Posts in the Faith category encourage Christian moms in their relationship with Jesus with Bible verses, prayers and practical tips on how to spend time with God as a busy mom.
Additional faith content includes the Bible verses section, which is full of posts with Bible verses to encourage Christian moms on their faith journey.
Prayers to help your mama heart find peace (FREE Download!)
Being a mom is so incredibly awesome, but it’s also draining and hard. And sometimes we are just plain overwhelmed.
Currently I wish I had one more day each week and a couple of extra hours each day. Then maybe I could get closer to conquering everything I have to do. Know the feeling?
It’s easy to get weary and overwhelmed when we are looking out for the needs of our families. On the days when I feel like there’s nothing left for or of myself, I struggle sometimes to even know what to pray beyond help!
I know God hears and understands our prayers, no matter how long or short they are. The Bible also tells us in Romans 8:26-27 that the Holy Spirit brings our needs to God when we can’t.
However, I also know the power of prayer and how praying based on Scripture can help me refocus on God to get peace and strength from Him when I need it most.
These seven Scripture-based prayers for overwhelmed moms are perfect for those days and times when you don’t have the words on your own.
Find a free PDF download of all the verses and prayers near the end of the post!
A prayer for rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
When we are tired and worn out, it’s even easier to be overwhelmed. God promises us that if we come to Him, He will give us rest.
It may not necessarily be the extra hours of sleep we crave, but spiritual rest can rejuvenate and sustain us.
Dear Lord, I come to You today feeling weary and burdened. Please grant me Your rest and peace. Help me to lay my worries at Your feet and find comfort in Your presence. Give me the strength to face each day with renewed energy and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for peace of mind
“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)
Having peace of mind is often hard in life. As Christian moms, we have so many thoughts in our head at the same time — and that’s guaranteed to be overwhelming.
These verses remind us to turn to God with our anxieties and let His peace fill us in ways beyond our understanding.
Lord, You know the anxieties that weigh on my heart. I lift them up to You now, asking for Your peace to fill my mind and soul. Help me to trust in Your plan and to feel Your calming presence surrounding me. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for renewed strength
“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)
I love this verse and the reminder that we all get tired and weary. I have gotten upset with myself in the past for being tired or weary. It almost seems like a sin.
Yet, we are all human. In our humanity, we only have to much strength. And the truth is life and motherhood often drain us.
Father, I feel so weak and exhausted. Please renew my strength and give me the power to keep going. Help me to place my hope in You and to trust that You will lift me up. Let me soar on wings like eagles and find the endurance I need to run and not grow weary. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for courage
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,”
Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
I’ve seen a quote before along the lines of courage is that small voice saying, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” That resonates with me, especially on the rough days when I am depleted.
Knowing God is there to shelter us and hold us close gives us courage to keep going and keep trying. When I trust in Him fully, my fear begins to dissipate and my strength begins to grow.
God, You are my refuge and strength. When I feel overwhelmed by life’s troubles, help me to remember that You are always with me. Give me the courage to face my fears and the strength to stand firm in Your love. Thank You for being my constant help and source of strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for embracing 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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)
I don’t want to be thought of as weak. Physically weak, I’m OK with, but spiritually or mentally weak is not OK. Yet, I am not always strong.
Coming to God with our weaknesses allows us to draw from His strength. Time and again when I thought I couldn’t keep going, He has given me the strength to go on.
Whether it was from sheer physical exhaustion of having a newborn or overwhelming heartache making the daily work of life challenging, God truly has been strong in my weakness.
Lord, I admit that I am weak and in need of Your strength. Thank You for Your grace that is sufficient for me. Help me to embrace my weaknesses, knowing that Your power is made perfect in them. Let Christ’s power rest on me and give me the strength to endure hardships with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for sustenance
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Life shakes us sometimes. We get curveballs we didn’t see coming in parenthood. But this verse reminds us that God is always faithful, even on shaky ground.
God is there to help us carry our burdens from figuring out why a newborn isn’t getting the nutrition she needs to sorting out help when a school-aged child is struggling with reading.
Dear Lord, I cast all my cares and burdens onto You. Sustain me with Your love and strength. Remind me that You will never let me be shaken, no matter how heavy my load feels. Help me to trust in Your sustaining power and to find peace in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for God’s 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)
I feel like this verse often comes up when people are embarking on new challenges from moving to starting a new job. Yet, it applies in everyday life for us Christian moms.
God’s presence gives us strength and courage. He keeps us from being discouraged.
I struggle with discouragement and feeling like I’m not good enough as a mom. When I’m overwhelmed, I especially need this reminder that God is there to strengthen me and will not leave me.
Lord, I often feel afraid and discouraged. Remind me of Your command to be strong and courageous. Help me to feel Your presence with me wherever I go. Give me the courage to face my challenges head-on, knowing that You are by my side, guiding and strengthening me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Joy isn’t something we celebrate as a culture, especially in motherhood culture. Joy seems like a nice concept, but not something to work for.
Yet God’s Word tells us that joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it’s one a Fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
While joy can be hard to find on our own, we can utilize prayers for joy based on Scripture. These seven prayers are designed specifically for Christian moms to find the gift of joy in the midst of motherhood.
What is joy?
Before we start praying for the fullness of joy, we need to understand what true joy is in the Bible. The joy of the Holy Spirit is more than just general happiness.
When we’re talking about joy as defined by God, we are talking about a different sort of joy than just general happiness. The Greek word for joy is chara, which shares the same root as the Greek word for grace.
So that means joy and grace come from the same place. God’s grace and everlasting joy go hand-in-hand.
Joy isn’t based on the things we have or can do. Instead, joy is a gift from God that we receive when we’re in relationship with Him.
Dear God, I ask that you fill me with your joy throughout every day. Help me to keep my focus on you so my attitude and spirit will remain joyful. Let my family see your joy in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Examples of joy in the Bible
If we want to live a joyful life, we have to understand that it takes time. Just like literal fruit, the Fruits of the Spirit take time to cultivate and grow.
Back in college, I had a friend who was full of joy. She radiated it. When I was going through a time of grief after losing a loved one, I resented her joy.
In fact, I found myself thinking she didn’t understand hurt like I did or she wouldn’t be filled with so much joy.
As I got to know her better over the next couple of months, I learned that she knew hurt well. She had suffered a tremendous loss in her own life, yet she still had joy.
God opened my eyes to see that having joy in spite of grief and pain is possible because He is the source of all joy — not anything else.
There are lots of examples in the Bible of God’s people going through trials of many kinds yet living in the joy of God.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me to cultivate your fruits in my life. Help me to grow to be more joyful in and through you. Open my eyes today to see you at work, no matter what. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Nehemiah’s joy
God tasked Nehemiah with rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. What Nehemiah was really rebuilding, though, was the culture and legacy of the Jewish people that had been destroyed.
He had all sorts of challenges and struggles in this rebuilding. Even just keeping his workers motivated and on task for such a big project was difficult. Yet, he kept his eyes on the God of hope as his source of joy.
In the 8th chapter of Nehemiah, we read about Nehemiah reading to the people from the Book of Law – their Bible. The people were weeping over its instruction and wisdom.
Nehemiah saw what was happening and said in these Bible verses from Nehemiah 8:9-10 (NIV):
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9-10 (NIV)
Nehemiah is reminding his people that God is their strength. They have no reason to weep.
Even in difficult circumstances, which will inevitably come, God is our strength and that fact can bring us great joy.
Dear Lord, give me joy like Nehemiah is talking about. Help me to put aside my worries and concerns and just rest in the joy of your salvation as I go throughout my day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
David’s joy
King David spends the entire book of Psalms going back and forth between despair and the wonderful joy of the Lord. He talks about stressful times and good times both.
And while he certainly had his challenges, David understood God’s steadfast love, even when he didn’t following through on doing the will of God.
In Psalm 30, we see that David was in a season of life where he’d been through hard times and gained perspective that darkness and pain don’t last forever.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (ESV)
Sometimes our joy comes just in knowing that challenges don’t last forever and eventually good things will come along as well.
Another way David reminds us to find joy is by simply looking around us. Psalm 92:4 (ESV) says that very thing:
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
Psalm 92:4 (ESV)
God’s creation inspires Christian joy. David realized when finding joy and gladness seemed impossible, he could always find it in looking at God’s creation from nature to loved ones and more.
Dear God, open my eyes today to see all the wonderful blessings that surround me. I thank you for all of your blessings and your faithfulness. Thank you that I can have joy in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Habakkuk’s joy
Habakkuk was living in a time when the Jewish people were being overthrown and overrun by the Babylonians. Life was miserable.
The crops and livestock were being taken away. A wicked country seemed to be winning over God’s chosen people.
Habakkuk was confused. How could God be letting something so bad happen? Where was His justice? Why wasn’t He doing something?
All three chapters of Habakkuk are his conversations with God. He poses these same questions and God responds that He knows what He is doing.
Finally, by the third chapter, Habakkuk has come to understand that he can trust God has a plan even when it doesn’t make sense. Even in the midst of suffering, he finds joy in God.
This is what he says in Habakkuk 3:18-19 (ESV):
yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.
Habakkuk 3:18-19 (ESV)
When times are hard — like they were for Habakkuk — we can find a joyful heart through the power of the Holy Spirit by remembering our salvation.
