Sometimes, parenting can seem like an endless parade—but not always the fun kind! School schedules. Temper tantrums. Potty trainings. Stomach bugs. Sibling rivalries. Long nights. Longer days.

Raising children can be one of life’s most challenging callings. But it’s also a calling that God’s Word treats with the highest honor. Children, the Bible tells us, are a gift from the Lord. But what does Scripture have to say to the often-exhausted parents of these precious gifts?

Here are four encouraging Bible verses for parents in need of God’s strength.

God’s kindness toward you never runs out.

As a parent, you know you aren’t perfect. You can be as grumpy as your toddler when you’re short on sleep or feeling the stress of balancing a full-time job and parenting. You might struggle with the fear of making parenting mistakes that can affect your children. You may even wonder if you’re raising your children the right way. When you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or fearful, remember that God’s kindness toward you never runs out. Scripture comforts us with the knowledge that although we aren’t perfect parents, God is a perfect Father. He is always ready to listen, comfort, and forgive us as we care for our children.

As a father is kind to his children,
so the LORD is kind to those who honor him.

Psalm 103:13 GNT

God’s Word gives guidance for difficult moments.

For many parents, discipline stands out as one of the hardest parts of parenting. The Bible teaches us that all people are separated from God by their sin—even children! But teaching your children to follow God’s commandments can be a daily struggle. You might wonder if it’s really worth it to continue the exhausting cycle of discipline and correction, especially when your children keep making the same mistakes. But Scripture tells us that biblical discipline is a sure sign that our parents care for us. Just like we lovingly correct our children so that they grow up to treasure God’s Word and follow his law, God does the same for us.

Discipline your children and you can always be proud of them. They will never give you reason to be ashamed.

Proverbs 29:17 GNT

God promises to refresh your strength.

From the moment you become a parent, you spend most of your waking hours—and many of the hours when you should be sleeping—caring for your child. You might feel like you never have a break. If you’re feeling exhausted, remember that God is the restorer of our strength. You can depend on him to measure out what you need for each day, even when you feel like you’re running on empty. In addition, God invites us to ask for what we need. You can pray and ask him for times of rest and refreshment. Whether that comes through your newborn sleeping an extra hour or a friend from church offering to watch your children for date night, you can be sure that God hears your request for rest.

“I will refresh those who are weary and will satisfy with food everyone who is weak from hunger.
So then, people will say, ‘I went to sleep and woke up refreshed.’”

Jeremiah 31:25-26 GNT

God promises to bless you and your children through his Word.

When you’re tired, it might feel impossible to keep your routines in place—including the routine of sharing Scripture with your children. The Bible reminds us that teaching our children to treasure God’s Word is the most important thing we can do as parents. Even when you’re nodding off while reading a Bible storybook to your little ones, you’re following God’s commandment to teach your children about Jesus. And you can be certain that the Scripture you share with your children will accomplish everything God intends in your children’s lives—and in yours!

“Remember these commands and cherish them. Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. Then you and your children will live a long time in the land that the LORD your God promised to give to your ancestors. You will live there as long as there is a sky above the earth.”

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 GNT