10 Biblical Truths for the Mom Who Doubts Herself
Motherhood. Just the word evokes feelings within a mom’s heart. No matter how new or old the title mother is, it’s a weight and a crown that can’t really be compared to anything else. From the very first time I realized I might become a mother, I started trying to learn everything I could about pregnancy, newborns, and the process of being a mom. Now that I’ve been into it for over twenty years, I still have moments when I don’t know if I’m doing it right. As a mom of five, I’m continuing to learn and grow.
There are seasons that are unexplainably filled with joy. Then there are seasons when the difficulty can’t even be put into words. Motherhood dives into a part of a woman’s heart that is tender and deeply personal.
But it takes one scroll through social media to start doubting every victory I’ve ever had as a mom. Am I enough? Did I do too much? Did I mess them up? Am I making the right choice? Should I have said yes? Or no?
The doubts a mother carries are deep. God gives moms sweet reminders in His Word, and together, we are going to unpack just a few words of encouragement for moms that will help you relax when the doubts start creeping in.
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1. God Created You Just Like He Created Your Child
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14).
It’s easy to see the beauty and miracle of life in a fresh newborn baby that you’ve carried for months in the womb. It’s much more difficult when the reflection in the mirror shows your own body that’s lost its youthful glow and changed shape right before your eyes. The beauty is harder to grasp.
But the Bible says, you are made by God and designed just the way He wanted. It’s a wonderful body and the reflection, while it might not be exactly the way you think it should be, is of a beautiful daughter and creation of God.
2. God Equipped You for This
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
The Bible never says that God won’t give us more than we can handle, and sometimes motherhood seems to fit into that really hard category. It can feel like too much or too complicated.
The reminder we get from Paul in 1 Thessalonians is that God equips His children for whatever He has for them to accomplish. Motherhood can feel like more than we can handle, and many days, it is. But God never asks us to do it in our own strength. The reminder we see in 1 Thessalonians is that the God who calls us is faithful to sustain us.
We are not equipped because we are capable. We are equipped because He is. While we cannot do it in our strength, with God we can. Let go of the idea that you have to do it all on your own. Rest in God’s strength to empower you.
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3. You Don’t Have to Answer to Anyone Else for How You Parent Your Child
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).
There is so much information and comparison mothers face in this age of technology and social media. No matter what you think is best, you will find someone who boldly disagrees with your methods of mothering. The good news is you don’t have to answer to anyone for how you parent your children except for God. So go to Him and seek His wisdom and guidance.
4. When You Don’t Know What to Do, God Does
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
God is working even when we don’t know what to do. Have you ever thought to yourself, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Babies and children don’t come with an instruction manual. It’s truly a trial-and-error kind of practice.
Thankfully we serve an all-powerful God who works all things together for good. Let God fill the gaps that leave you questioning. Trust Him to come through when you don’t know what to do.
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5. God Isn’t Waiting for You to Mess Up
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).
It can sometimes feel like God is waiting to zap us if we make one wrong move. We can get so caught up in trying to be perfect that we get stuck and don’t do anything.
Take the pressure off of yourself. God loves you and He loves your child. The Bible is clear that Jesus didn’t come to condemn and zap sinners into shape. He came to save. He loves you and your child.
6. God Wants to Hear from You
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).
Parenting might be the thing that has taken me to my knees more than anything else in my life. There have often been times I didn’t have the answer. We don’t often share these moments with others because we feel isolated in our weakness, but God’s Word says we need to ask Him for wisdom. He gives wisdom when we ask for it. So rather than wrestling with the idea that you might mess up your kids, seek God’s wisdom daily.
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7. Jesus Is the Only Savior for Your Child
“I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:11).
God loves you and your child so much that He sent Jesus for both of you. This takes the pressure off of us to be our child’s savior. We don’t have to feel like their only hope. Jesus is their only hope. He holds all they need. We can guide, and comfort, and lead. He can save.
8. God Is in Control
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).
As our children grow, it can feel like we are losing control, and in many ways we are. At some point, we will have to completely release our grip and let them fly. The great hope we have is that God is in complete control. They are never out of His sight or reach.
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9. Your Child Has a Choice to Follow Jesus
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
God’s desire for your child is for them to know Him. It’s not up to you if they follow Jesus. Release the idea that you have to make your child turn out good. God is more capable of reaching the heart. He can speak in ways you can’t.
10. God Hears and Answers Prayers, So Keep Praying
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
Motherhood is a lot of holding on and letting go. One way we can keep holding on for dear life is through prayer. No matter what the burden on your heart is, you can take it to God in prayer. He won’t be rushed, surprised, or shocked. He wants to hear from you. And He answers. So tell Him. Ask Him. Call on Him. And trust Him.
If you’ve felt overwhelmed or doubted your mothering skills, take hold of one or two of these Bible truths and let God fill in where you feel lacking. He is more than able. This mothering gig isn’t a wrestling match you were meant to fight alone. God is with you and for you. And He is for your child too.
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