Dear Jesus, help me to rejoice in you today. I ask that you fill me with joy so that I can live a life full of hope. Let that joy and hope radiate in and through my life. In your name, Amen.
Joy in the struggle
People in the Old Testament were certainly not the only ones who had to cultivate a life with greater joy. In Romans, Paul encourages the early church to have joy because it is beneficial in other ways as well.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Joy goes hand-in-hand with hope. In the struggle of life, we need hope. It helps us to stay motivated and keep going.
A life without hope is a dismal one indeed. By having peace and joy in believing in God, we will be filled to overflowing with hope.
James goes even further to tell us to be joyful about trials in James 1:2-4 (NIV):
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Finding joy in facing trials sounds impossible and downright ridiculous. But that is what James is telling us to do, because facing trials increases our perseverance and ability to keep going so that we fully mature and can do the work God has for us to do.
So there is joy to be found even in the hard stuff.
Heavenly Father, I ask that you help me to remember who you are so that I can have joy and hope in you even when life is chaotic and hard. Lord, I know I don’t have to rejoice about the struggle, but help me to rejoice in you in spite of the struggle. Let me be an example to my family and those around me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Practical ways to find joy
Along with powerful prayers asking for God to give us more joy, some other steps can encourage us to live with more of God’s joy in our own lives. The best news is that none of them take a tremendous amount of time.
Remember Jesus.
The first thing we can do is remember Jesus. This sounds trite, but hear me out.
During one of the most difficult times of my life, I sat in church overwhelmed and at a loss. Nothing made sense and I couldn’t even bring myself to sing the worship songs.
My mind was racing so much that I wasn’t able to focus on the preaching. I was crying out to God for help and then I noticed the cross sitting on the platform.
God poked my heart. Did I believe that He sent His Son to die for my sins? My answer was yes.
Then nothing else truly mattered. He was still the same in the midst of my hurt and despair. I just needed to remember Jesus.
In fact, the shepherds heard the same message from the angel on the night Jesus was born. The angel declared the good news that “great joy” had come into the world.
Jesus is and can be our joy all the time. When we are struggling to find anything joyful, we can remember the love of Jesus and rejoice in that.
Stay connected to God.
If God is the source of our joy, then we need to stay connected to Him. One important way to do that is by finding a group of fellow believers to connect and worship with.
The best explanation for why we should go to church came from a preacher I heard decades ago. He said that he’d been married for many years. His wife did all the cooking.
He couldn’t begin to list what he’d had for dinner every night of his marriage, but he knew he was fed.
Church is the same way. I can’t begin to list every sermon or Bible study lesson I’ve been a part of. But they have all fed me spiritually.
We need that connection to God to remain in Him and receive His joy.
Look to the future.
As a mom, I can find joy in the tediousness of motherhood by knowing one day it will pay off.
When I was potty training my children – a task I completely loathed – I continued to do so with the hope and joy of knowing one day they would no longer need diapers.
Each phase brings its own challenges and thoughts of future rewards.
Sometimes when we are lacking in joy, we need to take a moment and look to the future. We know that joy is coming.
In the middle of the struggle, take a moment to close your eyes and just imagine the perfection of heaven and being in the presence of God.
Imagine Jesus pulling you in for a tight, warm, comforting hug. That is joy.
Dear God, show me the practical ways I can live my life to have more joy in it. Help me to form the right connections I need to find encouragement on this journey so I can be joyful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A final prayer for joy
Dear God, I thank you for all the gifts you’ve given me. Father, I thank you that you give me joy in this life no matter what happens. You are faithful and good. You have created so incredibly many good things that bless us and can bring us joy. Thank you for those blessings.
Lord, I ask that you fill me with joy. Remind me of who you are when I start to get sidetracked. Help me to keep my focus on you so that I can have joy in my heart every day.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Joy doesn’t mean life is perfect. Instead, it means that you serve a God who is. And that is something to celebrate daily!
Want to learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit? Be sure to check out these numerous resources!
We use the word “love” often and in many ways. We tell our children we love them. We love our families and close friends. But how often do we stop to think about the importance of love in the Bible?
1 Corinthians tells us love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. The love described in these Bible verses isn’t possible without help from the Holy Spirit.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
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Agape love in the Bible
When we talk about biblical love, we are referring to “agape” love, which is unconditional and selfless love. This is the love God has for us.
Agape love is also the kind of love that believes the best about other people and wants the best for them.
As moms, we can easily think we have mastered agape love when it comes to our own family, especially our little children. We love our children without condition and shower them with affectionate love.
But is our love truly selfless? Not all the time.
We must remember the love of Christ for us. Every single thing God does is out of His love for us. We are God’s own children, and He has our own interests at heart.
There hasn’t been a moment in your life when your best interests weren’t first and foremost for Him. When it comes to loving others — even our own children — we struggle to always have their best interests first and foremost.
This is the kind of love we are talking about and want to learn to give to others. As children of God, we should be known for this kind of love.
Why Love is the Most Important Thing
Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of love. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians that love binds everything together in perfect harmony.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, 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)
When we are full of the love of God, we are more likely to live in unity of mind with each other. We are quicker to forgive and slower to anger. Love covers over a multitude of sins.
Another reason love is important is to be an example to others. Because agape love is a steadfast love that goes against human nature, someone who is full of love stands out.
Living with the love of God in us showcases God to the world.
In John 13, Jesus spoke to the early church on the subject of love:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Jesus isn’t messing around with this either. He doesn’t give a suggestion for us to love one another. He issues a commandment.
Being the loving God He is, though, our Heavenly Father doesn’t leave us to fulfill a commandment without help.
In the very next chapter of John, Jesus goes on to tell us about the Holy Spirit (or Helper) He is leaving for us once He has gone into heaven.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
John 14:16-17 (ESV)
Christ Jesus pours so much love into us so it can overflow to others. We are free to love others – even when that love isn’t returned – because we as God’s people are filled with His love and have freedom in knowing He is always with us.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
Both the Old Testament and New Testament have innumerable verses about love. From how much God loves us to how we should love one another, love is found throughout the Bible.
As Christian moms, we want to take a closer look at what true love to others really looks like. Such love is what we want to live out for our children!
The definition of perfect love
Let’s start with one of the most well-known passages about love from God’s Word is found in 1 Corinthians. In fact, these verses are often read at weddings because they really share the meaning of love and purpose of love from a Biblical perspective.
1 Corinthians says love is patient, kind, rejoices in the truth, unconditional, faithful, hopeful and long-lasting.
It also tells us what love is not. Love is not envious, not boastful, not arrogant, not rude, not selfish, not irritable, not resentful and doesn’t get excited for something bad.
The power of Christian love
As we continue looking at how to love one another Biblically, we have to examine the great power that comes through Christian love of each other.
The wise King Solomon wrote these words in Proverbs.
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
One of the great things about love is that it makes forgiveness easier. We are better able to forgive others when we love them completely.
I can more easily forgive my children for their shortcomings than anyone else. I want to teach them to live in love that’s more peaceful rather than in the conflict created by hate.
Where real love comes from
Finally, we also want to understand where all this love comes from. John puts it all together nicely.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Love starts with God. God is love. And then He gives that love to us so that we can share it with others.
The significance of love is such that we receive so much love from God that we can pour it into the lives around us.
Living a Life Full of Love
The best way to live a Christian life full of genuine love is to first seek God’s help. He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to help guide us and bestow spiritual gifts to help strengthen our faith.
Along with prayer, here are some other things we can do to live with a greater love.
Focus on the positive.
Being filled with love is hard when you are only seeing the downside of things. I struggle to truly love my husband in an unselfish way when I’m zeroed in on one of his faults.
Keeping our mindset on the positive traits and characteristics of people around us allows us a better chance to truly love them.
You can apply this with strangers as well and assume the best of intentions. The power of God is such that you never know when one small display of love can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Sometimes simple good deeds can show love to those around us, and when we are focused on the positive, it’s easier to do good works.
Have perspective.
I had a professor in college whose philosophy was, “If I’m going to laugh about it later, I might as well laugh about it now.” That’s stuck with me.
Some things in life are just never funny, that’s for certain! But other times we truly do make mountains out of molehills. We see challenges and issues as much bigger than they actually are.
Before you get upset and start to live in a less-than-loving way, pause and think. Is this going to still be upsetting to you five years from now?
What about five months, five weeks or even five minutes from now? If it isn’t, then let it go!
Get into the Word.
Getting into the Bible helps us live out love for a variety of reasons. First, we get reminders of God’s love for us as we read.
Second, the Bible is the living and breathing Word of God, so God works through the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts in all new ways.
I’ve read the same passage of Scripture many times and gotten something new from it each time. That’s the power of our faithful God!
Put it into practice
As the first Fruit of the Spirit, love is an important attribute for us Christian moms to work on. Some simple actions can keep us focused on the right things and ways to live out God’s love.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Gratitude helps us to focus on the positive and keep perspective — both of which help us to live with more love.
Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to make focusing on gratitude part of your life.
Notice the difference it makes in your attitude and your love!
Spend daily time in prayer.
Talking to God is important for us to connect with Him and be able to live with Christian love. These short seven prayers can help you connect with God daily about love.
