respond with His love, not just your own exhaustion.
Pause before you react.
When your child pushes every button, pause and ask, “What does this moment need—correction, connection, or simply calm?” Sometimes a hug speaks louder than a lecture.
Speak truth over your kids and yourself.
It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, but grace helps us call out what’s good. Tell your child, “I love how you care for your sister,” or “God made you such a thoughtful leader.” Let that same truth reflect back on you, too.
Protect your margin.
When you’re rushing from one thing to the next, grace is the first thing to go. Make room for slow moments, silly moments and soul-filling moments. They matter more than the to-do list.
Give yourself grace, too.
You will mess up. You will lose your temper. And you will forget something important. Being a perfect parent just isn’t possible.
But God’s grace doesn’t run out and every misstep is a chance to model humility, repentance and fresh starts.
Grace-filled parenting doesn’t mean you always get it right. It means you’re learning to parent from a place of peace, not pressure and inviting God into the process.
10 Powerful Bible verses for grace-filled parenting
These Scriptures are a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to parent in our own strength. When we root ourselves in God’s Word and lean into the grace of His Son, we find the patience, peace and wisdom we so often long for.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
When your patience wears thin before breakfast, remember: these qualities aren’t something you have to force. They’re the fruit of walking closely with God. Ask the Spirit to produce His fruit in you today. You don’t have to rely on your own natural storehouse of wisdom.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Grace in parenting doesn’t mean letting everything slide. It means showing up clothed in Christ’s character.
Showing grace to your children isn’t a sign of personal weakness. As He has given you complete forgiveness, you can also forgive, correct and lead your children with love.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Your words matter; they shape your children’s hearts in profound ways.
Even when discipline is needed, you can speak with grace, truth and intention to build your child up instead of tearing them down.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
You’re planting seeds that may not bloom right away into immediate success in the lives of your children. You must trust the process — even when progress feels slow — and keep pointing kids toward truth.
You serve a God of perfect wisdom and can trust in His timing, even when it doesn’t necessarily match your own. God’s delivery time is always the right time.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)
You’re not meant to carry the whole weight of your child’s future. Do your part, but rest knowing God is the one building your family and watching over your children.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Motherhood is exhausting. Jesus doesn’t ask you to hold it all together. He invites you to come to Him and find rest in His strength, not your own.
As God’s child, you are able to cling to Him and rest in Him.
“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.”
Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)
What a beautiful picture of how God tends to mothers! You’re not leading your children alone. God sees you, carries you and gently leads moms like you through every stage and struggle.
The work of God is done in your life simply by being His beloved daughter doing her best to live for Him. Thankfully, you don’t have to have an independent ability to be a Christian parent. None of us would succeed!
“In the same manner the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Romans 8:26 (NIV)
In those moments when you don’t even know what to pray for your children or yourself, the Spirit steps in.
The good news is you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. God’s Spirit is actively helping you in your weakness.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
God isn’t finished — not with you, and not with your kids. When you feel like a failure or worry about your children’s spiritual growth, you can rest in knowing that God is committed to completing the good work He’s started in each of your lives.
Grace means trusting that He’s working, even when you can’t see the results yet. His invisible grace is there to sustain you along the journey.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Grace-filled parenting ultimately comes down to trust. God knows your child even better than you do, and He will guide your steps as you walk with Him.
You can trust God’s plan for your family is good, even when you can’t see the bigger picture. You trust His timing is perfect, even when progress seems slow.
And you can definitely trust He loves your children more than you do and will guide your path as you seek to honor Him.
Join the Grace-Filled Parenting journey
These verses are a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to parent from pressure or perfectionism but from the grace God freely gives. If you’re ready to take that truth and walk it out in your everyday life as a Christian mom, I’ve got something special just for you.
Grab your free 7 Days of Grace-Filled Parenting devotional
This printable devotional is designed to help you:
Reset your mindset as a mom
Reflect on God’s truth in the middle of everyday chaos
Parent with more peace, purpose and confidence in Christ
Each day includes a short Scripture, a heartfelt reflection and space to connect with God in a real and practical way. It’s perfect whether you’ve got 10 quiet minutes or you’re squeezing in grace on the go.
You’ll get instant access to the devotional and be the first to hear when the full Grace-Filled Parenting study begins in September!
Be part of the free Grace-Filled Parenting study
This September, I’m inviting Christian moms to join me for a 4-week journey that will refresh your soul and reframe how you approach motherhood.
We’ll cover:
Living faithfully as a mom
Speaking life with grace and truth
Discipling our kids through everyday moments
Trusting God with the big and small of parenting
You’ll get weekly encouragement, Scripture-based reflections and optional journal prompts plus access to a printable upgrade and a community of moms walking through it with you.
