Dear Mommy-to-be,
Congratulations, little mama! You’re in the home stretch, and it’s almost time to hold your newest little nugget in your arms.
As you prepare to welcome a new tiny human into this big scary world, may I share just a few thoughts from the Word of God? Thoughts meant to encourage your heart and prepare you for the hectic days ahead. These thoughts won’t be anything new. I’m positive you’ve heard them before from me and others. But, we are a forgetful people (especially when we’re exhausted), so as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:1, “To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.”
We all need safeguards to remind us of God’s Word and will. When you’re tired or stressed, or you’ve been touched literally 1000 times in one day, the safeguards of God’s Word will give you the strength you need to glorify Him despite your circumstances. (And that includes myriad nonsensical questions, sticky fingerprints, a needy dog, and one-too-many “Look, Mommy’s!”
Here are five simple reminders:
- Just as this new baby is immeasurably precious to you, you are immeasurably precious to God. You can run to Him with even the tiniest concern, and He will tenderly quiet your heart and comfort your soul.
Isaiah 43:1–2: But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
- Your waters may be a fussy baby.
- Your rivers may be older children who demand your attention
- Your fire may be exhaustion or feeling overwhelmed
Never forget that you belong to God! He has redeemed you, called you by name, and claimed you as His own.
You Are Precious to God!
- Make time to “treasure.” It’s easy amid the busyness and the reality of daily tasks to lose sight of the Big Picture of motherhood. You, yes, you, were chosen by God to be this new baby’s mommy. That’s an incredible privilege and, at times, a heavy responsibility. Consider what’s recorded about Mary’s relationship with her baby in the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 2:19; 51- But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
- Mary listened to all that people said about her son and carefully pondered those things in her heart.
- Mary observed all that Jesus did and the bent of His nature.
- She didn’t run about seeking clarification or opinions about her baby; she considered what she heard.
- Pondering in our hearts is a mother’s job. As you observe this little one, you will begin to recognize likes and dislikes, personality, and preferences even from the first days after birth. You’ll even start to see unhealthy sin patterns emerge.
- This baby is unique. No matter how many other children you already have, they are not the same as this new little nugget. Take the time to ponder this baby in your heart.
- Treasure the insights that God gives you about your baby! Write them down, take pictures, and remember the sweetness of the early days—They’ll go too quickly!
“Treasuring” time is time well spent!
- Don’t forget to rejoice. Rejoicing is your opportunity to express the joy that dwells within your heart outwardly for the world (and especially your family) to see. Rejoicing is the antidote to grumbling. (Yes, we’ve all been there!) Rejoicing redirects our hearts and changes our attitude!
Philippians 3:1- Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.
- On the days that it’s hard to find your inward joy, be proactive. Make a list of joy-bearing blessings. Record the things for which you can be thankful. Read a Psalm and join David in his praise and worship.
- Snatch Your Joy! Grab it and hold it fast. Refuse to let go of joy. Stubbornly cling to it. Memorize ONE joy verse and allow God’s Word to minister to your heart.
Snatch Your Joy! Grab it and hold it fast. Refuse to let go of joy.
Rejoicing Can Redeem the Stinkiest Day!
- During busy days, God can give you rest. BUT, you have to listen to the still small voice of the Spirit and REST when the Spirit says REST!
Exodus 33:14- And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
- Remember, rest is an act of obedience J
- When your rest is an act of obedience to God, He will make it sweet.
- Rest isn’t shirking your duties; with a new little guy, rest is your duty!
Rest will Strengthen You to Glorify God in all Your Mommy-Jobs
- You can do so much more than you think you can! It will be overwhelming when you look at all the things that must get done to help your home run smoothly through this transition! Don’t fixate on what must get done, but fix your gaze on the One who will strengthen you to meet the REAL needs of your growing family.
Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
- When God strengthens you, you’ll stand amazed at what you can do.
- God strengthens us not for the WHATs of life but to serve the WHOs of life.
- Begin with the WHO of your relationship with Christ, and He will empower you to meet the needs of your earthly WHOs.
- To gain strength, you need Jesus!
- Find time to be in the Word. You don’t need hours! Open your Bible while you’re nursing at night, and allow the Word to nurture you while you’re nurturing your hungry baby.
- Prop your Bible on the kitchen counter and “steal” some soul-refreshing time with the Word.
- Listen to hymns and praise music, and allow them to calm your heart.
- Pick an encouraging verse, write it out, and stick it in your pocket for immediate help when needed.
- Identify your #Godsquad and call them when you need someone to point you back to Jesus. They are your lifeline when it’s hard to see God. They can remind you of God’s goodness and remind God of your neediness!
With Jesus, You’ve Got This, Girl!
Your children may not say it in so many words, but as you strive to remember that you’re precious to God, as you treasure their specialness in your heart, and as you rejoice, rest, and allow God to strengthen you, they will be blessed by their faith-filled, joyful mama.
Proverbs 31: 29–31- Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
Megan Scheibner 