Day 1: Dear God, I ask that you fill me with your agape love throughout every day and in every interaction I have with others. May they see your love in me above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 2: Dear God, I acknowledge that without you, I cannot have a life filled with love, patience, humbleness, generosity and hope. Open my eyes and heart to receive these things and use them in ministering to my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 3: Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask that you help me to love all of those around me. Help me to see others as you see them and love them as you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 4: Dear God, thank you for all your blessings and gifts to me. Open my eyes to see more of you at work in my life. Help me to maintain a positive attitude that is pleasing to and focused on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 5: Dear God, sometimes I get caught up in the small stuff. Help me to let go of things that don’t matter and focus on what is most important. Show me where I need to move forward with you instead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 6: Dear God, help me to focus on your Word and hear you speak as I am reading the Bible. Clear my mind from all other worries and concerns. Help me to find time in my schedule to be able to get into your Word each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 7: Heavenly Father, I ask that you be with me as I strive to live a life filled with love. Open my eyes to see opportunities to love on the people around me, including my family. Fill me with your love and Holy Spirit to the point of overflowing into those around me. Lord, when I am out of sorts and having a bad day or moment, give me a reminder of your presence and love. Help me to see you, hear you and feel you at work in and through my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Want to learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit? Be sure to check out these numerous resources!
11 Psalms to bring you peace in moments of anxiety
Dealing with anxious thoughts and anxiety is tough. Having Bible verses on hand to help calm your anxious heart and rest in the peace of God can make some of our darkest moments seem lighter.
Of all the people in the Bible, I have most related to David in the Psalms for many, many years. We certainly haven’t had the exact same life experiences, but David goes from grief to joy to everything in between within a chapter.
And that’s how life is for me. I get David. He’s real to me in that way.
I also feel like David’s thoughts could get carried away and overdramatic sometimes. Anxiety rears its ugly head like that in my life.
I completely trust God, but I have also learned that anxiety and faith can co-exist. So when I think of looking in God’s Word for verses of comfort, it makes sense to start with Psalms for anxiety.
Did David struggle with anxiety? It’s quite possible!
In 2004, History of Psychiatry researched whether David had a mental disorder and concluded that it’s highly likely he did. Major depression seems to be the most likely candidate. Depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand.
So maybe that’s why I relate to David. Whether David had a mental disorder doesn’t matter as much as knowing that God is behind all the words he wrote.
And we can draw comfort in the book of Psalms for anxiety. Read these best Psalms for anxiety and let them minister to your heart today.
(All Scripture is taken from the NIV Bible unless otherwise noted.)
Psalm 27:1-3
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
These verses are a powerful reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. He will protect us, so we don’t have to be afraid — whether we have fear of bad news or fear of just making it through another day.
While I’m not sure that’s completely true, I do find great comfort in God’s promises that He is in control and on His throne, so I don’t have to be afraid in times of trouble.
Psalm 61:1-3
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
The New King James version of the Bible says instead that “my heart is overwhelmed” rather than “my heart grows faint.” I like that even more.
Because, I get overwhelmed. Life is full of so many responsibilities and tasks.
As a mom, it’s easy for me to get overwhelmed thinking of all the things I’m juggling mentally at any given time. But, God is there to listen to my prayer.
He hears me and sustains me. He shelters me when I grow weak. Thank you, God!
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Of the Psalms for anxiety, this particular Psalm makes an especially great prayer. I want God to purify my heart so that I’m not distracted by the wrong things — including the multitude of my anxieties!
There are times I desperately need a steadfast spirit and willing spirit to sustain me and keep me going through life’s challenges. I also want to always be in God’s presence and never forget the joy of His salvation.
I will always remember going to church one Sunday in the midst of one of the most difficult situations of my life. My heart was broken and I was feeling low.
During the sermon, I got distracted by the cross. God reminded me that in the end, what matters most is how much He loves me that He sent His Son, Christ Jesus, for me. It soothed my soul that day in a way nothing else could and helped me to find true rest when I desperately needed it.
Psalm 121:1-5a
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you.
When I was in college, a member of my Bible study group shared that she used to feel bad about falling asleep while she was praying. But then she just imagined our Heavenly Father was holding onto her like a parent does a child and letting her sleep.
That image has stuck with me. In my hardest nights, I have prayed for God to surround me and hold me tight.
I love knowing God never sleeps. He watches over us day and night.
In my head, I feel like that gives me permission to let down my guard and trust that He is completely in control. That’s brings me anxiety relief and helps dispel the spirit of fear that over threatens to overtake me when I start imagining every worst-case scenario.
Psalm 32:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
In the four verses before this one, David talks about how he has been consumed by tears day and night. He remembers the good times with the Lord God; however, he feels far apart from them at this moment.
But then this verse is his pep talk. We all need pep talks sometimes.
When we are depressed or anxious, David reminds us that we can put our hope in God. We can praise Him in the storm and trust He is there even when He feels far away.
Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
David spends the first 10 verses of this Psalm talking about how he felt God had rejected him. He was grieving the silence of God and feeling heartbroken — and this is coming from a man who the Holy Bible tells us understood God’s heart.
But then David stops to remember the good things God has done in the past. I have learned to do this very same thing when I start getting anxious.
I go back in my head to all the times God has been working for my good when I couldn’t see it. And I know that God won’t fail me now.
Sometimes the best thing I can do is think about my history with God’s faithfulness and focus on the blessings He’s given me in the present.
Psalm 116:1-7
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
God hears our pleas and cries for mercy. He is there and listening, even when it feels like He is not.
David talks about seeing that happen in his life. I’ve seen it happen in mine.
So now I find this one of my favorite Psalms for anxiety because it brings me comfort. I am reminded that God will see me through time and again, and God’s plan is always for my best.
I also especially love verse 7: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
This is a verse to memorize and hold close for the dark nights when anxiety is high and life is hard. God is good all the time.
Psalm 40:11-13
Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me.
If you read the entirety of Psalm 40, David is at a low point but also asking God to bless those who trust in Him.
Verses 11-13 really stuck out to me as being a sincere prayer to God for times when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances. We can call out to God: save me, come quickly and help me.
And we can remember the times God has protected us by His love and faithfulness before to keep us going as we wait.
Psalm 62:5-8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
This is a great Psalm for anxiety to reminds us that we can find rest and have hope in God. With God as our protector, we can withstand the storms of life.
We weren’t made to go through life alone and God will hold us through all of it. If we allow Him, He will be our rock and firm place in whom we can trust at all times.
I love the idea of God being our refuge. A refuge is somewhere you run to when you’re in trouble or in distress.
And that’s exactly what God is for us. We can run to Him and know He will hold us tight through everything.
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Again, David refers to God as our refuge. When we are anxious and overwhelmed, a refuge is what we need. We need a break and peace.
There are moments when God truly gives us peace beyond understanding. He can calm our anxieties and fears, even if just for a few moments, as we fully rest in Him.
Psalm 23
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. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Finally, I end with this powerful Psalms that was the first passage I ever memorized from the Bible. Back then, I learned it from the King James Version of the Bible.
I think what speaks to me most in this passage is the reminder that God is with us through every single season and moment in our lives. In Him, my soul finds rest, even when life is chaotic.
His unfailing love and faithfulness are with us through times of great need in our daily lives. We can rest with a sound mind and trust fully in Him.
Get a list of all 11 of the best Psalms for anxiety here:
Printables and worksheet activities for Bible study (12 FREE resources included!)
When the Fruit of the Spirit kept popping up in my life, I felt God prompting me to make Bible study resources about them. And for that very reason, I ended up taking a deep dive into the Fruit of the Spirit to create Bible studies, devotional journals and all sorts of other Fruit of the Spirit printables.
I especially wanted to make Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults. While a whole host of Fruit of the Spirit lesson plans, study guides and coloring pages exist for kids, I found adult resources were lacking, especially ones geared toward mothers.
Throughout the months I’ve been studying the Fruits, my family has been through a lot of hard times. We got hit with one thing after the next.
Spending time in God’s Word and really researching the character traits given to us through the Holy Spirit encouraged me right when I needed it most. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we do!
I thought I knew about the Fruits of the Spirit previously. (I can recite them all to you as part of a song, in fact!) But God has moved through these studies in a powerful way in my life, in my small group and in the Moms with Grace private Facebook group where I’ve lead these studies.
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What are the Fruits of the Spirit?
The Fruits of the Spirit are found in Galatians:
“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)
Those are nine positive traits of Godly character the Holy Spirit can produce in us. These traits go against our human nature, which is described in the verses before these and filled with all sorts of negative traits like anger, envy, idolatry and on the list goes.
Because those negative traits are our natural tendencies, we need the Spirit’s help to live and act differently. Living this way is an ongoing process and choice, because these fruits take time to grow and mature.
We serve a God who wants to let us live in harmony with these traits. Every single one of them benefits not only His work in us but also His work through us.
Asking Him for help to have these traits is important, because we can’t do it on our own. Finding powerful tools to encourage us in living lives full of good fruit is helpful.
Living out the Fruit of the Spirit in daily life
As a Christian mom, I’m more aware now than ever of the kind of fruit I’m producing in my life. I’ve learned time and again that I need God’s Spirit to help me live with moral goodness when I’m tired and stressed — both of which go hand-in-hand with motherhood.
I decided a great place to start in researching the Fruits would be to just take them in order. I led with the Fruit of love.