Want to make sure you don’t miss it? Grab the free devotional above, and I’ll send all the details straight to your inbox.
Want to go deeper?
The Grace-Filled Parenting Journal gives you guided space to reflect, pray and live out what you’re learning. Grab your printable copy here:
Keep showing up, mama
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect track record or a picture-perfect routine.
What matters most is that you’re walking with God and pointing your children toward Him one moment, one prayer, one imperfect day at a time.
Grace-filled parenting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying rooted in the One who does.
So when you feel tired, uncertain or like you’ve missed the mark again, pause, breathe and remember: God chose you to be your child’s mom on purpose.
You’re doing holy work, even when it’s a hard parenting day. Keep going. Keep trusting. And most of all, keep showing up — covered in grace.
Back to school can be exciting, overwhelming and emotional — sometimes all before 9 a.m.
If you’re a mom trying to juggle drop-off schedules, supply lists, earlier bedtimes and maybe even your own work responsibilities, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there (still am there!), and I want to share some of the back to school tips that have helped our family navigate the start of a new school year with a little more peace and a lot more grace.
Whether you’ve got littles starting preschool or big kids heading into high school, these 20 practical and faith-filled tips are for you — from one real-life mom to another.
1. Practice lunchbox skills before day one
If your child is new to packing a lunch or hasn’t used certain containers before, take a little time to practice. Let them open their lunchbox, unzip their sandwich bag and open any tricky containers.
What’s second nature to us as adults might trip up a 5-year-old at a crowded lunch table. Plus, practicing now can save them frustration and help them feel more independent when the first lunch bell rings.
Also be sure to have them try things like opening milk cartons (if possible; these are harder to find!) and putting straws in juice boxes.
2. Ease into early wake-ups a few days at a time
If your summer mornings have been slow or even a bit slower than usual, gradually shifting back to earlier wake-ups will make the start of school easier.
Begin with setting alarms 30 minutes earlier each day in the week (or two!) leading up to school. This gentle transition helps reset their internal clocks without making that first school morning feel like a rude awakening.
It also gives you a chance to troubleshoot your own routine before it really counts. And, if your own schedule has been different, this allows your internal clock to reset as well.
3. Use a simple spreadsheet to track school supplies
I love spreadsheets. My latest obsession is AirTable, which takes spreadsheets to a whole new level. (Absolutely no affiliation with them. I just love them!)
Instead of relying on memory or digging through plastic bags every time you get home from Target, create a basic spreadsheet or phone note. List each item your child needs and check them off as you buy them.
You’ll save money by not doubling up and sanity by not second-guessing what you’ve already purchased. It also helps if you’re shopping for multiple kids or need to split up supply gathering with your spouse or older child.
Because school supply lists are often specific and, especially in elementary, can have overlapping supplies, spreadsheets just make organizing them all that much easier.
I even use a second page in the spreadsheet to track other things we need like backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, etc.
4. Shift bedtime gradually for everyone
Back to school means early mornings, so adjusting bedtimes is just as important. About a week before school starts, start backing up bedtime by 15 to 30 minutes each night.
Your kids might resist it, especially the older ones, but even just turning off devices and dimming the lights can help their bodies start winding down.
And just like with getting up earlier, it’s worth shifting your own bedtime too. Running on caffeine alone doesn’t count as self-care.
5. Create a “launch pad” near the door
Designate a spot by the door where backpacks, shoes, water bottles and school devices go. You can use a basket, a bench, a corner, a countertop or whatever.
Everything for school having a home near the door you exit will cut down on the morning chaos of misplaced items and last-minute scavenger hunts.
It also gives kids a small sense of responsibility as they learn to pack and unpack on their own. Bonus: It helps you feel more organized, even when the rest of the day is a blur.
6. Do a dry run of the morning routine
A couple of days before school starts, walk through your morning as if it’s the real thing. Set alarms, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack bags and time how long it all takes.
This helps everyone, including you, ease into the new rhythm and identify any problem areas (like realizing someone’s favorite hoodie is still in the washer).
It’s a low-stress way to set your family up for a smoother first day. You can also use it as an excuse to actually head out the door for some early errands or a doughnut trip.
7. Walk older kids through their new schedule
If your child is in middle or high school, try to walk the halls with them (or let them do it solo) before the first day.
Our school has an open house for all grades the week school starts. This is a great time to let them find their locker, locate their classrooms and get a feel for the flow.
Even if they say they’re fine, a little preparation can quiet some of those unspoken nerves. For kids who worry about the “what ifs,” this small step can make a big difference in their confidence.
