The alarm goes off. The exhaustion lingers. Your soul is tired in ways you didn’t know were possible. Your mind races through everything that needs to be done, so you drag yourself out of bed to begin a day you aren’t ready for.

Maybe this isn’t how you imagined motherhood would feel—moving through your days on autopilot and struggling to find joy in an ordinary morning. Yet even in seasons that feel heavy, your days still hold meaning.

I found myself in a season that took everything I had. The deep weariness wouldn’t lift. I felt lost and without purpose. I tried to push through and manage it on my own, but nothing worked. One day, I finally understood: I had lost my joy.

In the busyness of motherhood, I forgot to care for my soul. It wasn’t that God had left me, but somewhere along the way I had drifted from Him. In trying to carry everything myself, I had overlooked what I needed most: a reconnection with Jesus.

If you are a Christian mom feeling this deeply, you are not alone. Maternal burnout is real and well documented. Mothers consistently report higher rates of burnout than fathers, even when duties are shared. This is not a personal failure. It may be a sign that your soul needs care.

Jesus speaks directly to this moment:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28–29 (NIV)

He is not asking you to fix yourself first. He is asking you to come to him.

Soul care is the intentional practice of nurturing your relationship with God. It creates time and space for connection, renewal, and reflection, especially when life feels busy or hard.

This does not have to be complicated or perfect. For Christian moms, soul care could look like:

• Whispering a prayer while washing dishes
• Playing worship music during the drive to and from school
• Listening to your Bible app read Scripture while folding laundry
• Sitting quietly for a few minutes before the chaos begins

It is not about perfection. It is about intention. Soul care meets you where you are, not where you think you should be.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Daily devotions and spiritual life: where soul care begins

You carry a lot. Motherhood adds more. You’re used to multitasking, tending to everyone else’s needs, and keeping things moving. But your soul also needs attention. When you slow down long enough to rest with Jesus, it shapes how you carry the rest of your day.

Daily devotions don’t have to be long. Even brief moments with God can quiet the noise inside you. Research suggests that regular spiritual practices—such as prayer, Scripture reading, and worship—are associated with lower anxiety and improved overall well-being. Studies on spirituality and mental health also show that a steady faith life is linked to emotional resilience.

Some practical starting points:

• Choose one psalm or proverb to read each morning
• Keep a small journal for one-sentence prayers
• Use a daily devotion on your Bible app so you can listen on the go
• Set a daily reminder to pause and pray

Scripture reminds us that strength in motherhood isn’t about doing more or doing it flawlessly. Proverbs 31:25–26 reveals a steady assurance—strength that grows from trusting God, not from controlling every outcome. Soul care gently shifts the focus back to faith instead of performance.

Peace doesn’t come from having everything under control. It comes from trusting the One who does.

You were never meant to walk through motherhood alone

God created us for connection, and that need becomes clear in the beautiful, exhausting seasons of raising children.

Whether you’re an overwhelmed working mom and wife trying to hold everything together at the end of a long day or a stay-at-home mom who feels unseen in a busy house, you were not meant to carry this quietly by yourself. You need other Christian mothers, not to compete with, but to be honest with. To be seen and encouraged, even on the hard days.

A simple text from a friend who says she’s praying for you. Coffee with a mom who understands the chaos. A small group where no one pretends to have it all together. These aren’t extras. They are part of God’s love expressed through the people around you.

Research suggests that belonging to a faith-centered community is associated with lower feelings of isolation and greater resilience during stressful seasons. Scripture affirms this truth:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)

Other Christian moms feel what you feel—the exhaustion, the questions, the quiet longing for deeper peace. Allow someone to sit beside you in it, to pray with you, to remind you that you are seen and loved.

Returning to Joy

Joy isn’t found in your circumstances. It grows out of your relationship with Jesus. When you neglect your spiritual rhythms, joy can feel distant. The good news is you don’t have to change everything to find it again. It begins with small, consistent steps as you turn back toward Him.

Soul care and community are not luxuries. They are part of how God sustains you through every season. You have a God who walks with you and a biblical community that stands beside you.

