As moms, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, from managing our households to caring for our families, all while trying to maintain our own sanity. In the midst of the chaos and overwhelm, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s presence and the peace that comes from His word. Enjoy these 12 Bible verses for the overwhelmed as we explore these verses that offer comfort, strength, and hope, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles or difficult times..
In times of overwhelm, it’s important to turn to Christ Jesus, who offers us peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4:7 (ESV) reminds us, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we feel like we’re drowning in the stresses of daily life, we can find solace in knowing that God’s peace is always available to us. When we look at the Holy Bible and remember who we are in light of who God is, we will find amazing peace.
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This topic is near and dear to my heart as I am 100% an overwhelmed mom. No, it’s not something I’m proud of. Quite the opposite. I find myself embarrassed by my situation. I often work 40- 50 hour work weeks while homeschooling our four boys, homesteading, running a business, and working outside of the home. Typically 4-7 hours is all the sleep that I can manage and my health constantly feels the effects of an overly taxed schedule.
Some would say that my own inability to say ‘no’ is my issue and I deserve this amount of too much work. However, I would argue that this is a season I’m going through to move toward a more sustainable and resilient life.
We live in a fallen world and the feeling of being overwhelmed is something that is just going to be a part of our existence. Sometimes daily life simply brings us overwhelm. Sometimes we go through seasons of overwhelm that eventually come to an end. And sometimes we have chosen our schedule unwisely and we need to evaluate to bring our circumstances back to a healthy equilibrium.
Become a Wise Woman of God
There are wise ways of dealing with overwhelmed and unwise ways. One of the most helpful things that I have been reminded of in recent months is that there is always a path of peace in the midst of overwhelm. That concept of a path of peace has become an echo in my mind throughout the last couple of weeks. Whether we are dealing with daily overwhelm, a specific set of circumstances, health issues, or any number of additional things, there is always a path of peace that we can take to center our mind on heavenly and good things.
Pursue earthly rewards and you will lose everything. Pursue heavenly rewards and you will get earthly rewards thrown in for free.
In Psalm 46:1, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 ESV
When the to-do list seems never-ending and the demands of motherhood feel overwhelming, we can find shelter in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own worries and fears, but Matthew 6:26 reminds us to look to the birds of the air as a reminder of God’s provision and care.
“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 ESV
Just as God provides for the birds, He will also provide for us in our times of need. Whenever we have a few moments we need to stop and take ownership of our perspective and thoughts.
Do not allow the devil, flesh, and the world to inform our perspective on our circumstances and instead allow the Word of God and the Lord to inform us. Remember that the Lord is sovereign, he is good, and he does all things well.
When we feel like we’re drowning in a sea of anxious thoughts, we can find strength in Isaiah 41:10, which assures us that God is with us every step of the way.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Even in our darkest moments, we can trust that God is holding us close and guiding us through.
This free pack of printable scripture cards is a great way to remember these verses! They are available in an easy-to-print format and come with all 12 Bible verses.
Being an Overwhelmed Mom
When we are overwhelmed we physiologically need our bodies to reset. When we find ourselves in a season of overwhelm it often takes place after a series of events happen quickly.
Of course, there are also seasons of life when simply life is overwhelming. However, in situations where there are quick events that cause the overwhelm, we often feel like a pinball machine where our emotions and feelings can’t quite get control. Our bodies have a physiological response and need time to catch up. Bear your soul to God, pray over the situations, and allow your body to catch up. Ask for discernment, wisdom, and peace as you experience overwhelm.
Ask yourself “What do I need?” Start praying for those things. It will give you a lot more of a sense of peace as the dust settles and allow your emotions to catch up with your body. I heard a story once about Theodore Roosevelt, who when faced with a challenging situation would wait to make any decisions until he spent time under the starry night sky. He then claimed that his problem was in the proper place compared to the vastness of God’s creation.
Maybe you need a similar practice when faced with overwhelm.
Practical Tips for Overwhelm
Often times when we are overwhelmed we use distractions to help us calm our emotions and body. It often isn’t the most useful distraction either. Do any of these sound familiar? Scrolling on your phone, watching more Netflix? We use these distractions as band-aids to cover up a hemorrhaging problem. The overwhelm will not go away by distracting ourselves with impractical stimulation. Instead, try some of these ideas:
- Take 5 minutes to pray and read scripture
- Ask your husband or trusted friend to pray over you
- Go on a 5-minute walk (or longer)
- Take time to work out
- Read a devotional book
In times of trouble, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s plan for our lives. But Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future. This promise was specifically given to the Israelites, so remember to keep it in proper context, but I do think that we can use this verse to remind us of the mighty hand of God and put our own troubles in proper perspective.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Even when life feels chaotic and uncertain, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good. Your hard times will have a purpose as the Lord of peace works out his plan for you.
When the waves of overwhelming emotions threaten to pull us under, we can find comfort in Psalm 94:19, which reminds us that God’s love will sustain us through the toughest times.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:19
God’s love is a constant source of strength and encouragement, helping us to navigate the storms of life and difficult times with grace and resilience.
In times of overwhelm, it’s important to remember that we are not alone. God is with us every step of the way, offering us His peace, strength, and comfort in our times of need. So when life feels overwhelming and the burdens feel too heavy to bear, let’s turn to God’s word for guidance and encouragement, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.
12 Bible Verses for Overwhelm
As we look at these Bible verses for the Overwhelmed, remember that the Bible is filled to the brim with other such verses to remind us of truth and the path of peace in the midst of tough times. Put on the full armor of God as you combat whatever troubles have come your way.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan!