It was one of the traits I thought I’d be best at. Motherhood lends itself to love, after all. I quickly realized the truly living in God’s love in our daily lives is something about which we must be intentional.
And that set the stage for good things to come throughout my research and study as God opened my heart and my eyes to hear and see Him at work. I don’t want to bear bad fruit, and I want to share all the lessons I’ve learned with others as well.
Fruits of the Spirit worksheets
If you’re a Sunday School teacher, church small group leader or youth leader looking for a digital product to help you teach the Fruit of the Spirit, I’ve got some great resources for you.
All of these resources also are also great for personal Bible study.
Bible verse matching worksheet
If you want an involved activity sheet that will have you or your group delving into the Bible, this Bible verse match worksheet is ideal.
Each of the nine Fruits of the Spirit are listed on one side and a list of nine Scripture references is on the other side. Use your Bible to look up the verses and find the corresponding Bible verse for each of the Fruits.
And, don’t worry if you get stumped, an answer key is also included!
Weekly challenges
To help your group or yourself put the Fruits into practice in your own lives, check out these weekly challenges. The challenges work for kids in middle school through senior adults.
The nine challenges are all simple and don’t require lots of time. They’re a great way to start living a life that produces much fruit!
FREE printable coloring pages
Another terrific — and completely free option — is this set of 10 Fruit of the Spirit coloring pages complete with corresponding Bible verses. They’re designed to work for youth and adults and work for both men and women.
These free printable coloring pages are lots of fun as a creative way to meditate on Scripture.
Reflection worksheets
If you’re looking for Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults, you don’t want to miss this set of nine reflection worksheets. There is one for each Fruit that includes a memory verse along with three reflection questions per fruit.
Use this for your own Bible study time or in conjunction with a Fruits of the Spirit Bible study you’re leading.
Additional Fruit of the Spirit printables
Once I started working on resources and studies on the Fruits of the Spirit, I got carried away with making related printables as well. Printables are a great way to inexpensively learn and grow in different ways.
Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks
First up is a set of five Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks. Each of the colorful bookmarks lists the nine Fruits in order. Print them on cardstock, and you’re ready to go!
The bookmarks come with a page that has all five designs on it and then each design has its own page full of only that design as well to make for easy printing. As a small group leader myself, I love options like these as gifts for my group members!
FREE Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks
You can grab this bookmark set of 10 designs for FREE. Each bookmark lists a Fruit of the Spirit with a 10th one that just says “Fruit of the Spirit.”
They are black and white by design for easy printing and would work really well as coloring bookmarks for small groups, youth groups or just yourself!
Fruit of the Spirit Scripture cards
Scripture cards are one of those great ideas for getting into and learning Bible verses that we can easily overlook. My mom, for example, loves Scripture cards and posts them on her bathroom mirror.
If you aren’t as sure about Scripture cards, try out this free set of 10 Scripture cards first. There is one verse per Fruit along with a card of Galatians 5:22-23 that lists the Fruits of the Spirit.
When it comes to free Fruits of the Spirit printables, I’ve got you covered!
Bible study devotional journals for moms
My heart lies with mamas so much right now — most likely because I’m in the midst of motherhood myself! So, I decided a devotional journal for moms had to be part of what I created.
God’s given me a passion to encourage and minister to other mamas to help them grow their homes with grace, faith and love. The Fruits of the Spirit fit right into that!
Multiple resources are available right now as instant digital downloads you can print or use on your device.
PDF version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms”
This nine-week devotional is specifically designed for moms to offer moments of peace and inspiration in the midst of busy days.
Each week has a focus or memory verse related to the Fruit being covered that week. The devotional journal includes commentary, life application insights, thought-provoking reflection questions, a weekly action items and daily prayers to help you grow in your walk with God.
The devotional journal, which uses Bible verses from the NIV and ESV translations, is designed with day seven being a day to spend more time and prayer and get caught up with reading.
“The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms” is designed to take one week per topic, but don’t fret if you can’t keep that schedule. The good news is you can just catch up whenever works for you. Mom life is nothing if not unpredictable and frequently hectic!
Digital version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms”
The second version of the devotional journal has the exact same content as the first, but it’s designed and formatted for those mamas who want to use it on their devices instead.
The digital file is colorful color and includes tabs on each content page to help you easily navigate from one section to another. You can keep a separate notebook to write down answers to the questions or upload the PDF into your favorite note-taking app and use it that way.
Individual Fruit devotional journals for moms
Each of the Fruits have individual devotional journals you can download as well. These are the same as the PDF version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journals for Moms,” but include only one fruit at a time.
And, finally, you can also download a free Fruit of the Spirit journal for each of the nine fruits. Pair the free journals with the free YouTube playlist about the Fruit of the Spirit for moms, and you have your own Bible study ready to go!
(Be sure to check out the Moms with Grace private Facebook group where this study originally ran and continues with discussions related to the Fruit of the Spirit!)
Simple prayers to help you and other moms like you!
Finding quiet time in motherhood is challenging. Having short prayers for mothers on hand can help us stay connected to God in the midst of busy family life.
Every day, I pray for my husband and children. In fact, my usual prayer order is exactly that: husband, children and then me. Truthfully, a lot of times the prayers for myself are almost an afterthought.
I get caught up in what my family needs. I don’t think I’m alone. We moms tend to put ourselves last, but when it comes to prayer, we need to make sure we are covered as well.
These simple and powerful prayers for mothers are ones you can pray for yourself and for the other moms in your life. From new moms to seasoned moms, we all need prayer.
Motherhood challenges you physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I like to say motherhood is neither for the faint of heart nor the weak of composition!
But, I’m thankful for a God who understands and knows that. Our Heavenly Father is right there in the midst of motherhood with us. As much as we love our babies, He loves them – and us! – even more. We can lean on Him during the easy times and the difficult ones.
How to pray for mothers
Mothers everywhere need prayer. Simply taking a moment to say your own prayer for motherhood can make a big difference. And short prayers for mothers are easy to incorporate into your schedule on a daily basis.
In 1 John 5:14, we are reminded God hears us when we pray according to His will. Knowing that God gave you the gift of motherhood, you can trust that praying blessings for mothers is in His will.
Praying in accordance to Scripture also assures us we are asking for the right things. These seven prayers for mothers include Bible verses as well.
Print out the free pocket prayers for moms PDF and utilize these prayers for yourself, your mom friends and any other mom in your life! They are great to use for a Mother’s Day prayer at church or at home as well.
Prayer for mothers’ strength and endurance
“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”
Does anybody need more patience than moms? If they do, I haven’t met them!
Motherhood is often a test of patience, strength and endurance. It starts from the very beginning when that perfect little human won’t let you sleep or have a minute to yourself. To say you’re a tired mom is the understatement of the year!
As our kids get older, we may get to sleep more, but we still spend a significant amount of energy thinking, and perhaps worrying, about them.
Motherhood can be draining in every way. So, prayers for mothers’ strength and endurance are important.
Dear God, I ask that you strengthen me with all power according to your glorious might so I may have great patience and endurance. Lord, hold me up when I am weak today. Give me strength beyond my own when I’m tired and ready to give up. Help me to keep going until the day is done. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Prayer for mothers’ wisdom and discernment
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Even when our babies start sleeping through the night, it’s hard for us mamas to get a good night’s sleep. Somehow we stay alert even in our sleep to hear if they need us.
Then add in the worries of motherhood, and we really struggle to get good rest. Moms long for peace in a world of chaos and stress.
I love this verse for its reminder that I can relax and rest knowing God is in control. I imagine myself tucked safely and snuggly in His loving arms. When I’m going through a difficult time, I pray for His rest and peace of mind. I even ask Him to help me sleep well but wake up if someone needs me.
This has been a great way for me to be able to relax and rely on God’s help.
Dear Lord, please give me wisdom as I am raising my children. Help me to discern the best choices for them and for our family. Guide me to know what your will is for me as a mom. Father, help me to be the mom my children need to raise them according to your will and plan for their lives. In Christ Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for mothers’ rest and peace
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Even when our babies start sleeping through the night, it’s hard for us mamas to get a good night’s sleep. Somehow we stay alert even in our sleep to hear if they need us.
Then add in the worries of motherhood, and we really struggle to get good rest. Moms long for peace in a world of chaos and stress.
I love this verse for its reminder that I can relax and rest knowing God is in control. I imagine myself tucked safely and snuggly in His loving arms. When I’m going through a difficult time, I pray for His rest and peace of mind. I even ask Him to help me sleep well but wake up if someone needs me.
This has been a great way for me to be able to relax and rely on God’s help.
Heavenly Father, I ask you to give me peace to lie down and sleep. Lord, remind me you are always in control and keeping my family and me safe. Grant me your peace that passes all understanding. Hold me close and let me rest fully in you. Fill me with the peace of your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for mothers’ protection and safety
“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.”
This verse is actually Satan talking to God about how God is protecting Job and his family. What I love is the idea of a hedge of protection.
It’s easy to feel unsure and unsafe in the world. When we have children, I think we become aware of the dangers even more.
A mother’s life is all about being aware of the risks to our children so we can know the best way to protect them. Praying and asking for protection is a powerful way to help keep our families safe.