Start with one thing. A whispered prayer. A single verse. A five-minute walk where you talk with God. Let that be enough for today. Then do it again tomorrow.

For Christian moms, caring for your soul isn’t selfish. It is part of staying rooted and present in everyday life.

References

Koenig, H.G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3671693/

Lucchetti, G., Koenig, H.G., & Lucchetti, A.L.G. (2021). Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 9(26), 7620–7631. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8462234/

Ren, X., Cai, Y., Wang, J., & Chen, O. (2024). A systematic review of parental burnout and related factors among parents. BMC Public Health, 24, 376. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10840230/

Raising a family with a lot of kids comes with plenty of joy and major expenses—healthcare being one of them. Many parents wonder why family health insurance has to be so pricey and if there are any viable alternatives out there.

For Christian families who want to steward God’s money wisely, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) offers a unique approach compared to the traditional insurance model. As a nonprofit ministry, CHM allows Christians to share each other’s eligible health expenses.

Instead of paying premiums to an insurance company, members send monthly contributions that directly help fellow believers. Let’s explore how CHM can help bigger families save money while allowing access to high-quality, flexible care.

Marketplace health insurance is already expensive for just one person, let alone a whole family. Add a spouse and multiple kids and things start to add up quickly. Traditional family health insurance is often priced per person, which means costs increase with every additional child—stretching an already tight budget.

For households with low to modest income, financial planning and family planning can turn into a complex juggling act. Many health insurance plans for families present the following challenges:

• High monthly premiums plus added costs for each dependent
• Large deductibles that must be met before coverage starts
• Limited networks of private practices and hospitals

Parents wanting affordable family health insurance often feel financially constrained or priced out altogether, but it doesn’t have to be that way. CHM exists to help Christians live out God’s calling without worrying about the price of medical care.

CHM offers flexibility for your family budget

When managing a family budget with a lot of kids, having some wiggle room goes a long way. CHM’s monthly contributions are designed to be affordable and adaptable.

As your family’s needs change, your membership can be updated at any time. If you need to upgrade or downgrade your family’s program, you can do so within the Member Portal or by calling CHM’s member support team (1-800-791-6225) to assist you. This flexibility is helpful for parents who might need to adjust their spending during different seasons of life.

Just note that any bills submitted with your previous program will be shared under the rules of that program. Any new bills submitted after you change your membership will then be shared under the rules of the new program.

Compared to traditional insurance, CHM doesn’t lock you into a fixed year-long contract; allowing you to switch your program at any time. While health insurance plans can only be adjusted during an enrollment period or after a qualifying life event. CHM makes it easier for families to pivot so they can get the pricing and support they need when they need it.

Because CHM isn’t insurance, members also can benefit from self-pay discounts, adding even more to their savings. Many private practices and hospitals are eager to work with patients who can pay upfront instead of dealing with insurance.

Having a family is one of God’s greatest earthly blessings. For that reason, CHM is committed to supporting growing families as much as possible—and maternity care is one of the ways we do that. Our generous Maternity Care Solution shares many expenses related to prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal needs according to CHM Guidelines.

Members can also receive a reduction of $500 to their maternity Personal Responsibility if they call and speak with the Maternity Care Team within the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. This kind of discount is rare under traditional family health insurance plans. Not only that, but CHM fully reimburses mothers for eligible physical therapy sessions during pregnancy and postpartum treatment up to 90 days after delivery.

The Maternity Care solution also allows our members access to a nurse navigator to help with various things related to pregnancy like:

• Finding reputable healthcare providers nearby
• Clarifying your options for childbirth
• Explaining lab test results and possible health risks
• Answering questions and providing helpful resources

Because CHM doesn’t use a provider network, that means mothers can go to the certified OBGYNs and hospitals they prefer without worrying about extra fees or hidden charges. Or, you can share eligible costs for legally practicing midwives and birthing centers. Being able to choose your provider allows families to find the best care they need without unnecessary limitations.