Plus for kids like my daughter who is into aesthetics and organizing, it gives them a chance to set up their locker ahead of time rather than lugging all the supplies for it in on the first day.
8. Talk through first-day expectations
Sit down and talk through what the first day will look like. Cover everything from what time they need to wake up to how pickup works at the end of the day.
Go over things like what to pack for lunch, where they’ll wait for the bus or how they’ll find their classroom. Talk with them about what to do if they get lost, confused or have trouble.
Knowing the plan reduces anxiety for everyone. And if something does go off-plan (because it probably will), they’ll feel more prepared to adjust.
9. Build a grab-and-go snack station
Set up a basket or bin with school-approved and mom-approved snacks your kids can easily grab for their lunchboxes or after-school hunger.
Our basket includes granola bars, peanut butter crackers, breadsticks and cheese, fruit snacks and applesauce. Pick whatever works for your crew.
Having a dedicated snack station also helps avoid the endless “What can I eat?” question that seems to hit at 3:30 every day. And if your kids are packing or helping pack lunch, they have a go-to spot to grab from.
10. Start praying together about the school year
Find a time to pray together for the upcoming year. You can do this at breakfast, bedtime or whatever works naturally for your family.
Pray for their teachers, their classmates and for them to shine God’s love in whatever comes their way.
And don’t forget to pray for yourself for patience, peace and wisdom as you guide them through a new season.
These prayers not only speak to the heart of the Father, they remind your children and you that they aren’t going into the school year alone.
The first week back can feel like a blur, so do yourself a favor and have a few go-to meals ready to go. Make a double batch of something simple like chili, baked pasta or muffins and freeze half.
You’ll thank yourself when dinnertime rolls around and you don’t have the energy to cook from scratch. Even frozen pancakes for breakfast can be a big win on a rushed morning.
Be sure to give yourself grace along the way as well. If you don’t want to cook ahead and freeze, plan easy meals your family likes that don’t take too much energy or thought.
As soon as you get that school email or paper calendar, plug all the key dates into your digital or paper planner. Things like early dismissals, school picture day, parent-teacher nights and holidays can sneak up fast.
Having them on your radar now helps you plan ahead (and not be the only mom who forgets pajama day). It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
Don’t forget to share important dates with grandparents or other family and friends as well. As soon as I have concert dates and such, I pass that information along as well.
13. Set up a low-key homework station
You don’t need a full-blown homeschool room (though that’s great if you do!). You really just a spot with good lighting, basic supplies and limited distractions.
A corner of the kitchen table, a lap desk on the couch or a shelf in their bedroom can work. Having a consistent place to do homework helps kids mentally shift into “focus mode.”
It also cuts down on the nightly scavenger hunt for pencils and glue sticks. During our time with e-learning, we used shoe boxes wrapped in wrapping paper to hold supplies. We’ve also just had a school box in a kitchen drawer that has pencils, glue sticks, scissors and such.
14. Start a family verse or motto for the year
Choose a Bible verse or short phrase to be your family’s anchor for the school year. Post it somewhere visible like on the fridge, a chalkboard or the bathroom mirror.
Refer back to it when someone has a hard day or when you need a reminder of God’s faithfulness. It’s a simple way to keep your focus on what matters most.
Consider one of these:
Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another…”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Encourage one another and build each other up…”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
Colossians 2:6-7 – “Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up…”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”
Those first few weeks back can be a whirlwind of forms, events, new routines and emotional shifts. Plan for quiet evenings or even a low-key weekend at home to give everyone a chance to reset.
Kids need the margin, and honestly, so do we. It doesn’t have to be fancy — a movie night, a lazy Saturday breakfast or just skipping one more thing on the calendar is enough.
We try to keep activities on that first weekend especially low-key. Nobody is up for anything big.
16. Talk about friendship and kindness
Remind your kids that being kind, inclusive and respectful matters just as much as grades. Encourage them to notice classmates who are left out, be a friend to someone new and use their words to build others up.
These little conversations plant seeds that will shape how your child interacts with the world. As we model kindness to our children, we can see them do the same with those around them.
Also have conversations about friends in regards to identifying a good friend and knowing when to keep a classmate as more of an acquaintance than a friend.
These issues popped us for our kiddos by first grade and continue now into middle and high school.
17. Take time to grieve the season shift
It’s OK if you feel emotional when school starts. My kids are in middle and high school and I still have back-to-school blues each year.
So whether your baby is heading to kindergarten or your teen is driving off alone or anywhere in between, give yourself some grace for your own feelings.
The shift from summer to school can bring up unexpected feelings. Let yourself process them without guilt. Grief and gratitude can coexist — and both are normal.