Father, I ask that you place a hedge of protection around me and around my family. Protect us in every way, Lord: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Remind me of your presence when I feel afraid. Let me rest in your protection and safety. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Prayers for mothers’ mental health
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
When you are consumed with taking care of everyone else, like we moms are, your emotional and mental health can suffer. If you already had struggles before having children that compounds even more.
I’ve struggled with anxiety for years, but I didn’t have a name for it until more recent years. I’ve learned anxiety and faith can co-exist.
And I have also learned God is with me every step of the way; He has good plans and unconditional love for me. I need His help every day.
Along with physical strength, mental strength is just as important to be the amazing mother God created us to be. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit can minister to our hearts and soothe our anxieties.
Lord, when I have anxiety great within, I ask that you console me and bring me joy. Strengthen me mentally and emotionally. Give my mind rest. Help me show my children what good mental healthcare looks like. Father, give me courage to seek help when I need it. Heal me from past hurt and trauma. Remind me always of your goodness and presence in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Prayers for mothers’ relationships
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Moms’ lives are filled with relationships. From our husbands to our children to our co-workers to our extended family members to our friends, we are surrounded by relationships.
Prioritizing the relationships most important to us matters. Learning how to navigate and mange those relationships is important.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the loved ones you’ve surrounded me with. Help me to encourage and build them up. Give me the right words to best communicate with my husband and with my children to strengthen and grow our relationships. Please help my relationships with other people to be healthy and good for me. If someone is hurting my walk with you, help me to realize that and give me wisdom to address it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Prayers for mothers’ spiritual growth
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
In order to make everything work and be the moms, wives and people God created us to be, we need to stay connected to Him. Growing spiritually is important, even when as a mom finding ways to connect with God in the midst of raising a family can be challenging.
Growing spiritually needs to remain a priority, perhaps even more so as moms. I want to have a strong relationship with God and unshakeable faith in Him for myself but also so I can pass that along to my children.
Modeling what faith truly looks like to my children is important to me. In my daily prayers, I ask God to help me be the mom my children need to raise them according to His will and plan for their lives.
Lord, I ask that you help me to remain in you and to bear much fruit. I know apart from you I can do nothing. Open my heart and mind to hear you. Help me to know you more completely. Father, remind me to connect with you during my busiest times. I want to spend time with you. Show me ways I can make that happen. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
I am again in a time of waiting on God. It’s a wait that’s been going on for seven long years and has been the most heart-wrenching journey I’ve been on.
While I have learned that God is always in control and on His throne, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never had moments of doubt and frustration. Where is He in all of this? What could His plan be? Why isn’t God doing something?
I don’t have answers to what His plan is in this situation or why He hasn’t moved in the ways that really make the most sense to me. But I also know that He has been with me every step of the way.
Where is He? Right there with me. How do I know that? Well, God and I have a history.
I can look back throughout my entire life and see His hand in everything — even in the times when I wondered whether He’d forgotten me. (He hadn’t.)
Time and again, God shows up in my life and in my story. I can’t tell you the story of my life without telling you how He has impacted it. I’m so thankful for that!
My daughter recently went to a small group meeting with us and noticed the other members talked about times they’d gotten totally away from God, but her dad and I didn’t have those same pasts. My testimony may sound a bit boring, but I only thank God for all the things He’s spared me from.
I find hope in knowing God has never let me down or forgotten me. And I find hope in stories from God’s Word that remind me what waiting on God can look like.
Waiting on God in the Old Testament
From childhood, I’ve known the story of Jonah getting swallowed by a whale. It’s one that comes up in children’s Bibles and Sunday School lessons.
But it wasn’t until I taught a Sunday School lesson about Jonah a few years ago that I saw Jonah’s testimony of waiting.
What got to me in teaching this story is the three days Jonah spent inside of that whale. For three days and three nights, he sat in a dark, stinky place. He surely thought he was going to die there.
He had to have regrets for not following God’s leading to go to Nineveh. Chapter two of Jonah includes his long and pleading prayer to God.
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”
Jonah 2:7 (NIV)
The Bible just tells us Jonah prayed this prayer to God. It doesn’t tell us when he prayed it.
I think getting swallowed by a whale would be such a monumental and dramatic life moment that you’d pray right away. After all Jonah had been through until that point, I think getting tossed out of a boat and swallowed by a fish would have been his moment of repentance.
So if we assume Jonah immediately saw the error of his ways and asked for God’s help, then we also see that Jonah had a time of waiting on God. He stayed in that whale for three days and three nights — probably even after he prayed. Jonah was definitely in a waiting period.
He didn’t know the whale was going to spit him out. He couldn’t have known how God was working behind the scenes. Instead, he just had to sit and wait.
In the end, Jonah lived when the whale spit him out onto dry land. And, the people in the city of Nineveh were saved. They turned from their wicked ways and got back on track with God.
Jonah got a bit perturbed at God’s compassion and mercy for them. Even though he should have learned a lesson while waiting on God inside of a whale, Jonah still had a ways to go.
God was faithful to remind Jonah of how great His love is, even after all of that.
That’s how seasons of waiting can go. We can learn lessons in the waiting and think we’ve figured them out. Then, bam! A new time of waiting on God arrives, and we again have doubts creep in.
Waiting on God in the New Testament
Another example of waiting on God that I’ve looked at different in the past few years comes in the resurrection story. The story of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and coming back from death is one that I have heard so many times as a child and an adult. It is the most hopeful story of all time!
A couple of years ago, though, thinking about Saturday struck me. This day is sometimes called Silent Saturday. It’s the day God was quiet.
On Friday, He was present as Jesus took His last breaths. God may have turned away, but He was there.
We certainly know He was there on Sunday when the tomb was empty. But what about on Saturday? Where was God on Saturday? Why did we have to wait for Him to move? Why didn’t he immediately raise Jesus from the dead?
Obviously, I can’t answer all those questions. But I at least know where God was on Silent Saturday. He was still on His throne. He didn’t forget about humanity for one single moment.
While I don’t know any theological reasons, the takeaway I get from Silent Saturday is to hang on and hope. Know God has a plan and perfect timing. While we are waiting on God, He is working things for our best.
On the days of waiting and pleading and wanting God to move, we can rest assured that He hasn’t forgotten us. He may be silent at the moment. Or He may send us encouragement along the way. But there is hope in the waiting, because He is always at work.
I also think Sunday is all that much more special because we had to wait for the appointed time. We had to see if Jesus was going to come back.
What if He didn’t? How many doubts the early believers must have had after He died!
After the wait, the good news was even better. After times of waiting on God, we appreciate all the more His movement and blessing that comes in due time.
What it means for us
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Though waiting isn’t listed, I have learned there is a time for waiting. Waiting on God can seem pointless, hopeless and frustrating.
I struggle with getting discouraged. But my Heavenly Father is always faithful and always good, even when my situation isn’t. He holds me close. And even in the waiting He is working.
We can rest in that today and every day. We can remember all the times He’s been faithful and trust that He is working and moving in ways we can’t see.
For the most difficult times, we can ask Him to strengthen our faith. When our hearts break in the waiting, we can ask for His inner peace and comfort. He will be with us every step of the way.
One day, we’ll look back and see why we had to wait, whether that’s here on earth or in heaven. But I know beyond all doubt that whatever that reason is, God is using it for good.
He has plans to give us a future and a hope and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). Rest in that as you wait.
Learning to have patience
In times of waiting on God, we are challenged to learn the virtue of patience. Developing a patient heart is something we cannot do on our own.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit for a reason. We cannot live with patience during difficult situations on our own.
“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)
The power of the Holy Spirit helps us learn the value of patience during hard times. He allows us to go beyond our own understanding and have patience today in the long wait.
Real-life tips for having more patience
As always, our first step toward living a life filled with patience is to pray and get into the Word of God. Along with that, some everyday life tips can help us in our need of patience as well.
1. Live in peace.
When life is peaceful, patience is easier, because it’s really not necessary.
Check out what Paul says:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
If we are walking in the way God has for us while being humble, gentle and loving, we are able to maintain a bond of peace that allows us to more easily have patience. It all works together.
2. Help others.
A few years ago, I knew I was going to have to deal with a person for a few days in a row who really challenges my patience. After praying about it, I determined my best strategy was to keep my hands busy, my mouth shut and my head down.
Sometimes helping and giving to others gets us out of noticing all the things that try our patience. We focus more on what we can do for others and less on what others are doing to us.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV) talks about this very thing:
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV)
3. Don’t lose hope.
“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Romans 8:25 (ESV)
When we have hope for the future and what God has for us, it’s easier to be patient and wait for it. Finding that hope also comes through God.
We can trust that God has better things for us, so we can have hope on the long journey. Even when we can’t see what’s happening, God is doing good work that we will see in proper time.
If we can keep our hope in God, then we can trust Him for His goodness and have patience in the waiting.
Prayers for patience while waiting
I have often heard people admonish others to not pray to have more patience, because God gives it to us by putting us in more situations where patience is needed. And the truth is, we don’t like to wait.
Though it may sound challenging to ask for patience because you worry your patience will be greatly tested, remember that you’re going to have times like that anyway. Why not go into them with God on your side?!
These five simple prayers are ideal for times of waiting on God. Use them as daily prayers or situational prayers.