CHM’s commitment to help Christian families

If God has blessed your home with many children, there’s no need to worry about unexpected medical debt or exorbitant health insurance fees. CHM serves families big or small by providing financial flexibility, greater provider options, robust maternity care, and compassionate member service. Check out our free cost comparison tool or join CHM today and feel the difference of a biblical alternative to traditional health insurance.

Being a parent in a world overrun with screens, apps, and notifications is no easy job. Many want to protect their kids from the pitfalls of digital media but have no idea where or how to start.

With smart phones, tablets, television, video games, streaming, and social media—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But no need to worry! Applying simple lessons from Scripture can help your family’s tech habits honor the Lord.

A big question for parents today is the amount of screen time appropriate for kids. This is challenging as most of us use tech for almost every part of life. And for teenagers, social pressure to be always online and reachable continues to rise.

While every child is different, studies show that a limited and gradual introduction to tech proves better in the long run. Too much screen time creates harmful side effects—negatively impacting a child’s sleep, focus, and emotional development.

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, “High exposure to background TV has been found to negatively affect language use and acquisition, attention, cognitive development and executive function in children younger than 5 years.”

It’s no surprise that companies design videos, apps, and games to hold a user’s attention as long as possible. As you make decisions about your family’s screen time, be mindful of how vulnerable kids are to digital media. This is especially true for younger children whose brains are still developing.

Portioning screen time based on your child’s age and maturity is key here. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) suggests the following limits:

• For children under 2, no screentime at all except for video calls with friends and family.
• For 2–5-year-olds, 1 hour a day of high-quality kid’s media (watching with them is encouraged).
• For 5–12-year-olds, set clear screen time rules and make sure 9-12 hours of sleep and over an hour of exercise are a priority.
• For kids 13 and older, monitor online activity and limit social media use. Ensure they get 8-10 hours of sleep and over an hour of exercise.

Because of the unpredictable nature of parenthood, this standard isn’t always realistic. So don’t feel bad if you’re struggling to maintain this every day. Long weekends, vacations, and sick days can be exceptions to the rule!

It’s also important to remember that screen time controls only go so far (kids can often find ways around app restrictions). That’s why building positive habits together will encourage them away from obsessive tech use.

Discernment in media: guarding your child’s heart

Healthy boundaries matter, but it’s also crucial to decide what kind of content your kids will consume. This is even more important than the amount of time they spend on it!

Thankfully, there are great online resources for Christian parents to find quality movies, shows, games, and videos for kids. While no piece of media is perfect, asking the questions below can also help you decide what’s best for your family:

• Does this media celebrate sin or normalize it?
• Does it promote good morals and life lessons?
• Are the themes and visuals appropriate for my child’s age?
• Does it encourage compulsive or addictive behavior?

Christian parents play a vital role in teaching children not just what to consume, but how to discern if something is spiritually healthy. Helping your kids ask these questions on their own can nourish spiritual growth and critical thinking.

With many helpful tools for parents out there, God’s word should still be at the heart of any decision. In fact, the Bible sheds meaningful light on all the issues we’ve covered. Below are a few helpful verses to meditate on and memorize:

• “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” —Psalm 119:37, ESV
• “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” —Philippians 4:8, ESV
• “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” —Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV
• “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

As these verses engage your mind and spirit, use that wisdom to make informed media guidelines for your family. Remember, you’re not alone either! If you’re ever unsure about what to do, reach out to your pastor or fellow Christian parents for advice.

Parenting as a Christian in a digital landscape 

Raising godly children is a big challenge—and the stakes have never been higher for their attention. But with biblical wisdom, they can swim upstream in a world of endless distractions.

When setting boundaries, the goal isn’t perfection. Focus on building healthy habits as a family every day. Over time, you’ll enable your kids to glorify God while having a balanced relationship with technology.

Resources/References

• Screen Time Guidelines for Kids, at Every Age: CHLA Experts Weigh In | Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
• Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world – PMC

The search for the perfect name often comes with feelings of both pressure and joy. Whether you’re looking for traditional or unique biblical names for 2026, you’re in the right place! We’ve compiled a list of top names with Christian meanings to help you find the perfect name for your little one. 

