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Parenthood is the most wonderful journey of our lives. It forges us into the best possible versions of ourselves in the pursuit of raising our children to be the best that they can be. It gives us an opportunity to relive the best moments of our childhood as we create a parenting style that’s almost a “greatest hits” of what our parents did for us. Christmases and birthdays become more magical than they’ve been since we were kids and every single day there seems to be a little extra wonder in the world when you look at your child’s smile.
But let’s be honest… It has its challenges, too.
As any parent knows, there are good days and bad, and sometimes it feels as though you just might be the worst, most inept and most clueless parent on God’s green Earth. You’re not. But it can sure feel that way. The good news is that the scriptures can be a source of guidance and inspiration for parents even in their most hopeless hours. It’s called “the good book” for a reason, after all. As well as great resources for parents like the Faith to Faith book, the Bible has a great many uplifting and inspirational passages for parents. Here are a few favorites…
Matthew 6:33-34 tells us that faith is all we need
Parenthood causes us to draw upon reserves of strength, patience and kindness that we never even knew that we had in the tank. It’s incredible what we’re capable of when we have faith in The Lord, and in ourselves. Matthew 6:33-34 reminds us that faith is all we need.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to tell God. He’s listening and he has faith in you, even when you don’t have faith in yourself.
Hebrews 12:11 lends us conviction when our kids act out
Discipline is a thorny issue for parents. We love our children and want to see them happy and smiling at all times. We spoil them rotten when they earn it, but sometimes even the most well behaved child acts out. As parents we all feel a flush of guilt when we ground our kids or tell them to go to their room. We worry that we’ve overreacted or been too harsh. But Hebrews teaches us that nothing worth having was ever achieved without discipline.
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
Our kids may feel we’re being grievously unfair. We may feel like monsters. But the good book reminds us that discipline isn’t supposed to be pleasant… But it is necessary.
Galatians 6:9 - Teaches us never to give up on ourselves
As parents, we can treat self-doubt and introspection as curses, making us second guess our every decision pertaining to our children. But they are actually blessings. As parents, we owe it to our kids and ourselves to be the best that we can be and to never give up on ourselves.
As Galatians 6:9 tells us;
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Yes, the path of parenthood is beset with doubt. But though we may doubt ourselves, we must never give up and never stop pushing to be the best that we can be.
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