Moms are so often the cheerleaders of the family. Rarely a day goes by when we’re not encouraging our kids and giving pep talks…even if it’s trying to rally everyone around tonight’s meatloaf. We’re known for multi-tasking, “doing it all,” and being the tie that binds. But even the most energetic mom needs to feel appreciated and encouraged once and a while, especially around Mother’s Day, when we focus on the blessing of being called “mom.” Here are some of the best Scripture verses to soak in, this Mother’s Day:

Mother’s Day Verse #1: Matthew 10:42:“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Motherhood is really a series of unseen, mostly unappreciated acts of service that continue for a minimum of eighteen years. It’s all guts, no glory. Between the diaper changes, laundry folding, carpooling, and hair braiding we can often feel unseen and unaccomplished, especially when sacrificing our personal ambitions/careers/aspirations for the greater good. But God sees every minute of sleep lost, every tear cried in worry and every headache we pushed through, driving to soccer. He’s proud, and he notices, even when our kids and partners do not. He rewards us when we’re faithful with the “little things,” like giving water to a child. There is no greater responsibility and honor in this life, than raising our children. He’s watching our sacrifices, and he’s proud, even when we feel otherwise.

Mother’s Day Verse #2: 1 Peter 3:4: “You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

I don’t know about y’all, but motherhood hasn’t exactly done much for my pride. I’ve developed a varicose vein the size of the Nile River thanks to baby number three, my first early gray came after my teenage son started dating, and my career would be much further along, had I not stayed home when my kids were babies.  Most moms sacrifice a lot. Our figures, our personal dreams, professional ambitions…they all get put on hold after having babies, and it can be downright humbling. I’ll never forget running into an old friend at a store, while schlepping my two toddlers in a double stroller like a third world sherpa. She was in full Prada, freshly manicured and ever so excited to share about her executive level job and recent travels to Bali.  I felt so…frumpy…and underachieved and just…meh.

Those are the times 1 Peter 3:4 comes in handy…. our value comes from within. Impressive jobs, fancy clothes, worldly achievements…they aren’t wrong or sinful…but they also don’t matter God and they shouldn’t define us. Our selflessness, our ongoing sacrificial love, our efforts to raise our kids well, and be loving spouses…those qualities make us beautiful, in His eyes. I’m not advocating we throw in the gym towels or cut up the Nordstrom’s card, but our inward lives are what make us shine.

Mother’s Day Verse #3: Isaiah 40:12: :”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.”

I honestly don’t even understand how non-Christian parents do it. No Idea. Mothers (especially with young kids) can feel straight up overwhelmed and stressed, twenty-four seven. It seems there’s never enough time or energy to be the present, engaged moms we want to be. We need this verse like we need coffee. We try to be everything, do everything and help everyone. Even with one child, this can be emotionally and physically exhausting. But when we commit to prayer daily, intentionally allowing the Lord to “fill us up” with His Word, and invigorate our spirits in His presence, the challenges of the day become a lot more manageable. I know many of us feel too tired and overextended to even sit still to pray, but it’s worth it. Take the time from some other area. The laundry can wait. Your sanity can’t.

Mother’s Day Verse #4: Philippians 4:6: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”

It is nearly impossible not to worry about out kids. When they’re small, we’re worried about their safety at day/care or school. When they’re older, we’re worried about sheltering them from the nasty influences of the world, and keeping them pure…heck my oldest is twenty-one and I just texted him about his eating patterns.

Me: “Did you see the Fiber pills I left for you on the counter? It really will help with bathroom issues.”

Son:  Silence.

One of the most freeing truths I’ve ever heard as a young mom was “God loves your kids more than you do.” He cares, plans for and protects them more than we ever could. Whenever we’re tempted to worry, tell him about it. It sounds super obvious, but there’ve been so many times in my life I’m caught up in a whirlwind over something to do with my kids, that I literally forget to pray about it. Prayer empowers us and forces our spirits to remember God is in control, and he will never desert our children. Never.

Mother’s Day Verse #5: Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

This is a big one. Especially for those of us with teens and older children facing the world a bit more on their own. As our kids get older, we will see them sin, and falter. We’ll most likely catch them in lies, be disappointed in their decisions, and disheartened in their attitudes from time to time. It’s tempting not to question whether we’ve done enough to raise them with enough spiritual nourishment. We all feel guilty about not reading the Bible more when they were little, or watching sermons once a week with our teens, etc. But according to his Word, our kids will not depart ( which in Hebrew means to forsake; to abandon) from the truth. We can have peace, knowing if we’re raising our kids in a home that prioritizes, values, and loves Jesus, they will continue that journey as an adult.

Mother’s Day Verse #6: Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”

This one doesn’t pertain to mothers specifically, but it’s always at the forefront of my mind. So much of motherhood is straight up ridiculous. It just is. Nothing prepares you for the insanity that ensues from those first moments on the birthin’ table. We find ourselves literally fighting for time to shower when they’re babies, then we’re navigating weird mommy-and-me groups when they’re toddlers, then rocking press-on nails for a decade after sacrificing the spa to afford two kids in gymnastics. It’s a crazy, wild adventure, and I’ve found that literally laughing and trying to enjoy through the mess is so much easier and liberating, than trying to be or appear like we have it all together.

Motherhood will never, ever be easy. But we can experience continual peace and joy that also comes with having children, when we focus on the Lord and remember where our hope comes from. Have a wonderful, peaceful and refreshed Mother’s Day.  xo

For more on Mother’s Day, check out my post “6 Ways to Avoid Emotional Disaster (Again) This Mother’s Day.”