Choosing a baby’s name is just the beginning of your parenting adventure. If you’re looking to start a family, or if yours is already growing, it’s never too early to think of meaningful or unique names that match your faith and hopes for your little one. 

Biblical names

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (ESV)
[James 1:5]

Choosing the right name for your tiny bundle of joy can feel like a tall order! As always, wise decisions start with prayer. Names and their meanings are important in the Bible and are still important today. Being prayerful about what to name your newborn can be a blessing to them both now and in the future. 

Whatever name you choose, it will be like every gift from God—blessed, loved, and perfect.

Popular Christian baby girl names

Christian parents often name their daughters after women of faith who exemplify Biblical virtues and values. They may appreciate the wisdom of Deborah, the mercy of Miriam, or the strength of Sarah.

Here’s a list of strong Biblical and faith-inspired names for girls in 2026:

1. 1
   Seraphina

   Meaning “ardent” and “fiery,” this name originates in Hebrew, referring to the six-winged angels or “seraphim” described in the book of Isaiah. 

2. 2
   Evangeline

   In Greek, this name translates to “bearer of good news.” Evangeline has soared in popularity over the past twenty years, even spreading to the Philippines and Nigeria.  

3. 3
   Marie

   A French variation on the name Mary, the mother of Jesus. While less popular than in previous generations, Marie is seeing a quiet revival. 

4. 4
   Charity

   A classic but underappreciated virtue name, meaning the greatest kind of love. Charity was popular in the late 1800s, then saw a resurgence in the 70s and 80s.  

5. 5
   Joy

   Another virtue name that gained popularity with Christian groups in the 1600s. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a frequent subject in the New Testament epistles. 

Runner ups

If these options aren’t quite the right fit, consider a few other popular Christian names: Hannah (favor, grace), Dorothy (gift of God), Noelle (Christmas), Joanna (God is gracious), or Phoebe (pure, radiant).

We live in a fast-paced world. Between work, family, and daily obligations, it seems like there’s always something to do. Even when things are going smoothly, you can still feel stressed, tired, and maybe even a bit anxious.

Here’s the good news—you’re not alone! Parenting, a job transition, or even just the busyness that consumes our lives causes weariness. That’s why it’s important to learn to rest well and make time for recovery. Even Jesus went away to pray.

Rest stop

Imagine you’re on a long car ride to your favorite vacation destination. After five hours, you’re more than a little tired, sore, and let’s face it, probably “hangry,” too. Suddenly, you spot a rest stop in the distance. You’re able to pull over, stretch your legs, and get some much-needed fresh air and food.

We all need “rest stops” in our lives. God never meant for the Christian life to become so consumed with stress and worry that our souls reach empty. Running on fumes is exhausting and leaves us unable to give our best to our family, our friendships, and our daily tasks.

Knowing how to rest is just as important as knowing how to do your job or care for your family. That’s why Scriptures about rest highlight the importance of sitting at Jesus’ feet to draw from the living water and satisfying our weary souls.

The Promised Land

We all want rest. So did the Israelites! They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. That’s a long time to never have a place to truly call home. They dreamed of the Promised Land, a place flowing with what they needed and with what their hearts desired.

Even after their disobedience, God never gave up on the Israelites. He, too, wanted to bring them into a restful place where they could settle and thrive.

What’s your “Promised Land”? Maybe it’s a few moments of peace, a nap after work, or a chat with a friend. Regardless of the reason, God wants to bring you to new levels of peace and provision.

Sabbath

We’re called to rest in the Lord. But rest and recovery doesn’t come by striving. We’ve subconsciously believed a very persuasive—though well-meaning—lie. In our culture, worth equals work. We assume if we’re not working, then our needs will go unnoticed. After all, who will get the bills paid, the kids dressed, and the laundry folded?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with being a faithful servant who works hard and strives for excellence. But we can either work from a place of restlessness or restfulness.

The Bible points out that resting is a requirement for work. Yes, you read that right. Rest is a requirement. After creating the world, God rested on the seventh day [Genesis 2:2-3]. He even went so far as to set apart the seventh day of every week as a Sabbath day for His people to find restoration [Exodus 20:8-11]. He knows our restless hearts and desires to soothe them with healing only He can provide.

