I apologize for the lack of writing these past months.  Blogging takes a lot more discipline than it seems!

Upon reflecting on the last post about the vulnerability I’ve been experiencing in this pregnancy, I decided that I needed to add that I have lots of hope and encouragement, not only from women around me and support of my families, but from God himself.  His scripture is abounding in promises to help us in times of need, to keep our minds steadfast, and to provide us with peace; all of which come in handy when you are pregnant for the first time and are constantly faced with unknowns.

I wanted to share specifically some scripture that has truly impacted me.

Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.  She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” (Genesis 4:1).

This is closest thing to the first birth recorded in Scripture, and what is her reaction?  Not fear, but JOY!  “With the help of the Lord” is what I find to be most appealing in her words.  I mean, could you image what it would be like to be the very first pregnant woman?  No other women around, no articles and ‘Google’ to look things up, no doctor to to reassure that everything is okay, and certainly no Bradley Method birthing classes to prepare you for pain in labor!  She looks to the Lord for help, and he provides!  This is also an encouraging verse because just one chapter prior to that, Eve rebels against God, and here He still blesses her with a safe pregnancy/delivery and a healthy child.

All throughout the Bible, one can see that the God of the universe is there for us.  He wants us to call out for Him, and to seek him in times of plenty, and in times of want.  Her are some verses I will be using in labor…

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.  When I said, “My foot is slipping,”  your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. (Psalm 94:17-18)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Another theme throughout scripture is that our minds are powerful and what we believe manifests through how we live.  Here are some scripture I am using also in labor to remind me what to think about…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7)

…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Col. 2:8)

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; (Romans 8:6)

Knowing these promises makes me excited to embrace the pains of labor, knowing I will receive comfort and solace.  If I dwell on these, and trust what God is saying, suddenly I feel peace knowing it certainly will “be okay”.