Want to dive deeper into your faith this year? Increase your relationship with Jesus? Understand the Bible more? Then the one-year Bible reading plan is for you! We will work our way chronologically through the Bible starting in January and finishing in December.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to start in January, you can start at any point of the year!
Philippians 4:6-7
In those moments when the weight of motherhood feels insurmountable, this verse reminds overwhelmed moms to surrender their worries to God, finding comfort in the assurance that His peace will envelop them, offering respite and clarity amidst the chaos. Sometimes God asks us to walk through heavy things and we need to be careful to remember that God does all things well and that the pressure that we feel at the moment is being allowed by God.
When gold is being purified it has to be brought to such a high temperature, it almost is destroyed. It’s a very controlled process. It has to go up to a high-temperature point for the impurities to be removed. Sometimes we can compare this to our overwhelming moments. God is bringing you to your breaking point for impurities to be removed, at the end you will be more like Jesus and your present suffering will be a teaching tool.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 55:22
Even if your overwhelming moments are just the mundane normal moments of life, God still knows, he still cares, and he still sees your overwhelm. These moments are not being wasted! God sees the overwhelm and your difficult circumstances. He will take these moments and use them for his glory!
Your job moms, is to obey, look to him, and trust his process.
Remember that story of the father looking to Jesus to heal his child and Jesus telling him to just have faith? The man responds, “Help my unbelief”. Tell Jesus your burdens and then cry out to him to increase your faith!
Where did you see God’s presence today? Write it down! When you get in the habit of writing down God’s goodness it will build your faith and remind you of who you serve!
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Looking for God’s presence and not his absence during times of trouble is the best remedy to properly align your heart to God. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 11:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Isaiah 43:1-2
These are the kinds of scriptures that we can and should be meditating on when we walk through overwhelmed moments in life. When we have heavy burdens, these are the times when we can truly take the time to meditate on God’s word and truly pour our hearts out to him.
These are the types of verses that help us focus on who God is. When we are focused on who he is the temporary troubles of this world come into focus! Our problems will shrink and come into focus when we properly focus on who God is.
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
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.
Psalm 61:2
Psalm 61:2 speaks directly to the heart of an overwhelmed mom, offering a refuge in times of distress:
“From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
In the whirlwind of motherhood’s demands, when exhaustion looms and strength wanes, this verse serves as a poignant plea for divine guidance and support. It echoes the deep longing for stability and reassurance amidst the tumultuous journey of raising children, urging overwhelmed moms to turn to God as their steadfast anchor, the unyielding rock upon which they can lean in moments of weakness and uncertainty.
Psalm 46:1-3
Psalm 46:1-3 offers a profound source of comfort and strength for the overwhelmed mom:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
In the whirlwind of motherhood’s challenges, from sleepless nights to endless tasks, these verses remind mothers that they are not alone. God is not only their refuge but also their unfailing source of strength in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Remember that ‘path of peace’ that we have been talking about? Even when the world seems to tremble with chaos, these words should encourage you to find solace in God’s steadfast presence, and be free from fear and anxiety!
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
In the tumult of the worries of this world, this verse serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our moments of greatest vulnerability, God’s grace remains steadfast and more than enough to sustain us. It’s an invitation to surrender our fears and insecurities, embracing our weaknesses as opportunities for God’s strength to shine through. By trusting in His unfailing grace, we find the courage to navigate the darkest valley, knowing that His power is magnified in our moments of greatest need.
Psalm 94:19
This verse serves as a comforting reminder that even in moments of overwhelming anxiety, God’s consolation brings immeasurable joy. As we navigate the challenges of raising a family, we can find solace in knowing that God intimately understands our concerns and anxieties. Remember with assurance that He is always near, ready to comfort, guide, and bring joy.
We can find pure joy in Christ! From diaper changes to endless laundry, when we learn to praise Jesus in mundane tasks, we will find pure joy as we are fulfilled in his spirit of truth.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Isaiah 26:3
No matter your set of circumstances, you can find a path of peace as you rightly reflect on God, Jesus, and his Holy Word.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
John 16:33
Our own understanding will never come close to matching God’s plan. Jesus told us that we would have tribulation in his world, but then reminded us that He is the one in control of these tribulations. In the proper time, he will reveal to us His plan and how all these trials work together for our God and his glory. There are many sets of circumstances that we will never quite understand this side of eternity. This is where trust comes into play as we set aside our overwhelm and properly align ourselves and obey.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Psalm 23:4
Hopefully, as moms we are not facing the valley of death. Most of our circumstances are pretty mundane, but the worries of the world can cause us to stumble and fall both spiritually and physically at times. Have you ever yelled at your children when you should have used a soft reply? Or maybe you have felt the pangs of loneliness in motherhood? The darkness valley can be the brightest pathway when we take comfort in Jesus. He is with us amid all our troubles.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Romans 8:28
We end our look at Bible verses for the overwhelmed with a reminder that God is working out everything for good. In due time you may see what God was doing, but even if God is not gracious in that way, by properly aligning our thoughts with who God is, we can find a path of peace. Remember to seek the Holy Spirit and remember the power of prayer.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Christ’s power can do amazing things in our minds and hearts as we seek a path of peace in the overwhelming moments of life. If you only take two things away from this list of Bible verses, I want you to remember these things:
- There is always a path of peace in the overwhelm.
- When we properly align ourselves with recognizing who God is our overwhelm will come into perspective.
These verses offer reassurance and remind us of God’s presence, strength, and provision in times of overwhelm.
Want More? Check out these additional posts on motherhood:
- A Letter to the Lonely Mom
- Biblical Hope for Mom Rage
- Making Time for God in Motherhood
- Powerful Tips When Motherhood is Messy, Beautiful, and Chaotic
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!
“Keep it up!”