7 Bible verses to help moms live a more balanced life
The idea of a balanced life sounds good. We imagine being able to do it all: care for our children, pursue our passions, love our husbands, draw closer to God, maintain our household, get involved with volunteer work and connect with our friends.
But, the truth is, we can’t literally do it all or do it all well. The good news is, though, that this idea of doing it all isn’t Biblical. God’s Word is full of wisdom to help us find a more balanced approach to life — even in the midst of the chaos of motherhood.
Having a harmonious balance in our lives leads to less stress, greater contentment, a stronger spiritual life and all sorts of good things!
I also know as a mama myself that finding a healthy balance is often easier said than done. Some days I’m rocking my motherhood journey while my work gets a bit derailed. Other days, I’m consumed by a large project and letting housework slide.
Taking a look at Biblical teachings and God’s perspective on a balanced life helps us find peace and encouragement.
(Looking for ways to have less stress as a mom? Be sure to check out this free Bible study, “Grace-Filled Stress Relief: A Faith Journey for Moms.”)
Spend time in prayer.
The Word of God tells us we are talk to God in every situation. That includes both small stuff and large stuff.
“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)
One of the basic ideas in this verse is bringing our requests to God helps alleviate anxiety from our lives. When are lives are balanced, we have less anxiety because we are relying on God for everything.
If we can make conversation with God a way of life, then we will be more in tune with our Heavenly Father and able to find the balance we need.
God doesn’t desire for us to live out of balance. Usually we get ourselves in that situation by trying to do too much. Praying and seeking the will of God for our lives can help us gain the perspective we very much need.
Have an attitude of gratitude.
Also in these verses, the apostle Paul mentions we need to present our requests with thanksgiving. Don’t skip over that part.
Being thankful for the gifts of God — from material possessions to eternal life — is important and can greatly impact our spiritual life. When we are focusing on our gratitude, we are better in line with God and able to have a better balance.
Check out these additional gratitude resources:
- Develop an attitude of gratitude (with free printable worksheets)
- Bible verses about gratitude
- A gratitude and prayer journal for Christian women
- 24 Free Scripture cards about gratitude
Do your work as for God.
In our modern world, success is counted as making money, having high-achieving children, being well-liked and all sorts of other things. But, that’s not God’s idea of success.
He wants us to do good works, but thanks to the love of the Father, the Lord Jesus died for our sins so our eternity isn’t determined by our actions.
However, God also has a purpose for each of our lives. That means whatever He has called you to do at this time is an act of worship and should be done like you are doing it for Him in all the different areas of your life.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
We can better find balance as we rest in knowing all the different ways we’re living out our God-given purpose are exactly what we should be doing — from wiping bottoms to closing deals.
Keep your priorities in check.
When we have a full plate, we can get easily side-tracked from the things that are truly priorities in our lives. Even as moms, we can get distracted taking care of everyone else so much that we have our spiritual priorities out of whack and aren’t spending time with God like we need to.
In order for spiritual growth to happen and keep our lives in balance, we need to understand and honor our priorities. General life priorities vary from one mama to another, but our first priority should always be God.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
We can prioritize God by simply spending time with Him in prayer, reading the Bible, worshipping Him through music and attending church with other believers.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
In motherhood more than any other area of life, we compare ourselves to others. Doing so tips our life out of balance.
Because we do all have a God-given purpose, and that purpose is unique to each of us. There is no way to equally compare two mamas, because their lives, purposes and children are different.
God’s wisdom clearly states we should not compare ourselves to others.
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
Galatians 6:4-5
You can’t argue with the Word of truth! We must do our best to stop falling into the comparison trap and maintain our focus on God’s plan for our individual lives.
Understand what season you’re in.
To have any sort of work-life balance — whether that be work inside the home, outside the home or both — we must reflect on what season of life we’re living in.
For example, when my children were babies and toddlers, I did very little work, even though I feel like my writing is my ministry and calling from God. During that season, I learned the importance of balance in attending first to the needs of my young family.
Life is full of seasons, as we read even back in the Old Testament.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Right now your season may be solely childcare, in which case you focus on doing so as you are working for God and don’t get distracted thinking of all the other things you have done in previous seasons or want to do in coming seasons.
Make time for spiritual refreshment.
We need to attend our physical needs along with our mental, emotional and spiritual ones. Sometimes a renewal of your mind from spending time with God can refresh you spiritually so that you feel more balanced in life.
“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)
By God’s grace, he can refresh our soul when we spend time with Him. On those long nights when you aren’t sure you’re going to make it through, seek God and know He is there to refresh your soul and calm your heart.
Take time for physical rest.
These Bible verses also remind us to rest physically. We don’t have to lie down in literal green pastures, but finding ways to physically rest are importance for maintaining balance and reducing stress in our lives.
I know sometimes thinking about such things as a full day of rest when you’re juggling a family, especially with younger children, seems preposterous. But it’s vital.
Even finding rest in small ways throughout your week can make a big difference in how you feel.
Don’t carry the load you weren’t meant to carry.
I love these words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament for the way they make me envision being held and loved as a child in her father’s arms:
“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.”
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Our load gets unbalanced when we try to carry things — burdens! — we weren’t meant to carry on our own. Laying our burdens at the feet of Jesus and leaving them there is soothing for our soul and our emotions.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is literally write down the burdens we’re struggling most with and pretend to hand them to our Father. Put them in an envelope or whatever works for you to remember He is there to carry your burden and you don’t have to.
Find a supportive community.
Another way to share our load is by finding a supportive Christian community to study with, pray with and just live life with. God made us to need other people.
Find a good church and get involved. And don’t forget to look online as well.
I have a private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace, that is an encouraging community of mamas living life together. We talk about topics like these.
You can find more in the free study “Grace-Filled Stress Relief” and join us in the group for such discussions.