18. Make a back-to-school playlist
Let each family member choose a song and create a playlist you can play during the first-day drive or breakfast. It’s a fun and easy tradition that adds a little joy to the morning.
You might find that “your song” becomes part of the rhythm of the year. Music has a way of grounding us and lifting our moods.
My family has a playlist on Spotify that we call “Car Music.” It’s had songs added and taken away through the years that include a variety of each of our favorites.
19. Do a family “summer wins” recap
Before diving headfirst into school mode, take a moment to reflect on what made summer sweet. Talk about your favorite memories, things you learned or moments you want to remember.
It’s a great way to close one season with gratitude before stepping into the next one. You could even write them down and tuck them into a jar for later.
This is also a great time to assess whether you’ve missed something you really wanted to do over the summer. Get it in before the first day if you can!
Another bonus to this is that it helps your kids remember the fun they really did have throughout the summer months.
20. Choose a consistent and simple after-school rhythm
The hours right after school can get chaotic fast: backpacks get dumped, emotions run high and snacks disappear like magic. Decide now what you want that time to look like.
Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet time, a quick “How was your day?” check-in or a simple snack-and-homework routine, a little structure goes a long way. Your after-school rhythm doesn’t need to be rigid — just intentional.
We’ve found that one kiddo needs a bit of quiet in the car right after school to decompress from the day. The other likes to talk about their day a bit more. Do what works best for you and your kiddos.
Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of grace, you can step into this new season with peace and purpose.
These tips aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up for your family and trusting God to meet you there, even on the hard mornings.
You’re not alone in this. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Sometimes, I wish life had a reset button. Not the kind that erases everything, but the kind that helps me slow down, catch my breath and get back on track, especially in the busy seasons of motherhood.
The truth is, whether you’re knee-deep in laundry, wrestling through anxious thoughts or feeling spiritually dry, your heart might be whispering: “I need a reset.”
If you’ve been there, mama, you’re not alone. I’ve felt that way more times than I can count—like I’m going through the motions but missing the presence of the Lord in my everyday life.
The beautiful truth is that God, in His grace, specializes in renewal. Throughout Scripture, we see stories of people who encountered the grace of a divine reset not because they had it all together, but because they turned back to Him with weary hearts.
From the people of Israel during the Babylonian exile to Jesus Christ’s own disciples, the Bible is full of people who found a fresh start through God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you’re in a season where you feel scattered, distracted or spiritually dry, this post is for you. Let’s explore what it looks like to experience a Biblical reset and how you can begin again—right where you are.
(Find the link for the free 4-week Bible reading plan and refresh challenge at the end of the post!)
What does it mean to reset spiritually?
A spiritual reset isn’t about performing or proving anything to God. It’s not about starting from scratch or “being better.”
Instead, it’s about realigning your heart with God’s presence and allowing His truth to wash over your soul like clean water.
In Romans 12:2, we’re reminded not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That’s where the spiritual reset begins. It isn’t in our schedules or checklists, but in our thoughts, attitudes and identity as part of the body of Christ.
Sometimes a reset is subtle like a whisper from the Holy Spirit to spend more time with Jesus Christ. Other times, it’s a wake-up call to turn from unhealthy habits or negative mindsets and refocus our routines.
In either case, the Spirit leads us not through shame, but through gentle conviction and love.
God doesn’t demand perfection; He invites us into something better. A new beginning. A fresh perspective. A clean heart made soft again.
That’s the kind of reset Scripture promises, and it’s available to every believer who seeks the kingdom of God with sincere faith.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is always doing a new thing, even when we can’t see it. He specializes in times of refreshing for His people, offering spiritual growth and transformation that goes far beyond our own strength.
A journey to spiritual renewal
Let’s go deeper into a Biblical approach to finding your reset. This isn’t about adding more to your already full plate—it’s about creating space for God to do His good work in your heart.
Renew your mind
Let’s be honest: our minds are noisy. Between social media, world events and internal stress, it’s no wonder we find ourselves filled with anxious thoughts or self-doubt. That’s why the first reset starts in our minds.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
In practical terms, this means we stop allowing the world to shape how we think and start letting God’s Word shape our perspective on earthly things.
When was the last time you paused to examine your thought life? Are your thoughts life-giving or draining? Do they draw you closer to God or do they pull you deeper into fear or comparison?
Here’s what I’ve found: when I start my day—even just five minutes—with Scripture or a quiet prayer, it sets the tone for everything else.
This doesn’t have to be really deep and involved. Even just praying while I brush my teeth or reading my Bible while I eat breakfast makes a difference.