A prayer for patience while waiting during difficult times
Dear God,
Right now, life is hard. My heart is aching, and I’m not sure what is going to happen next. I know that everything is part of your plan, even when I can’t see it. I ask that you comfort me and help me as I’m waiting.
Remind me when my doubts and fears start to take over that you are in control and on your throne. I trust you and seek your will above all else. Let your Holy Spirit be my constant companion as I go through this difficult time.
Hold me close, Father. Give me faith to believe that you do have plans for my future that are full of hope.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
A prayer for becoming a patient person
Dear God,
I am struggling right now. I know that your timing is always best. You understand slowness in a different way than I do because our time is not the same.
Waiting can be hard for me. I struggle to be patient. I know that persevering produces endurance especially in the waiting. But it can be hard to persevere when things go sideways.
Give me strength through the Holy Spirit to live as a patient person. Settle my mind and emotions when they get away from me.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
A prayer for being patient with others
Dear God,
I ask that you fill me with your hope, grace, mercy, strength and patience so that they overflow from me. Give me wisdom and discernment on how to best interact with everyone I come in contact with. May my heart be so full of love and you that my patience isn’t challenged. It just comes naturally.
And on the hard days when I am discouraged and tired, Lord, give me encouragement to keep going.
Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for being such a loving Father to teach me lessons time and again.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
A prayer for the testing of your faith
Dear God,
Right now, I really feel like my faith is being tested. I know that you are always at work, but I’m just not seeing anything happening right now. I ask that you help my unbelief.
Help me to see you and your goodness at work in my life as I wait on you. Give me strength to be faithful and trust you above all else.
I ask that you give me great understanding of who you are and who I am in you.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
A prayer for waiting for blessings
Dear God,
I know that you haven’t brought me this far in life to give up on me now. Fill my heart and head with reminders of all the times you’ve been faithful in the past.
Help me to cling to those memories and trust more completely in you and the blessings you have for my life. Even when I’m in hard times, I know that you are always working all things for your good.
Open my eyes to see you at work in and through my life in everyway. Show me your goodness and blessings that I experience daily.
Earlier this week, my youngest woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep. He ended up waking both my husband and me. I got him settled back into bed and laid down myself.
I prayed that my son would be able to get back to sleep and rest well. Then I also prayed for my husband and me the same way. Finally, I thanked God for taking care of us before saying “Amen.”
As I snuggled into the covers, listening to my dog begin to softly snore, I thought about that. In the middle of the night, in the darkness, God reminded me that He will always take care of me. And it was exactly what my heart and soul desperately needed.
God shows up when we need Him
The days prior to this night hadn’t been easy ones. Sometimes life throws a curveball your way, and it knocks you down. Throughout the previous few days, I’d been thinking how knowing God’s will for a situation doesn’t make it hurt any less.
Sometimes in the middle of our hurt and tough times we can feel so alone (even when that isn’t true). Yet, God promises that He is always with us.
As I slowly settled in to fall back asleep, the old hymn “God will Take Care of You” drifted through my mind.
Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you; When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you; Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.God Will Take Care of You Civilla D. Martin, 1904
I needed that reminder so very much. Maybe it was in the stillness and quietness of the night that God knew I would be better able to hear Him and feel the peace of God.
Perhaps He knew I’d lie in bed with no distractions, and He could gently remind me that He will always take care of me. Unsurprisingly, He was right on time.
Yet again, He spoke truth and encouragement into my heart while giving me a song to go with it. Music ministers to my soul so very much.
Remembering the past
One of the other lessons I’ve learned through my decades of walking with God is that He really is ever faithful in my time of need. Each time I face a new hard time or challenge, I remind myself of other times I thought I couldn’t bear.
And I remember how God has been with me every step of the way, even in ways I still don’t even understand. I have felt God’s peace through various trials.
I am thankful that even though I have stories of difficult situations, I also have stories of God’s faithfulness through them.
For example, there was the time my husband was without a job for an entire year that we somehow managed to pay our bills.
Sometimes looking back at what God has done in the past can help us as we encounter new challenges and hard times. I have to watch out when doing this, because I can sometimes get distracted and start having a pity party for myself about all the hard times I’ve had in my life. And that’s not helpful.
I have learned to stop myself when I start going down that path. It certainly isn’t going to help me like remembering God’s faithfulness and provisions will!
Amazing Bible verses about God’s promises for hard times
Listening for God and remembering what He has done in the past is helpful in getting through hard times. But I also have learned that finding inspirational quotes from the Bible about the promises of God is helpful.
We have God’s Word as a tool to help us through life. This collection of Bible verses are promises we can cling to during difficult times in life.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
I love this reminder, because during hard times, we feel so weary and burdened. I’ve also had the song “Worn” from Tenth Avenue North running through my head lately. It goes right along with this verse. “I know that You can give me rest, so I cry out with all that I have left.”
“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)
I’ve shared this verse multiple times, because it is truly my all-time favorite, powerful Bible verse that applies to so many situations.
While I first fell in love with the verse for God promising to always be with me when I’m afraid, I later learned the entire verse and love all parts of it. For hard times, I especially love God’s promise to strengthen, help and uphold us.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalms 9:9-10 (NIV)
God is our shelter and help when we are having a hard time. He promises that we can trust in Him and that He will never leave us. I cling to that promise!
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
I think sometimes this verse gets relegated only to graduates and young people. But it deserves a second look.
God is promising that whatever our hard times are, they aren’t part of a plan for Him to harm us. His plan is to give us hope.
And He promises to listen to us when we pray. He also promises that when we seek Him with all our hearts that we will find Him. He is always there.
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)
God is always with us. He doesn’t wander off. He doesn’t sleep and miss out on being there. God is always with us!
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalms 34:18 (NIV)
Hard times can make us feel alone. But we are never alone. When we are brokenhearted, God is right there with us.
We may not always feel Him or see Him. We may get too distracted and overwhelmed to notice Him, but He is always there with us. Always!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
This is a good Bible verse that can be easy to overlook because it’s something we’ve probably heard many times.
But I remember one of the very lowest moments of my life going to church, noticing the cross and remembering this truth.
When life is difficult and things are topsy-turvy, knowing that Christ Jesus is always the same and His promises never fail is comforting.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
Sometimes the best way to get through difficult times is remembering we truly are only dealing with them for a little while in the grand scheme of things.
These verses encourage us to keep moving forward, looking forward to the crown of life we’ll receive one day in heaven.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
Proverbs19:10 (ESV)
When we are going through heart-wrenching times, the best thing we can do is simply call on the name of Jesus. His name is a strong tower that will protect us and give us peace in the midst of our struggle.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Doing the work of the Lord can seem discouraging sometimes. It can be easy to want to stop running and give up. We go against the flow, which can be rough.
But the good news found throughout God’s Word is God is faithful. The grace of God covers us completely as we continue on persevere.
We can trust Jesus understands our pain and truly is preparing a place for us to live with Him.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
I love this reminder from the Word of God about God being our safe place. He protects us and shields us. Even in the midst of hard times, God is protecting us in ways beyond our own understanding.
Knowing God is always present to help is also encouraging. God is a God of hope and faithfulness. He will never forget you, His beloved child!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
A couple of things really stand out to me about these verses. First, our Heavenly Father is compassionate and longs to comfort us if we turn to Him.
Second, our pain isn’t always for naught. In fact, many times the struggles we have survived enable us to then help others and share the love of God that He pours out so freely to us.
“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10b (ESV)
Thinking of being joyful during hard times sounds preposterous, but God’s joy is beyond our human joy. It is joy based on our right relationship with God and not based on achievements or possessions.
That doesn’t mean we won’t or shouldn’t feel sad or distressed. However, it is a reminder we can always find joy in God’s love and knowing He is faithful, even when life is upside down.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
This is another verse about having joy in spite of hard times. In fact, James seems to be telling us to be joyful because we are facing trials.
That seems really hard to do. However, we know life is a mix of both good times and hard times. If we are going to have hard times any way, then let us at least be comforted by knowing God can use our trials to grow our faith.
No matter what happens, the will of God and the character of God remain true.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Following along with the previous verse, this verse is comforting in knowing God is always at work. This doesn’t mean everything will turn out fine and God will make it all perfect from our perspective.
However, we can rest in knowing that as His children whatever we face, God will be at work in and through our lives as we deal with it.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
I’ve had a few times in my life when I faced really hard situations and God gave me peace. It was truly beyond what I could understand.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, finding peace can be difficult at the best of times. But I am thankful for a God who can give me peace during both the best of times and the worst of times!
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Peace sounds good always, but it especially does in our suffering. This powerful Bible verse reminds us that we can have perfect peace if we remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God.
When we focus on the One Who holds us in His hand, we can rest in His peace.
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.”
Psalm 32:7 (ESV)
We can’t continually hide from our problems. They do catch up with us; however, this inspirational quote from the Bible is a great reminder that we can hide in God.
When you need a break from your thoughts and challenges, hide yourself in God through things like worship and reading the Bible. These things also helps us focus on Him instead of our troubles.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
The New Testament is full of promises for our future and what is to come. We can be encouraged by knowing our suffering isn’t permanent, and God won’t leave us in our misery forever.
We also have to remember that God’s timing and version of “a little while” is based from an eternal perspective, not a human one.
“In the same way, 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)
As we endure the trials of life, we must also remember the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are too distraught and beside ourselves to even know what to ask God for, the Holy Spirit goes to God on our behalf.
