What is it about motherhood? I worry about my kids all the time. I worry about their health. I worry about the friends they choose, and I worry about their future. Ugh! I’m a burdened mom.

Both of my kiddos have moved into the teenage years. The worry feels bigger and more important than making sure they didn’t fall down and get hurt in preschool. I worry about their choices. I don’t want them emotionally hurt by others. I want them to be surrounded by the right people who share our values. I want them to think about the big picture. I want them to do their homework the way I would do it. I want them to have opportunities in their future that I didn’t have. I know. I want a lot, but I don’t think my burdens and dreams for them are all that different from what most mom’s want for their kids. Right? I’m a little jealous of my mom friends who are less “helicopter” than I am. They seem less stressed and burdened.

So, here is my struggle. Scripture tells me:

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22 NIV)

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 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? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?  (Matthew 6: 26-27 NIV)

These scriptures do provide me with comfort. They remind me that God is in control. That He cares for my children more than I do and that the worry of a burdened mom is unnecessary. Worry is only adding unneeded stress to my body. Stress that is detrimental to my health. I won’t bore you with all the research that relates to stress and health.

These scriptures remind me that when I lay it all in His hands, He cares for it all. He cares for me and my children. He brings me peace that sustains me and reminds me that He has our lives under control. His purpose and plan for me and my children is good (Jeremiah 29:11).

So, this burdened mom is comforted and re-energized by going to God in prayer, giving Him all my cares and worries. My children will have ups and downs in life. Rather than worry I commit to teaching them to cast their cares on Him. That will give them strength and comfort and an opportunity to build their relationship with God.

How about you? Are you burdened for your kids? Will you join me in casting your cares on Him? Share your experience here and we can encourage each other.