Scriptures For Motherhood

I want to share with you some beautiful scriptures about mothers. I believe that these verses will help us to open our hearts to how God sees us as mothers. May these scriptures about mothers enable you to look upon yourself in light of God’s Word; with compassion, delight and (of course) love. 

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66 v.13) 

This has to be one of my favourite scriptures about mothers because it speaks of the incredible motherly characteristic of comforter. How many times have you cuddled, calmed or reassured your child after a scraped knee, a bumped head or a new experience? How many nights do you wake from your warm, cosy bed; and go to be with your upset little one; offering comfort, love and patience. God sees this too.

Nothing is wasted in our journey as mothers. Yes, it can feel exhausting, confusing and lonely; yet this sacrificing of our own desires so that we can embrace life in all its fullness for, and with, our children; reflects back something of God’s very nature to the world. After all, “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1 v 27). In the Bible, motherhood is valued and respected. The role of mother as comforter is held in esteem. 

"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." (1 Peter 3 v 4)

We live in a world of screens and instant gratification; a world crippled by the fear of missing out and obsessed with individualism. Yet, in the Bible womanhood is valued for its gentleness; for its inner heart and beauty. Do you feel unseen as a mother? God sees you. Do you feel that your identity is changing beyond recognition as you try to embrace motherhood? God knows who you are; He sees you; He knows you and He loves you. This is one of the scriptures about mothers which speaks of the quiet, gentleness which is beautiful to the Lord. Putting others’ needs before our own is, after all, a wholly Biblical concept.  

“And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1 v. 46-48)

In the Bible, motherhood is seen in its humility, simplicity and glorious beauty through Mary the mother of Jesus. I couldn’t write of scriptures about mothers without including Mary! Mary speaks to us as mothers of the value of unassuming, humble faith. Mary is a mother who gives glory to God constantly; even when she is afraid or unsure. Yet, perhaps it is Mary’s humility which can help us most in our own journey in motherhood. There is strength in humility when God is involved. We can reject the individualistic, materialistic calls of our culture and instead invest in time spent in prayer; with a servant-heart like Mary. 

This Bible motherhood story tells us that God will never forsake us; even if our journey to motherhood is nothing like that which we expected. Life may twist and turn from the dreams we had for how motherhood would look; yet with patience and humility we can find that we don’t need to do this in our own strength; but in Him. Indeed, reading scriptures about mothers can encourage our own faith and the way in which we feel called to parent. 

“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’” (Proverbs 31:27-29) 

I hope that these Scriptures about mothers encourage you on those days which are just plain hard. Motherhood can be tiring. It can be lonely. Perhaps you sometimes feel that you are losing yourself to the endless chores and small people’s needs which must be met. Yet, I hope that you also know (or will come to know) the immense blessings that being a mother brings. May your children and husband call you blessed! May you know joy in motherhood along with the sacrifice and hard work which is necessarily involved. For within the Bible, motherhood is, again and again, spoken of as a blessing; as bringing delight and wholeness even on the hard days, weeks and months. 

“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.” (Isaiah 66 v. 10-11)

So, we return to Isaiah 66; and this incredible scripture about mothers which reflects such beauty and truth. Within Isaiah 66, we hear a promise of the new heavens and the new earth. We hear how God will bring His salvation and His comfort. Here in verses 10 and 11, this comfort is compared to the comfort received by a child who breastfeeds. Yes, in the Bible, motherhood and breastfeeding are upheld and celebrated! God’s plan for the world, for His people, being fulfilled is compared to the deep delight of breastmilk overflowing and the satisfaction of a small child. 

The way that we nourish and care for our children; it’s part of God’s plan for us and our families. The way that we put our children’s needs first so that they may grow strong physically, emotionally and spiritually; this is all part of God’s plan to bring you and your family life in all its fullness. The incomparable joy which makes our hearts sing and praise God (just as Mary did all those years ago); this is what God intended for us as mothers. In the Bible, motherhood is spoken of as precious, respected and as a great blessing. 

May these scriptures about mothers encourage and guide you on your mothering journey today and in the days to come.