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You know what my favorite sound in the world is?
Three little voices talking—no, screeching—at the same time, arguing over whose turn it is to pick out a cartoon.
I also love the sounds of “uh oh” coming from the bathroom, of glasses of milk spilling onto my laptop, of Legos being dumped all over the floor, which I know will eventually implant themselves into the bottom of my bare foot.
You know, the sounds of my life. Grating music to my ears.
Do you ever feel like you want to just hide and disappear under 59 layers of blankets in the morning? Or maybe just go for a run…indefinitely? Or invent the 100 percent effective earplug? Maybe that’s just me…
I suppose it’s not my kids’ fault that I’m human, that I can only take so much chaos before I start to bark like a wounded animal. Some days I can keep my cool, but on other days I literally go into my room and start growling until I can get enough of it out of my system to compose myself again. This is a natural human response, correct?
I have issues.
This post was inspired by a grumpy mama day. Well, actually many grumpy mama days. I decided it would be a good idea to put a bunch of helpful scriptures into one place so that when I’m starting to lose it, I can find my ground again.
Can you relate? Then these are for you.
Related: 10 Bible Verses About Stress, for Moms Who Need a Break
10 Bible Verses For the Grumpy Mama
These 10 verses have helped me on my grumpy mama days. See below for the full verses in different categories and commentary.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
- Philippians 4:4–7
- Galatians 5:22–23
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
- Psalm 28:7
- Psalm 104:33–34
- Isaiah 49:13
- James 1:2-3
- Psalm 126:5
- Habakkuk 3:17–18
On choosing joy and gratitude
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This is one of my favorites—my kids and I memorized it together. It reminds us that while we can’t control our circumstances, we can nonetheless choose to give thanks, to pray and to find joy.
2. Philippians 4:4–7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Again, in every situation we can choose to pray, be thankful and rejoice. This is so powerful when put into practice.
3. Galatians 5:22–23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
This helps remind me that I have a choice: I can give into my natural state of being, or I can rely on God’s Spirit.
4. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
God wants me to be at peace; I want to be joyful and to strive for love and peace within my home.
Related post: 10 Encouraging Bible Verses for When You’re Overwhelmed
On praising God
5. Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
I just do so much better when I get the focus off myself and onto HIM.
6. Psalm 104:33–34
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the Lord.
By keeping my eyes on him, by literally singing to him, it’s hard to stay self-absorbed.
7. Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
God is there for me always; he knows how I feel.
Related: 10 Bible Verses About Stress, for Moms Who Need a Break
On overcoming trials, big and small
8. James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Wait, so working through all my issues makes me more “mature and complete”? That’s encouraging.
9. Psalm 126:5
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
I’ll remind myself of this the next time I’m throwing a mommy fit.
10. Habakkuk 3:17–18
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
If this starving prophet can choose to rejoice, so can I, no matter how hard my day has been.
Related: 11 Bible Verses for the Exhausted Mama
I hope you find these as uplifting as I have. Having read through them several times as I’ve prepared this post has made me feel more light-hearted. I recommend writing them down as you go through them, which can help you internalize what they’re saying. You can also pray through them.
Want to keep these verses handy? You can now download them in printable form!
What are your go-to scriptures when you’re feeling like a grumpy mama?
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What an encouraging list of scripture verses – and so useful for all of us! (whether we’re in the midst of parenting, or just looking through the window of a loved one’s life).
Well I hope they can brighten someone’s day, current mom with kids at home or not!
Oh man. Copying these on a set of cards during naptime! What a great reminder.
That’s a great idea. I used to have a stack of notecards with some of these on them and I should probably rewrite them.
Gina, for sure I’m pinning this as a resource to return to again and again. Not that I need it or anything. I mean it’s for my friends (wink). Lol 🙂
Marva | sunSPARKLEshine
Of course, it’s not for me either! (wink)
What a great list of verses! I give into Grumpy Mom all the time. Oh, how I need this. xo
Glad these can help!
This made me giggle lol probably because they’re such small people and they can be so loud! Totally get it. Nice post!
They ARE so loud! When I’m alone (rarely) it sounds strange to me
Im having a bad momma day and the only verse thats had me holding it together is “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God,” (James 1:20, I think). This post and these verses are great; thank you!!
Oooh that’s a good one Naomi. I’ll come back to that the next time I’m having a grumpy day.
What a great post and I so appreciate the honesty! It’s awesome to know that I’m not the only mommy who is happy at home with the littles but has grumpy and short tempered days. I’m trying and growing and learning and these verses are perfect for me 🙂
You’re definitely not the only one! 😉
Wiping noses is Jesus business. Needed that. Wonderful article.
Yesss! Jesus business it is…thanks for commenting!