God’s faithfulness, goodness and love continue to astound me. He clearly understands the pain being too great for our ability to put into words. And He gave us a Helper for those very times.
Download a free list of all these verses now to help you on your journey!
What if you saw yourself like your loved ones see you?
I was putting my son to bed recently, and he was having a difficult time. His young self was upset with a mistake he had made.
It was a very small mistake. He didn’t get in trouble for it. Nobody was upset, hurt or angry. But he was treating himself as if he had physically harmed someone else.
He looked at me and asked whether I think he’s too hard on himself.
I know he knows the answer, because we’ve talked about this many times. However, maybe he needed to hear it again. So I said yes, I do think he is too hard on himself.
Then he asked where he gets it from. He knows the answer to this as well. Both my husband and I have shared with him a few times that I am the same way with myself. Yet, again I answered.
In all sincerity, he looked at me and asked incredulously, “Why are you hard on yourself?”
He said it in a way that he truly didn’t understand why I’d be hard on myself. He is my son, my baby boy, who adores me.
From the beginning of his life, he’s been my sidekick. He has quite literally chosen to be with me instead of friends quite a few times during his life thus far.
My son sees me in a different light than I see myself. He sees good things.
I’m thankful for that. It left me wondering, though, why am I so hard on myself? More importantly, how can I start being kinder to me and teach my son to do the same?
What being hard on yourself looks like
I can’t speak for everyone; I can only tell you what being hard on yourself looks like for me. Unfortunately I see my son doing some of these same things, and it breaks my heart. He is a chip off the old block, so to speak.
Being hard on myself means that when I make a small mistake, I chastise myself as if I have committed a grave error that will affect the rest of humanity for the rest of known time. I ruminate on the mistake.
My critical inner voice says really mean things to myself about me. While I consider myself an encourager to others, I am proficient in negative self-talk and negative thinking. In fact, I think I often speak words of encouragement to others because I so constantly need them.
Yet when someone does compliment or encourage me, I struggle to believe them.
For me, being hard on yourself means that no matter what you do, it’s never enough. I always find myself wanting.
I struggle to acknowledge the good things I’ve done and focus instead on the negative things. While I might accomplish many things in a day, I focus instead on where I failed and the tasks I didn’t get to.
Another way I’m hard on myself is in taking responsibility for when things go wrong or a family member is upset — even when there is no possible way I’m the cause.
I remember doing this even as a child. When I came home from school and my mom had had a bad day at work, I felt like I was responsible.
(And I have an incredibly sweet mother who has always been a positive influence in my life. She didn’t take her bad days out on me in any way. I could just sense her feelings and somehow felt I was at fault.)
The truth behind being hard on yourself
I won’t pretend to know the truth on why all people are hard on themselves. I don’t even fully understand why for myself.
Instead, I suspect a lot of it (for me, at least) stems from two things: being a people pleaser and a perfectionist.
While I think I’m not a people pleaser so much these days, the truth is I am. I don’t like conflict.
As someone who is sensitive to others, I don’t like negative emotions. (Who does?! But, I often quite literally feel what those near me are feeling.)
I don’t care what people think about things like what I’m wearing or doing. I’m comfortable in my own skin.
However, I really don’t want to upset people around me. I avoid conflict like the plague.
So, I guess you could say that I am a people pleaser, even though I don’t want to admit that.
Then there’s the perfectionist side of me, which goes along with people pleasing. I have high standards and want things to be just so.
More than anything, I want to be the best version of myself and who I expect me to be. However, sometimes I set a much higher standard that conflicts with who I actually am.
I’m a quiet introvert. Sometimes I’d love to be gregarious extrovert who confidently walks into a room and chats kindly with everyone they see. I set high expectations I could never meet.
Even though I know that isn’t me, I’m often hard on myself when I do just the opposite. As I slump into a room, hope nobody notices me, find a friend I can latch on to and then count the time until I can escape, I am simultaneously mad at myself for not being different.
My perfectionism usually has way less to do with physical attributes and things as much as it does with myself. I want to be perfect, but I am not. I fail and come up short. So then I’m hard on myself.
Learning to be kinder to yourself
I am a work in progress. I certainly haven’t conquered being hard on myself. But I am working on it. It is definitely a learning process.
I noticed how I was being hard on myself even more after having children. Then I really paid attention when I saw my kiddos being the same way.
My daughter has been hard on herself for sure, but my son amps up to my level of being hard on himself. His inner critic is quite harsh.
Like so many things, my desire to improve myself stems from seeing the same struggle in my child and wanting to be better for him. So, I’m working on it.
Doing the best that I can
A few things have helped me give old Stacey a break and not be so stinking hard on her all the time.
The first is reminding myself I’m doing the best that I can. Overall, I really am doing the best that I can at any given time.
Yes, there are times I could probably put in more effort, but most of the time I have given my all and that has to be enough. Because it’s all that I have to give.
Often I repeat to myself when I start getting mean inside my head: “I’m doing the best that I can.”
I tell my son the same thing. As a dyslexic, he can be very hard on himself about reading and spelling. He wants to always have perfect scores on assignments and tests.
I can only begin to imagine how frustrating it is when words are everywhere and everyone else reads them with ease while you struggle.
I remind him often that his dad, teachers and I only expect him to do his best. His best is good enough. He is doing his best, and that’s all that matters.
I want him to learn those lessons early in life for his own mental health and personal growth. My husband and I are doing our best to be positive influences in his life to help him overcome his own negative feelings.
Letting go of perfection
The other thing that I strive to remind myself is I’m not perfect. While I know I’m not perfect, I often behave and treat myself in the opposite fashion. I need to cut myself some slack in my own thoughts.
When my negative thoughts threaten to take over, I strive to remind myself that I a human being and am going to make mistakes. And that’s OK — truly OK.
I’ve also realized the good that comes from not being perfect and shared that with my son the other night. I told him he isn’t perfect. And neither am I. None of us are.
If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus. He hadn’t thought of it that way before.
I don’t want to go through this life without Jesus. He has seen me through so many things and loves me in ways I don’t understand.
If I were perfect, I wouldn’t need Him. I don’t want to imagine what that would be like. Truly, I don’t.
So not being perfect really is OK. His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Seeing you as others do
Finally, I’ve been thinking about what if I saw myself the way my son does. What if he saw himself the way I do? How would that change our opinions of ourselves?
I don’t think I’d be as hard on myself; neither would he. We would get a bigger picture view of ourselves that is more well-rounded.
When I look at my baby boy, I saw a young man who is persistent, kind, empathetic, caring, sweet, hilarious, thoughtful and so much more. He can solve problems and come up with solutions better than anyone I know.
He thinks outside of the box. I often refer to him as “my little man with a plan,” because of how his mind works. There is no way I’d trade him for any other son. He is just right!
I can’t tell you exactly how he sees me. But, I hope my family sees I love them and am trying every single day to do my best for them. I want to be their support system and soft place to fall.
My desire is to encourage them and uplift them. Hopefully, they see my sensitivity, my empathy and my love for Jesus.
Perhaps they see the strength I’ve used to overcome various challenges. I have good qualities. I need to do is focus on those more often.
Can you imagine how much my attitude would change if I allowed myself to peak at the good things God sees in me? He truly knows me. Even in my relationship with Him, I can imagine Him shaking His head at my faults.
But He knows we aren’t perfect. He sent His Son to die because of how much He knows this! He is a loving Father who sees us as a whole person and someone worthy of love.
Just like I see the struggles and faults my kids have, I also see much more the goodness and strengths they have.
Next time you are being hard on yourself, remember that you are doing the best you can and you aren’t perfect. Then take a moment to step back and look at yourself the way those who love you — including your heavenly Father — do.
I’m going to do the same thing. And if we do this on a regular basis, little by little our old habit of negative self-talk with dissolve.
20 Bible verses to help you remember to trust and lean on God
I’ve been a Christian officially since I was 10. That means, I’ve had more than three decades of living with God in my life.
I have seen and know His faithfulness. Trusting Him should be second nature right now. Often it is, but other times, I need reminders when life starts going haywire that God is on His throne and I can trust Him completely.
That’s where Bible verses about leaning on God help. His Word is the best way to remember Who God is and how much I can trust Him.
These powerful Bible verses remind us to trust God in tough times and in good times. As you lean on God through His Word, let the peace of God fill your heart and mind.
Learning to lean on God
Just like with any relationship, our relationship with God is a day-by-day thing. I don’t mean that as in we need to doubt our salvation, but I do mean that in the way we choose each day (and sometimes each moment) to live in line with God or not.
It’s our choice to make Him a big part of our lives or keep Him tucked away in a small corner of our lives.
A couple of things help me most when my faith and trust in God get shaky: Bible verses and music. I’m encouraged that God clearly knew we’d have moments of weakness and doubt. So He packed His Word full of verses to encourage us on our faith journey.
God knows our weaknesses as humans, and He loves us anyway. He gives us the tools we need along the way. It’s just up to us to utilize them.
Favorite Bible verses about leaning on God
Turning to the Word of the Lord is the first place to start during times of testing of your faith. We serve a trustworthy God who will be with us in times of trouble. We can lean into our Lord Jesus and know He will be our strong tower during hard times.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
My own understanding of things is paltry at best. I don’t know what the future holds or how things are going to work out.