That daily reset helps me shift my focus from what’s going wrong to what is eternally right. It’s a simple way to invite God’s presence into the ordinary moments of motherhood.
The Apostle Paul understood this struggle. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, he encourages us to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ Jesus.
This isn’t about perfect thinking. It’s about choosing to align our minds with Biblical truth rather than the negative mindsets that can so easily take hold.
Verses to reflect on:
(Note: The following verses are part of the 31-day free Bible reading plan about what a reset in the Bible looks like. These are summaries of the verses and not the actual text.)
Romans 12:1-2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect peace for those whose minds are stayed on God
Philippians 4:6-7 – Replace worry with prayer and receive God’s peace
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ
Psalm 139:23-24 – Ask God to search your heart and know your anxious thoughts
Try this:
Write down a verse that encourages you and tape it to your mirror or phone lock screen. Let that be your go-to reset button when your mind starts spiraling.
Consider using the YouVersion Bible app to receive daily verses that can serve as gentle reminders throughout your day.
Rebuild your rhythms
If life has thrown your routines out the window, you’re not alone. Our family schedule in July looked nothing like it did in April—or what it will look like in September.
And that’s OK. But now is the perfect time to rebuild spiritual rhythms that can carry you through the next season.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
There’s something holy about being intentional with our time, even in the small pockets. A spiritual reset doesn’t require hours of Bible study. It might be a quick devotional while your coffee brews or a prayer whispered while packing lunches.
The key is to connect with God regularly, even in simple ways. We’re not aiming for perfection. We’re aiming for His presence!
As human beings created for relationship with our Heavenly Father, we need these consistent touchpoints with the Almighty God who loves us.
A huge part of spiritual growth is learning that God meets us in the mundane moments of our own life. Whether you’re a new mom struggling to find time or a seasoned mother juggling multiple schedules, God’s original design includes rhythm and rest.
Start the day with one verse and a breath prayer like, “God, You are with me”
Listen to worship music during chores or carpool
Invite your kids into your time with God, even if it’s messy
Use a simple Bible reading plan that fits your current season
Key verses to explore:
(Note: The following verses are part of the 31-day free Bible reading plan about what a reset in the Bible looks like. These are summaries of the verses and not the actual text.)
Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom
Luke 5:15-16 – Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed
Mark 1:35 – Jesus got up early to pray in a solitary place
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me and I will give you rest
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances
Ideas to try:
Start the day with one verse and a breath prayer like, “God, You are with me”
Listen to worship music during chores or carpool
Invite your kids into your time with God, even if it’s messy
The goal isn’t to create a Pinterest-worthy quiet time. It’s to build small, sustainable moments of connection and watch how those moments add up to something beautiful over time.
Reconnect with God’s presence
There are days when I look up and realize I’ve gone the entire day on autopilot. I’ve done all the things but forgotten to talk to God. I don’t say that with guilt; I say it with the honesty that sometimes life is loud, and we forget the One who gives us peace.
But here’s the beautiful truth: God never forgets us. His eyes are always upon us, and His presence never leaves us.
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
That joy isn’t reserved for mountaintop experiences or perfect Bible studies. It’s available in the car line, the kitchen and in all the chaos of everyday motherhood.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t need a formal invitation—He’s already with you. The question is: are you aware?
This awareness of God’s presence can transform ordinary moments into sacred ones. It’s what makes the difference between just surviving our days and truly living with purpose.
Even in his busiest seasons of leading the people of Israel, King David (who wrote these words in Psalm 16) made space to acknowledge God’s presence. He understood that recognizing God in the midst of daily life wasn’t just a good thing; it was essential for his spiritual well-being.
Verses to meditate on:
(Note: The following verses are part of the 31-day free Bible reading plan about what a reset in the Bible looks like. These are summaries of the verses and not the actual text.)
Psalm 16:11 – In your presence there is fullness of joy
John 15:4-5 – Remain in me, as I also remain in you
Exodus 33:14 – My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest
Matthew 28:20 – I am with you always, to the very end of the age
Jeremiah 29:13 – You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart
Simple ways to reconnect:
Pause before switching tasks and say, “Thank You for being with me, God”
Turn ordinary moments (folding towels, walking the dog) into prayer moments
Keep a “God sighting” journal—where did you notice His hand today?
Practice gratitude for the small blessings that often go unnoticed
This week is about growing your awareness of God’s presence, not earning it. He’s already near. Just draw close, and watch how this simple shift can bring times of refreshing to your weary heart.
