As a young parent with little ones, I know firsthand that parenting can feel like an intense balancing act. Every day brings new challenges—from time management to discipline questions—and there’s a constant pull in every direction.

Parenting is a journey like no other. It’s filled with joy, love, and opportunities for growth you might not experience in any other season of life. But it also brings unique stresses. This season can stretch you in ways that push your buttons and leave you feeling overwhelmed.

So, as Christian parents, how do we navigate these demands without losing our faith or losing ourselves in the process? How do we stay connected with Jesus, nurture our relationship with our spouse, and keep our peace?

Here are some practices that have made a difference for me:

1. Lead Yourself First

In the whirlwind of parenting, it’s easy to lose sight of our priorities. If you struggled with discipline before kids, it’s even more challenging now! That’s why it’s vital, especially for us dads, to prioritize our walk with the Lord. Spend time in prayer and devotion each day—don’t let this slip. Centering yourself in God’s presence will ground you from the start, bringing strength and clarity to face the day. I know it’s easier said than done, but it truly makes a world of difference.

2. Take Care of Yourself

This goes hand in hand with leading yourself spiritually but focuses on physical and emotional self-care. Having healthy outlets isn’t about escaping your family or responsibilities; it’s about equipping yourself to show up fully. Personally, I make it a priority to hit the gym. Exercising is my way to relieve stress and recharge, so I can come back home with more energy and a clearer mind. Find an outlet that works for you—whether it’s exercise, journaling, or a creative hobby.

3. Make Rest a Priority

As parents, self-care is often the first thing to go. However, getting adequate rest is crucial to sustaining our energy and well-being. Learning how to manage your time, set boundaries, and create a healthy sleep routine will benefit both you and your family. There may be seasons where you have to hustle harder for financial reasons (we’re in one now!), but keep in mind that this is temporary. Making rest a priority is essential to being present and healthy in the long run for your kids.

4. Practice Gratitude Daily

It may not be as obvious, but gratitude can be a powerful tool against stress, comparison, and anxiety. When you’re in a tough season, remember to pause and thank God for the blessings He’s placed in your life. Surrender your need for control and trust that He’s guiding you. When stress builds, take a moment to pause, pray, and release those burdens to Him. Then, let gratitude flow—thank Him for all He’s given you, right here and now.

5. Seek Godly Community

Parenting can feel isolating at times, but remember, you’re not alone. Surround yourself with a community of God-fearing friends and parents who can offer support and prayer when you need it. Having people who understand your journey and can lift you up spiritually is invaluable. They can also remind you of the bigger picture on those hard days.

Parenting is tough, and it’s okay to seek help. If you’re looking for community or resources to help navigate the Christian parenting journey, we’re here as your partners in overcoming challenges and finding deeper faith and perspective.

Most of us have struggled with envy and jealousy. In a world that constantly emphasizes comparison, it’s tough to keep our hearts free from these feelings. Yet, as believers we are expected to battle the temptation to have envy and jealousy in our hearts. The Bible teaches us how to overcome envy and jealousy, leading us toward a life of peace, contentment, and love for others.

Understanding Envy and Jealousy from a Biblical Perspective

Now the Bible gives us some pretty explicit lists of sins and things we are to stay away from.

Galatians 5:19-21 is one that comes to mind.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Nothing like reading “those who do such things WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of God.”

I’d say that should be our signal to pay attention and to find a way to refrain from such things. Thankfully, if we believe in Jesus we have some grace to work within, but also we are empowered to live without these things.

Envy and jealousy can consume our thoughts, rob us of peace, and pull us away from God. Envy is seen as a desire for something that belongs to someone else, while jealousy can be a fear of losing what we already have. Such as losing the affections of our spouse or significant other. Both emotions are based in discontent and reveal a lack of trust in God’s plan for us.

They are also accompanied by a whole host of interpersonal complications and internal emotions and potential for sin.

Scripture warns against these feelings, as they can lead to harm not only to ourselves but also to our relationships with others.

James 3:16 reminds us,

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

By learning to turn these feelings over to God, we can embrace the fullness of life He promises.

Some Examples of Envy and Jealousy in the Bible

1. Cain and Abel – Envy led Cain to commit a grievous sin, taking the life of his brother (Genesis 4:1-8).
2. Joseph and His Brothers – Jealousy of Joseph’s favor and dreams led his brothers to sell him into slavery (Genesis 37).
3. Saul and David – King Saul’s jealousy over David’s success caused him to lose sight of God’s purpose and ultimately led to his downfall (1 Samuel 18:6-9).

Each of these stories reveals the destructive power of envy and jealousy and serves as a warning to guard our hearts.

How to Overcome Envy and Jealousy Biblically

So how do we overcome envy and jealousy because I certainly know that these are two very powerful and sneaky sins that can easily creep into our hearts without notice. Especially if we are not living a transformed life with a heart soft to the holy spirits conviction.

