Finding Peace in Parenthood: My Journey with Anxiety and Trusting God

This week on the blog, I’m opening up about a deeply personal struggle that I believe many parents face: anxiety. When you become a parent, a love unlike any other enters your life. You look at your child and feel an intense need to protect them, a need that can easily turn into anxiety. While it's normal to worry about our children, I’ve noticed my own anxiety has sometimes gone beyond healthy concern, and I wanted to share my journey toward finding peace, hoping it might help you if you also experience this struggle.

Parenting often brings anxiety, and I believe we need to confront this now—not only for ourselves but for our children.  I truly believe we need to fight our battles now because otherwise our children will have to fight them in the future. They are always watching us and will become who we are. I do not want my children to grow up having a spirit of fear or anxiety, or being overcome with worry. I want them to be brave, bold and to have a deep sense of trust in the Lord. I want them to know the peace that comes with loving Jesus. But this first starts with me modelling it each day to my children - showing them what it looks like to lay my worries at the feet of our Father and trusting Him no matter the circumstances.

As a paramedic, I’ve witnessed awful situations, and I also experienced a miscarriage two years ago. These experiences left wounds that I realize the enemy has used to plant seeds of fear and doubt in me. Even though I know God’s promises are true and His goodness endures, and even though every “bad” experience is outweighed by stories of God’s faithfulness, there’s always a part of me that struggles to have complete peace. But I’m determined to fight this battle, both for myself and my children.

Recently, I felt drawn to read Psalm 18 as I prayed for guidance about what I should read that day. Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” This verse was like a balm to my soul, a timely reminder that God’s ways are indeed perfect. It reminded me that I could trust Him completely, knowing He is my refuge and protector. I love when God shows up and reminds you of what we needed to hear, showing He cares about our lives and the things that worry us.

The Bible is filled with verses that speak of God’s faithfulness and peace. Here are a few I’ve been speaking over myself as I journey through anxiety:

- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”

- Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed.”

- Psalm 121:5-8 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

- Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, for you are with me.”

- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.

I’ve also started counseling to work through my anxiety. There’s still a stigma around counseling—as though needing it is a sign of weakness or reserved for those with “big” problems. But as someone about to complete a degree in counseling, I know that counseling is for anyone with unhelpful thoughts or unresolved experiences. These are often the very things the enemy uses to keep us from fully living the life God wants for us.

Did you know that I offer 1:1 coaching? If you are struggling with anxiety, I would love to work with you to offer support and encouragement. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone, and your children deserve to have a parent who’s thriving. I’d love to meet with you one-on-one to explore how I could coach you through this journey.

I have a few questions for you:

- Do you feel consumed by anxiety or worry about your children?

- Are you exhausted and struggling to find peace in your role as a parent?

- Do you long to connect with God but feel that time with Him is just another item on a long to-do list?

At Thrive, we’ve created a 30-day devotional plan called 'Rediscovering Peace and Joy in Parenting'. This devotional, based on Scripture, includes meditations, prayers, and reflection questions for each day. Just a few moments with your Heavenly Father each day can have an eternal impact, filling you with the peace and joy you need to be the parent your children deserve—and the one you deserve to be.

This is their childhood and your parenthood. God wants to be your source of peace and joy, an ever-present help in this beautiful, challenging season. If you’re ready to reclaim your peace and joy, living the way God intended, then this devotional is for you.

Lean into God’s abundant peace, and let Him be your steady companion in parenthood.