Recommit to growth
A reset is only powerful if we take steps forward afterward. That’s what the final week is all about: not just feeling refreshed, but living rooted in Christ Jesus for the long haul.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6–7
Being rooted and built up in faith doesn’t mean our lives will be storm-free, but we will be anchored when the waves hit. Like a tree with deep roots, we can weather different seasons because our foundation is secure.
Verses to meditate on:
(Note: The following verses are part of the 31-day free Bible reading plan about what a reset in the Bible looks like. These are summaries of the verses and not the actual text.)
Colossians 2:6-7 – Continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up
Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good
2 Peter 1:5-8 – Add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control
Philippians 3:13-14 – Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead
John 15:8 – This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit
This week, take time to ask yourself:
What’s grown in me this month?
What habits do I want to carry forward?
Where is God calling me to trust Him more deeply?
How can I continue to bear much fruit in my spiritual walk?
God is always doing a new thing, but we have to be willing to release the old things to embrace it. Maybe that looks like letting go of guilt over missed quiet times. Maybe it’s forgiving yourself or someone else.
Maybe it’s simply showing up consistently in prayer, believing that your faithful God honors every step you take toward Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that in Christ, we are a new creation. The former things have passed away.
This doesn’t mean we forget our past, but we don’t let it define our future. We can recommit to growth knowing God’s mercies are new every morning.
Don’t look back with shame, dear mama. Look forward with hope, knowing the King of Kings has good plans for your life and your family.
A reset rooted in grace
If you’ve been feeling spiritually off, I want you to know this: you’re not too far gone, too distracted or too behind. God is ready and waiting to meet you right in the middle of your mess.
His love for you isn’t based on your performance; it’s based on His character.
There’s no fancy formula required. No “great reset” you need to pull off perfectly.
Just the simple act of turning your heart back to Him and trusting He will do the good work of transformation in His perfect timing.
Whether you’re dealing with major change in your life, processing difficult world events or simply feeling disconnected from your faith, remember God’s grace is sufficient.
He understands the challenges of being a mother in today’s world, and He sees your sincere desire to grow closer to Him.
This isn’t about comparing yourself to staff members at church or feeling like you need to measure up to some impossible standard.
This is about you and God, walking together in relationship as you experience His unfailing love in a fresh way.
Let this be your gentle invitation to start again. Whether that’s through daily Scripture reading, small prayers throughout your day or simply creating moments of stillness, know this: God honors every step you take toward Him.
Each prayer whispered, each verse read, each moment of gratitude offered, it all matters to your Heavenly Father.
Your next steps
If you’re ready to dig deeper into this journey of spiritual renewal, I’ve created a free 31-day Bible reading plan called Reset: A Spiritual Refresh for Moms. It’s designed to help you walk through these themes one day at a time, with no pressure, just grace.
This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about finding God in the midst of your real life and discovering that He’s been there all along, waiting with open arms and a heart full of love for you.
You don’t have to wait until the new year or until you have more time. You can start right now, right where you are. God is in the business of new beginnings, and today can be yours.
Let’s reset together, mama. Your weary heart deserves this gift of grace, and your family will benefit from the renewed woman of faith you’ll become as you draw closer to the heart of God.
Remember: you are loved, you are seen and you are not alone in this journey. The same God who created the entire world cares about the details of your daily life.
That’s the kind of personal, loving Father we serve—and that’s the foundation for every spiritual reset we’ll ever need.
Ready to begin your spiritual reset journey? Download the free 31-day Bible reading plan, “Reset: A Spiritual Refresh” with a daily challenge calendar and take the first step toward renewed faith today.
Take it a step further with the “Reset and Reflect Journal” to help you grow closer to God in just a few minutes a day.
How to embrace God’s gift of rest without guilt, even in the midst of motherhood’s demands
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Let me guess. You’re reading this while folding laundry, waiting in the school pickup line or stealing a quiet moment after everyone’s finally asleep.
I see you, mama. You’re tired. You’re carrying heavy burdens. I am you!
And somewhere deep down, you’re probably wondering if true rest is even possible in this season of motherhood.
The good news? God’s invitation to rest isn’t just for women without children or those in easier seasons of life. It’s for you, right here, right now — even in the beautiful chaos of raising little ones and managing busy lives.
God’s heart for rest: more than just a good idea
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV)
When we look at Bible verses about rest, we quickly discover rest isn’t just a nice suggestion from God; it’s woven into the very fabric of how He created us to live. From the very beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest.
Notice that God didn’t rest because He was tired. He rested to establish a pattern for us. The Sabbath Day was always meant to be a gift, not a burden.
Even before sin entered the world, God knew we would need regular rhythms of rest to thrive.
We need to get past the idea that rest is just for our own pleasure. The truth is, I’m a better mom when I am rested — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
But sometimes, I struggle with the importance of rest. I love a to-do list. Checking off tasks makes me happy.