“Come to me all who are weary”

The Bible talks about resting in the Lord because He understands the intricacy of our souls. He knows that we need a resting place for heart, soul, mind, and body.

Biblical freedom at its core is dependence on God and His Spirit to live out our salvation.

Independence

On Independence Day, we celebrate our freedoms as Americans, fought for and valued by individuals who lived hundreds of years ago. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence valued the principle of freedom enough to put their lives at risk in the pursuit of it.

Freedom in Christ

Freedom is an integral theme in our relationship with God. The turning point for Christians was when Jesus sacrificed His life to secure our redemption from sin and death. Because of this sacrifice, we’re no longer subject to our sinful nature but have freedom in Christ to live according to His command. As He said in Matthew 22:37-39 [ESV], “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Paul reminds the Galatians of their freedom: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” [Galatians 5:13-14 NIV].

Biblical freedom, at its core, is dependence on God and His Spirit to live out our salvation [Philippians 2:12-13]. When we fulfill the commandment to love one another and pursue humility, we’re walking in obedience to God’s Word and living in true freedom.

Abundant life

Through Christ’s freedom, we’re invited to abundant life with Him. John 10:10 [ESV] says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus’ death and resurrection is the key to abundant life—through it, we gain salvation along with spiritual, mental, and physical wholeness.

Freedom of choice

Practically, our independence can be exercised and experienced through our freedom of choice as citizens of the United States. Of the many freedoms we have, we’re able to choose our own healthcare—caring for the physical aspects of our lives. Freedom of healthcare means we can shop around and select what works best for our family, values, and budget. It means you’re involved in your healthcare decisions and have access to quality healthcare.

As Christians, our faith is central in our lives and should govern our decisions, including our healthcare choices. There are healthcare options besides traditional insurance—options that align with your biblical values and offer flexibility of choice.

Healthcare solutions

Christian Healthcare Ministries offers healthcare solutions for believers who value both their freedom and faith. Through CHM, healthcare freedom means choosing your healthcare providers—there’s no provider network. You’re actively involved in your own healthcare decisions—you and your provider choose the best course of treatment, and CHM reimburses your eligible medical bills. You can take CHM with you—it’s portable and goes with you through life’s transitions. CHM understands not all healthcare is the same, and CHM works diligently to partner with healthcare providers who deliver healthcare quality.

CHM brings together like-minded believers, enabling them to partner together to offer spiritual and financial support by sharing one another’s medical bill costs.

A good father is the cornerstone of a healthy family. Wives depend on their husbands for support in leading and guiding their families, and children will look to their fathers as role models for who they’ll grow to be. It’s a lot of pressure—often overwhelming pressure.

To succeed in your role of fatherhood, it’s important to know the definition of how to be a father, and there’s no better guide to life than Scripture. So what are the characteristics of a good father according to the Bible?

God the Father

To properly understand a father’s role, we need to look to the first and best definition of a father—our Heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 6:18 [ESV] says, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.”

Love of a father

One of the most important aspects of God’s character as our Heavenly Father is His unfathomable love for us. The infinite mercy and grace He shows us is evidence enough, but He also sent Christ, God the Son, down to earth as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. If that’s not love, what is? It reveals the self-giving and self-sacrificial nature of God’s love and the true definition of a father. Here are some verses that speak on God’s love for us:

• “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8 [NIV]
• “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 [NIV]
• “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15 [NIV]

Fathers are called to model this love and compassion when dealing with their children. Psalm 103:13 [NIV] says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Love is the solid foundation needed for success in child-rearing—love grows the patience, grace, and kindness needed to handle the ups and downs that come with leading a family.

Provision

From Isaac being offered on the altar, to the Israelites wandering through the wilderness, to salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ—God has always provided for us. Here are some verses that showcase God’s provision:

• “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” – Matthew 7:11 [NIV]
• “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” – Deuteronomy 1:31 [NIV]
• “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26 [NIV]
• “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 [ESV]

God is our provider, and fathers are meant to imitate God’s provision with their families. Fathers accomplish this through their work—by providing a house, food, clothes, and more for their children. 1 Timothy 5:8 [NIV] says, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

The protector

There are numerous times in Scripture when God protects His people from enemies or disaster. David writes in the Psalms about relying on and experiencing God’s protection when fleeing for his life.