Acknowledge What You’re Facing

Like many, many sins. The first step to overcoming envy or jealousy is recognizing and admitting these emotions as they spring up in our hearts. We should pray honestly, asking God to reveal any areas where jealousy may be hidden in our hearts. Keep Psalm 139:23-24 in mind,

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Let Gratitude Rush In

Gratitude is among the most powerful internal acts of realignment that we can partake in and it’s amazing how it is available to us to unlock so much in our lives. When we focus on all the blessings in our own lives, we shift our perspective from what we lack to what we already have. Regularly thank God for the unique gifts He has given you and the ways He has worked in your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages,

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Turn Your Focus and Reframe

You have a purpose and path that is from God. Someone else’s path and purpose is not yours. Keep your eyes on God’s specific plan yourself and you will be less likely to compare yourself to others. This has been possibly one of the most difficult things for me to learn in seasons of extreme discontent with my life. This is why it is so important to uncover a clear vision for your life and to put on the blinders for your life and current circumstances. Understand that God can work in and through your season of discontent and that He has placed you right where you are for your growth and development. For your good and for His glory.

Don’t Go It Alone

It’s easier to overcome jealousy and envy when we have encouragement from a community of faith. Get connected with other believers and folks you can trust to open up with about your battle. I will admit that this specific sin is hard to admit and own in front of others. Consider how your openness will not only bring you healing and transformation, but may even give others the confidence to open up and to be honest about their own struggles.

If this resonated with you, take a few moments to reflect on areas in your life where you may need to let go of envy or jealousy. Ask the Lord to help you find contentment in Him, and consider sharing this message with someone who might need encouragement to take a bold step for transformation.

When your heart is broken, it’s easy to feel isolated in pain. Yet, take comfort in this truth: God has a deep compassion for the brokenhearted and is close to those who are hurting. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

In moments of grief, it may feel hard to turn to God, especially if trauma, abuse, or painful religious experiences have impacted your trust in Him. However, even in your deepest pain, God can handle your honest emotions and is filled with compassion for you. So, speak to Him openly, expressing your pain and struggles. He hears you and is ready to bring comfort, even if your faith feels shaken.

Finding Healing Beyond Bible Verses

At times, sharing Bible verses can feel shallow, especially when grief is overwhelming. While Scripture is indeed powerful, I understand that simply reading verses doesn’t always ease the heartache at first. In fact, without empathy, sharing verses might even feel dismissive.

Because of this, know that friends, counselors, and those who care for you may turn to Scripture as a way to comfort you when they have no words themselves. Truly, God’s Word can be a steady light in the dark, a beacon guiding us through stormy seas. It’s meant to be a source of strength to cling to, not a quick fix.

Therefore, if you’re grieving, allow yourself to feel those emotions. Scream, cry, journal—let it out. Additionally, reach out to a grief counselor or therapist who can guide you through these emotions while helping you find healing in Scripture.

Preparing Your Heart for Healing

Here are two vital steps for navigating heartbreak and healing in a way that honors God:

1. Prepare for Life’s Heartbreaks

Heartbreak is an inevitable part of life. Thus, preparing for it means grounding yourself in the deep truths of God’s Word, even before trials come. Regularly seek God in prayer, study His promises, and reflect on the life He calls you to. This preparation helps build a resilient faith that can withstand even the toughest storms.

2. Develop a Growth Mindset for Healing

Healing is a journey that requires a growth mindset. Rather than staying stuck in bitterness or a victim mentality, choose to pursue healing no matter what. Dwelling on things beyond our control only deepens despair. Instead, focus on developing healthy coping strategies that empower you to move forward, offering your pain to God as He works to restore you.

Strengthening Yourself with the Armor of God

To guard your heart against despair, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in God’s Word. As Ephesians 6 calls us to put on the “armor of God,” it reminds us to equip ourselves with the belt of truth, grounding us in what’s real and lasting. By meditating on Scripture, you strengthen your spiritual armor and build resilience for the challenges life may bring.

Here are some powerful verses to keep close:

• Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
  God promises restoration for those who are hurting.
• Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
  God’s heart is for freedom and healing.
• Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
  In grief, God’s comfort is near.
• Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
  A promise of ultimate healing and peace.
• Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
  God’s strength is endless, even when ours is gone.
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
  God comforts us so that we, in turn, can comfort others.
• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
  Jesus gives a peace that is unique and enduring.

Embracing God’s Comfort and Moving Forward

Finding healing after heartbreak isn’t a quick journey, but it’s one where God walks with you each step of the way. Lean into His promises, let His Word be your foundation, and allow the process of healing to bring you closer to Him. Remember, God’s heart is for you, and He desires to mend every broken piece of your life.