Add in the pressures and responsibilities of motherhood, marriage and working for myself and the concept of rest gets thrown out the window.
Usually during these times, I’m cranky. I get grumpy with my children and my husband — the very people I want to love most and treat the best.
My husband will often gently call me on this and encourage me to find a quiet place to just be still and rejuvenate my soul.
Sometimes it means he takes over kid duty completely (especially when they were little). Sometimes he just tells the kids I’m taking down time and leaves me in my bedroom with my book for an hour.
I always emerge from this resting place refilled and happier. Having a full day of rest is hard, yet smaller moments can make such a big difference.
Jesus’ invitation: Rest for weary souls
One of the most comforting Bible verses about rest comes directly from Jesus Himself:
“‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
We moms know what carrying heavy burdens feels like. The mental load of remembering everyone’s schedules, the emotional weight of your children’s struggles, the physical exhaustion of caring for everyone else’s needs — it’s overwhelming.
But Jesus offers something different: ultimate rest. He doesn’t just offer physical rest (though that’s important, too).
He offers rest for your soul. This is the kind of deep, spiritual rest that comes from knowing you don’t have to carry everything alone.
The peace of God that Jesus offers isn’t dependent on having a perfect schedule or getting eight hours of restful sleep.
It’s available right in the middle of the mess, in the quiet moments when you remember that He is carrying you.
Resting in God’s presence: Finding quiet in the chaos
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
King David, the author of these words, understood what it meant to find rest in God’s presence, even in difficult circumstances.
Notice the imagery here—green pastures and quiet waters. But here’s what I’ve learned: God can create those green pastures and quiet waters in your heart even when your house is loud and your day is full.
The truth is, I’ve found Sabbath rest in the quiet waters of the shower when I have a few moments to really connect with God. I’ve gotten true peace while driving to school pickup and singing along to praise music.
Sometimes resting in God’s presence looks like:
Whispering a prayer while you’re washing dishes
Taking three deep breaths and remembering He is with you during a toddler meltdown
Reading one verse on your phone while your coffee gets cold (again)
Choosing to see His provision in the small moments throughout your day
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'”
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Our strength doesn’t come from doing more or trying harder. It comes from turning to God and trusting Him with our busy lives.
Rest from worry and fear: Casting your anxieties
One of the biggest barriers to rest for lots of us mamas is anxiety. We worry about our children’s safety, their future, whether we’re doing enough, whether we’re messing them up.
But God’s Word has so much to say about finding rest from these anxious thoughts, like the following Bible verses:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
The peace of God isn’t something we have to manufacture or work up. It’s a gift that comes when we choose to bring our worries to Him instead of carrying them alone.
When your mind spirals with “what-ifs” about your children or your family, these Bible verses about rest can anchor your thoughts in truth.
A few years ago, I was spiraling out of control in my mind over my house. It sounds silly in the midst of all of life’s storms, but we were trying to sell our house and one thing after another stopped us.
I knew it was God’s will, and I trusted our Lord God had a better and different plan. Yet, my mind couldn’t stop seeing all the shortcomings in my home.
I was no longer content in a place where I spent the vast majority of my time. When my own ways of managing this anxiety didn’t work, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to thank God for this.
So I started saying a short prayer of thanks to God for keeping us where we needed to be every time my anxiety reared its head. At first, I was kind of resentful with my thanks, but it wasn’t long until I was sincere.
When we are thankful, our soul finds peace in God and anxiety has to flee.
Perfect peace comes not from having everything under control, but from keeping our minds focused on Him:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Resting from striving and perfectionism
We also need rest from always striving. As moms, we struggle with feeling like we need to do it all perfectly. Social media doesn’t help—it’s easy to compare our messy reality with everyone else’s highlight reel.
But God calls us to rest from striving and perfectionism.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
This verse isn’t just about salvation—it’s about how we live every day. We don’t have to earn God’s love through perfect parenting or flawless housekeeping. His love for us isn’t based on our performance.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
Psalm 127:1a (NIV)
Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is acknowledge our limitations and rest in God’s strength instead of our own. When we try to “do it all,” we often rob ourselves of the peace God wants to give us.
A few weeks ago, I was in the middle of an unrested, overworked, striving-for-perfection moment. I got passive aggressive about having to do everything around my house.
My daughter piped up and reminded me that if I needed help, then I just needed to ask for it.
It seems simple, but so often we try to take everything on our shoulders, which we were never meant to do. Asking for help from your immediate family, friends, extended family or even someone you pay for services is OK. It doesn’t make you a failure.