• “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3 [NIV]
• “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 [NIV]
• “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 [NIV]
• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 [NIV]

Just as God is our protector, fathers are called to protect their families. This doesn’t necessarily mean a father should interfere every time their child encounters challenges, but it does mean that they should protect them from things that will cause serious harm to their relationships with Christ, with their family, and with themselves. Guiding their children, helping them develop character, and using teachable moments helps fathers protect their children from pitfalls. Proverbs 4:11-12 [NET] says, “I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”

Fathers have a crucial role in the biblical family. But leading with integrity, peace, and faithfulness is no small feat.

When the bills increase, your little ones need to get to soccer practice, and your boss adds another task to your plate, it can be hard to keep everything in perspective. Add in the task of raising your children to follow biblical principles, and the life of a Christian father can feel overwhelming.

You might be exasperated, asking, “How can I be a good dad?”

However, God offers to trade His rest for your weariness (Matthew 11:28) and His strength for your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10). Reading bible verses about fatherhood can help provide you with a renewed sense of hope as you lean into Him and fix your eyes on the One who truly matters.

What does the bible say about fathers?

Bible verses about dads abound. When you have no one else to lean on, know that God watches over you. He can be trusted with your life, your spouse’s life, and your children’s lives.

Lean into what the Bible says about you, and hear His heart towards you today:

• “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.“
  [Genesis 18:19 (NIV)‍]
• “And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers…”
  [Malachi 4:6 (ESV)]
• “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.”
  [John 15:9 (ESV)]
• “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”
  [Psalm 103:13 (NIV)]
• “And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now He has brought you to this place.”
  [Deuteronomy 1:31 (NLT)]

Role model

There’s no doubt about it, fathers are considered role models for their families, churches, and communities. You might’ve grown up looking for the perfect Father’s Day scriptures to include in a card to your own dad.

Perhaps you didn’t have a father to “show you the ropes” growing up. Or maybe you had an amazing father figure who took on that role in school or at church.

Regardless of your past, know that God is your Heavenly Father who desires good things for you.

You are His child, and He will never let you down or forsake you. You can look to Him for guidance no matter what mistakes you make, or what life throws your way.

• “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
  [Psalm 32:7-8 (ESV)]
• “I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”
  [Proverbs 4:11-12 (NLT)]
• “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
  [1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)]
• “And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
  [2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)]
• “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
  [Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV)]

“A mother’s work is never done.”

We’ve heard that quote many times, but when we break it down, we recognize just how true it really is.

A mother never clocks out. She works 24/7, constantly on call for whatever need might arise. She is devoted and strong, making choices for the benefit of her family. She is the backbone of love, comfort, and safety in the home. She tirelessly puts others before herself, all for the good of those she loves. Sacrifice is her middle name.

As we celebrate moms during this spring season, we reflect on just how hard of a job they have and how much they shape our homes, churches, communities, and world.

How to be a good mom

Whether you are in the trenches of motherhood, surrounded with little ones who demand your attention, or you are a seasoned mother who watches and admires her adult children building families of their own, you are vital and necessary. The endless prayers and unconditional support of a mother is something that is unmatched and should be honored.

However, in the busyness of this modern world, many mothers wonder: “How can I be a good mom?” At the same time, they’re neglecting to realize that the very act of worrying and contemplating that thought already shows how good of a mom they are! The Lord has given the strength and grace that mothers need to tend to their families and show them His ways.

Strong women don’t come in cookie-cutter molds. They are stay-at-home moms, working moms, homeschooling moms, professional moms, moms of toddlers, and grandmoms. The juggling act of figuring out how to do it all is a topic of discussion no matter what season of life you’re in.