This verse reminds me that regardless of what I know or understand, I have a God I can trust in with all my heart because He knows it all and will be there with me every single step of the way.
I want to always be in the will of God, even when I don’t understand completely the situation.
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.'”
Psalm 46:10a (NIV)
When it comes to Bible verses about leaning on God, this is one of my favorites. I have trouble being still in my head. I can easily get carried away, ruminate and stress out.
But this verse reminds me that I can just be still, rest and trust in God. Sometimes repeating “Be still” in my head can help calm my anxiety as I trust in the One Who is truly in control.
Other times, I ask God for help in being still, because doing so is hard with only my own strength. I need His help to even be still in Him.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
The definition for the word salvation is to save or protect from harm, destruction and loss. This verse reminds us that God is saving and protecting us. We can trust in God’s unfailing love and not be afraid.
The good news is when God is our strength, defense and ultimate protector, we can relax and rest in Him.
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
Two things stick out to me in this verse. First, the use of the words “forever” and “eternal.” Knowing that God is an everlasting God on Whom I can lean throughout eternity is comforting to me.
My brain has trouble even fathoming how long eternity is, but even just having been able to trust Him for my meager amount of years on earth is significant.
The second thing that jumps out at me is the concept of the Lord being the Rock. He’s not dirt or sand. He’s not water. God is a solid rock and firm foundation. In life, so many things can shift and change in the blink of an eye, but God remains the same in good and difficult times. He is solid and true.
“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)
God is speaking these words to Joshua, but they apply to us just as much. As we trust in God, we can rest assured He will be with us everywhere we go — even in a day of trouble.
Just remembering this gives me strength and courage. It helps me not be as afraid or discouraged. Bible verses about leaning on God can also remind us we are never alone, which is something we need to hear when life is difficult.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
When I was a child, I trusted my parents to meet my needs. I was blessed to never worry about what I’d have to eat or whether I’d have clean clothes to wear.
That’s the same sort of trust I strive to have in God. My desire is to be trusting God so completely that when something goes sideways, I don’t have to worry and can relax in knowing that He’s got it covered.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Trusting in God can fill us with joy and peace. It can give us hope beyond what even makes sense. God has given us His Holy Spirit to fill us and dwell in us.
During times that we are struggling to trust in God, we can ask for help and the Holy Spirit can fill us up with strength and peace not our own. I’m so thankful for that!
“‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.'”
John 14:1 (NIV)
Jesus is speaking here. He’s just told His followers of trouble to come and that He will soon be leaving them. They’re distressed and worried. They’re afraid.
I’ve felt that way. I’ve gotten news that left me shaken and unsure. I didn’t know what the future would look like.
But these words from Jesus remind me that I don’t need to have a troubled heart. I just need to believe.
In the proper time, I will see every good thing God has for me. That may be on earth or in heaven or, most likely, both.
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
Psalm 118:8 (NIV)
In my humanity, I can often be tempted to trust in other people when things go wrong.
For example, dealing with various health struggles through the years have led me down a path of beginning to trust in doctors or treatments. I had to learn to make sure I was trusting in God instead.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Things change. People change. Life changes. But, Jesus remains steadfast and true. He is the same and we can trust in Him always because He never changes.
I will never forget one of the lowest points in my life. I questioned God’s plan and purpose. Honestly, I questioned God’s love. Nothing made sense.
My world was completely upside down, and I truly didn’t know how I’d ever endure and make it through to the other side. I spent that Sunday morning at church too overwhelmed to even sing the praise and worship songs.
My mind wandered throughout much of the sermon. But my eyes saw the cross at the front of the church.
And God gently reminded me that I didn’t need all the answers. I just needed to trust that He is ever faithful and true. The only thing I needed to know is that Jesus loved me so much He died for me. I could cling to that when all else failed me.
That is the God we serve — One who is steadfast, true, unchanging and full of love for each of us.
Favorite Bible verses about faith and trust
As we are continually learning to lean on God, we also need to have Scripture references that encourage us in our faith and trust in God. Though I’ve been a Christian for decades, I still have times of wavering faith and trust. I have never turned my back on God.
However, in hard times I have wondered how much I could truly trust Him. I’ve questioned whether my faith was strong enough.
And each time, I learned that I can trust Him completely, because while I may change and struggle, God’s character remains the same.
I can ask God for help with strengthening my faith when it starts getting shaky. If I can turn my eyes to look at Him instead of looking around me, my faith and trust are made stronger.
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
I love this reminder of what just a teeny, tiny amount of faith can do! Have you seen a mustard seed? They are 0.1 inch in diameter! That’s tiny.
Jesus is telling us here that even if our faith is small, it is still powerful. Can our faith be big? Of course! But even when it isn’t, it is still powerful.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
For a little while, I can slip into a negative attitude like, “I know God can fix this, but I don’t think He will.” I don’t usually utter those words aloud, but God hears them in my heart.
This verse, though, convicts my heart. Faith is the assurance of things of we cannot see and being confident in the God we serve.
I can’t be confident in myself and that I’ll always come out on top, but I can be confident God knows what He’s doing and will come out on top. I am assured and can be hopeful that no matter what life brings, God is there with me. What better description of faith is there?!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Faith and trust really do go hand-in-hand with leaning on God. If we have faith in God and Who He is, then we can trust He will always be with us.
Not only does this verse remind us we can have faith and trust in God, but it also tells us God is a God of hope. Trusting in Him will bring us joy and peace.
And, finally, it reminds us that the Holy Spirit can fill our hearts to overflowing with hope and the joy of the Lord.
“‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”
Mark 10:52 (NIV)
This is one example of many in the New Testament where Jesus healed someone based on their faith. They truly believed in Him and His power.
He sees the desires of your heart and knows your faith. Does this mean we will always get what we want? No. Does it mean we will always be healed on earth? Also, no.
But it does mean that God sees you and will reward your faith. It also means our faith is about following Jesus.
Instead of running off to live his life in a way he’d only previously imagined, the former blind man immediately followed Jesus. He knew where his blessing and healing had come from.
We, too, know where our blessings and evert good gift come from and can put our faith in Him!
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”
Psalm 119:30 (NIV)
Faithfulness is a way of life we can choose. We choose faith even when our faith is shaken and wavering.
Sometimes when we go through the acts of faithfulness, it grows our faith. I have had times when my heart just wasn’t into worshipping God.
Yet, I found myself drawn along in worship with other believers and before I knew it, God blessed my heart and encouraged me. Living the life we know God has called us lead will draw us closer to Him, even when we are resistant or out of sorts.
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Romans 10:17 (NIV)
I’ve been going to church my entire life. I cannot begin to tell you ever sermon I’ve heard preached or Sunday School lesson I’ve sat through. But, they have all impacted me. They have served to grow and strengthen my faith.
This verse plainly tells us that faith comes from hearing the message, which is the word of Christ. Keep on reading God’s Word, meeting with His people and listening to music that focuses on Him to keep your faith in tact.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
The peace in this verse is like that talked about in Philippians 4:7. It is God’s peace that is beyond our understanding.
When we trust in God, no matter how dire the circumstance is, He can give us peace that doesn’t make any sense. He can bring us comfort and assurance through every moment.
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
This is a good verse to remember for those times you feel like giving up. I love the reminder to trust in God and in HIs name because He has never left me.
The good news is we only have to call on the name of the Lord and He will be right there in the midst of any storm.
Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past helps me have faith and trust in Him even more in the present.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalms 56:3-4 (NIV)
My all-time favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10, which reminds me that God is always with me and I don’t have to be afraid.
These verses takes that even a step further. Not only can we trust in God when we’re afraid and have Him give us peace, but we can rest assured there is nothing of eternal consequence others can do to us. God is upholding us with His righteous right hand.
“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)
Trusting in God looks like letting go of trying to make sense of things. If we are leaning on His understanding, then we are not leaning on our own.
Faith, trust and leaning on God often don’t make a lot of logical sense. As we choose to follow God, we can decide He knows what He’s doing more than we can understand.
Many times later on we are able to look back and see why He did things that didn’t make sense at the time.
Music for leaning on God
When we are struggling with our faith and trust in God, remembering His past faithfulness is helpful. One lesson I have learned is God won’t ever leave me hanging. He has proven time and again that He’s right there with me every step of the way.
A couple of songs have really spoken this message to me. The first is “Yes He Can” by Cain. I love the message and reminder from this trio that God has always been there in the past and will be now.
Another song that speaks to my heart in so many ways is Bethel Music’s “Goodness of God.” It reminds us how God has always been faithful and so good. It’s one of my favorite songs!
Finally, Andrew Peterson has a song called “Faith to Be Strong” that has been out since 2000 and still inspires and uplifts me. I remember this song really touching my heart after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Encouragement to lean on God in faith
Sometimes more than anything, we just need to ask God for faith. Our Heavenly Father knows our faith and trust in Him can waver. He is ready to help us. It’s OK to be honest with Him about our feelings and ask for help.
Learning to lean on God doesn’t always come naturally or easy to us. We like to be independent and make our own way.
But, these Bible verses about leaning on God and trusting in Him remind us that we don’t have to go alone through difficult times. We can confidently lean into and on the God of the universe who loves us so completely.
