Be the Best Mother You Can Be

The Bible often praises mothers, calling them wise, kind, and teachers of the next generation. Proverbs 31:25-20 states, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Psalm 127:3 calls the fruit of the womb a reward for women. Motherhood is certainly a blessing, but it can also feel overwhelming. Luckily, there is no such thing as the perfect mother. It is okay to have challenges and roadblocks that test your strength – this is natural. In these tough times, know that there is always a lesson you can learn through the Lord.

When Children Won’t Obey

Obedience is a tough virtue for children to learn – harder for some than others. When you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, remember what the Bible says about obedience. There are several scriptures and stories in the Bible showing how much God values obedience, including these two:

• Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:26-3:24). God commands Adam and Eve not to eat fruit from the forbidden tree, but Satan shows up and convinces Eve to eat the fruit. Instead of obeying God’s commands, Eve (and Adam as well) does what Satan wants. As a result, God bans Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. This well-known story teaches children that there are consequences for not obeying.
• Abraham (Genesis 22). God puts Abraham through a difficult test of faith, ordering him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Abraham prepared to do so without hesitation, but just before he uses a knife to slay his son, the angel of the Lord stops him and tells him it was only a test. The angel then promises Abraham that he will create a great nation, and he does. This scripture is a great example of the rewards of obedience.

While you teach your children the virtue of obedience, you, too, can learn from the word of the Lord. Being the best mother you can be requires endless patience. Obey God’s commands to be kind and wise as a mother, and you will reap your reward just as your children will reap theirs.

When You Carry the Weight of the World on Your Shoulders

There will come times when you feel completely overwhelmed by your duties as a mother. You may feel it’s impossible to carry on with endless responsibilities and hardships that come with raising children. Let the Bible give you strength when you have nowhere else to turn. There is no end to the number of quotes in the Bible about letting the Lord be your strength and your light in difficult times:

• Isaiah 41:40 tells us not to fear, for the Lord is with us; not to be dismayed, for He is our God. God will strengthen and help you, and uphold you with His righteous right hand. Isaiah 40:31 states that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, and “soar on wings like eagles.” God promises that those with faith will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.
• Philippians 4:13 gives a simple yet powerful phrase, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” When in doubt, remember that nothing is impossible with the Lord. He that moves mountains can certainly solve the problems in your life. Harbor your strength in the one that is all powerful, and you will become unstoppable.

You don’t have to be strong all the time. No mother can accomplish this feat. In your moments of weakness, however, know that you have a friend in God. Turn to your daily devotions, prayers, and Bible study, and ask God to give you the strength and energy you need to be the best mother you can be. You might be amazed at what you can do as a mother with God in your corner.

When You Need Guidance

It may feel that a large part of being a mother is looking to others for help and guidance. You may want the approval of your mother, or friends of yours who have already had children, to confirm that you are “doing it right.” While the women around you can present a valuable resource, always look to the Lord for guidance in your life. He has a plan for you and your children, even when it doesn’t seem that way. Let God know that you are open to His guidance, and that you want to be a tool for Him to use in the lives of your children. He will answer with more blessings than you could have ever hoped for.