Leaning into your calling and finding contentment right where God has you is the best way to feel fulfilled and purposeful. Leave behind the mom guilt. You were made for this. You were chosen to be their mother. You are capable with His strength to complete your tasks, accomplish your to-do lists, make your children feel loved, and do it all again tomorrow.

Balancing life and work

What does your balancing act look like? Are you placing the Lord at the forefront of it all?

Matthew 6:34 [NIV] says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He will provide exactly what we need when we come to Jesus first and surrender ourselves for His glory.

Each and every task can be a holy work when it is done for Him. Paying your bills, cleaning your floors, or rocking the baby to sleep are all acts of worship in the eyes of God when we do them with a grateful heart.

As you walk out your calling, you likely will not look exactly like the neighbor next door or even much like your own mother. However, God has a plan for how you will impact others through your specific mothering journey, and that is something beautiful.

Mom guilt

Allowing a biblical community of believers to assist us in our daily juggle is essential. We are called to bear each other’s burdens and uplift and encourage one another [Galatians 6:2].

As mothers, we can feel isolated and alone—constantly bombarded with what we must get done and the weight of the severity of our work on our shoulders. Our pressing demands can cause us to forget the joy set before us.

How to deal with stress

Finding strong biblical community that supports and uplifts you can help equip you with the tools you need to rest and refocus. Consider looking for opportunities to get connected in your church or community. Partnering with a group of mothers creates an outlet where you can chat with like-minded women and get tips from those who’ve gone before you.

Additionally, if healthcare costs for your family are one of those things that weighs heavy on your heart, Christian Healthcare Ministries is a partner that can come alongside you and grant you peace of mind. Our ministry is a health cost sharing program that is supportive of your family’s specific needs—maternity and beyond. Plus, you’ll discover a biblical community with programs and practices that help to make your journey less isolating.

The Lord has given the strength and grace that mothers need to tend to their family and show them His ways.

Infertility is a whole lot of nothing. An awful, painful nothing.

That it is nothing is not what makes it awful but that it exists in place of the most significant something we can ever hope for: a newborn child. Just when we are ready and inspired to begin, we face, almost immediately, the exact opposite of our hopes: nothing.

But as painful as this “nothing” is, it is still a beginning, for indeed God created everything out of nothing. It’s just not quite the beginning we had expected for ourselves. So, hope is not lost, because infertility precedes fertility.

While you wait, use the time wisely and in prayer. If you don’t know how to pray about this, don’t worry—there are plenty of prayers for infertility all over the internet.

So that you can begin praying to conceive, we’ve written a few for you here. Use these prayers for pregnancy however you like. Recite them as they are or let the words inspire your own prayers for fertility. But whatever you do, make them your prayers, offering them up to God as a sweet aroma.

Prayers for infertility while patiently waiting

Father in Heaven, I, your daughter, am grieved by a most unwelcome interruption. I stand, stalled, before a depressing reality. The height, breadth, and depth of its wall I cannot scale, bypass, or tear down.

I am stuck, waiting to love my child, and I don’t know what to do. Where tears of joy should be, tears of sadness now sit and fall.

Remember me, Abba, in compassion and lovingkindness. Pick me up, as you have so many times before, and wait with me. Remind me, Lord, of your love for me, and that everything will be all right. Grant that I would not grow weary or weak during this season and that it would pass swiftly. Close my ears to the enemy’s lies, and continue to encourage me in Your truth.

Open my soul to hope and confidence, and continue my journey toward motherhood. Until then, my Lord and my God, I will wait on you. Amen.

A prayer to conceive life

O Great Father, You are the source of all life, for You are life itself. Your heart is ever fixed on giving life and giving it abundantly. You conceive it. You deliver it. And you keep it safe in your embrace.

You teach me continually what it means to be a source of life, what it means to give life to others, without expecting anything in return. My heart now longs for its ultimate physical expression: a child.

Be gracious to me, Father, and listen to me, your daughter, for I have no life apart from You, and no purpose but to be Your servant. Open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of all those who wish to bring forth life.

Allow me to conceive, deliver and embrace a child, just as You have conceived, delivered, and embraced me. In loving and knowing my child I will come to know you better, and I will love You all the more for it. Amen.