In fact, it means you’re honoring God’s plan for your life and recognizing your God-given need for rest.
God’s strength in our weakness
One of my favorite Bible verses about rest speaks directly to those moments when we feel completely depleted:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
The Creator of the ends of the earth—the everlasting God who never grows tired—promises to give His strength to weary souls like us.
You don’t have to wait until you feel strong to serve your family well. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
In spite of what hustle culture and social media tell us about going nonstop, we must learn the value of rest as God created it for us. Lay your burdens down with Him, and give yourself grace when you cannot do all the things. You were never meant to!
Living a lifestyle of rest: Practical steps
So how do we actually live this out in the middle of busy lives? How do we move from reading about rest to actually experiencing it?
Here are some practical ways to embrace God’s invitation to rest:
Redefine what rest looks like right now
Rest in this season of motherhood might not look like a whole day with your feet up reading a book. Sometimes rest looks like ordering pizza for dinner and watching a movie with your family.
Sometimes it’s locking yourself in the bathroom for five minutes to pray and regroup. (Been there, done that on both fronts!)
Think about what brings you life and peace in small doses. Maybe it’s painting your nails after the kids are in bed, sitting on your front porch watching the sunset or listening to worship music while you cook dinner.
Find small pockets of rest throughout your day
Most of us can’t manage an entire Sabbath of solemn rest, but we can find small moments throughout our day. Look for those quiet moments.
Maybe while you’re waiting in the car, during naptime (if your kids still nap!) or in those few minutes before everyone else wakes up.
I’ve learned that being intentional about what I do during these small pockets of time makes a huge difference. Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, I might read a devotional, listen to a worship song, read a book or simply sit quietly and reflect.
Create boundaries that protect your rest
Jesus himself set boundaries. He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest. Setting limits isn’t selfish — it’s necessary for sustainable ministry to our families.
This might mean saying no to good opportunities that would overwhelm your schedule or setting realistic expectations for what you can accomplish in a day. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
We’ve set different boundaries at different stages of our children’s lives to protect their rest and ours. For example, in elementary school, each was only allowed to do one recurring extracurricular activity at a time.
Now they are older as a tween and teen, so they have a few more activities. But ours has intentionally never been a family who is constantly go-go-going everywhere.
Embrace the tried-and-true
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'”
Jeremiah 6:16a (NIV)
Sometimes finding rest means getting back to basics of the tried-and-true paths God’s people have walked for generations. Regular prayer, reading God’s Word, keeping Sabbath rhythms (even if imperfectly) and gathering with other believers aren’t just religious activities—they’re pathways to the soul rest Jesus promised.
So many times I’ve been restored just by maintaining these habits to help me connect with God and find a place of rest for even a few minutes.
Rest as an act of faith
Choosing to rest — especially when there’s always more to do — is actually an act of faith.
It’s saying, “I trust that God is big enough to handle what I can’t get done today.” It’s acknowledging that the world doesn’t depend on our constant productivity.
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
Psalm 127:2 (NIV)
God wants to grant you beloved sleep and soul rest, not because you’ve earned it, but because He loves you. Rest isn’t a reward.
A gentle reminder: You’re not failing
If you’re reading this and feeling guilty about how little rest you actually get or how hard it is to find quiet moments with God, please hear this: you’re not failing.
Motherhood is hard. Some seasons are harder than others.
God sees your heart, your desire to know Him better and your love for your family.
Start small. Choose one Bible verse about rest to meditate on this week. Look for one small pocket of time to connect with God. Ask Him to help you see opportunities for rest that you might be missing.
Remember, the Lord of peace Himself wants to give you peace at all times and in every way. This isn’t about adding another item to your to-do list. It’s about receiving the gift of rest that God offers.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
Your next step: A month of rest
If this resonates with your heart and you’d like some guidance in making rest a more regular part of your routine, I’ve created a free reading plan focused on finding rest in God.
It includes Bible verses and reflection questions designed specifically for busy moms who need encouragement to slow down and receive God’s gift of rest.
Each week focuses on a different aspect of rest—from receiving God’s invitation to rest, to learning to abide in His presence, to letting go of worry and striving.
Let me leave you with this truth: rest is holy, and you are invited. Not because you’ve earned it, but because you are deeply loved by the Creator of the ends of the earth who never grows weary.
In your busy life, in the middle of all the beautiful chaos of motherhood, God is calling you to come away with Him — even just for a few minutes. He wants to restore your soul, give you His perfect peace and remind you that you don’t have to carry it all alone.
So take a deep breath, mama. Let go of the guilt about that undone laundry or the imperfect dinner plan. God’s rest is available to you right here, right now. You just need to receive it.
