Preparing for Childbirth: 10 Scriptures of Comfort & Encouragement

As I count down the weeks to the anticipated arrival of our newest addition--Anna Elizabeth {Annabeth}--I am preparing for natural childbirth like I experienced with our oldest daughter, Kate. 

One way I am preparing mentally and spiritually for the exhausting and grueling demands of labor and delivery is by selecting and memorizing scriptures. God's Word does more than just provide guidance and direction, it also comforts, encourages, energizes, and lifts up the weary.

Here are ten verses from the Bible that I have jotted down on note cards to help me as I prepare for labor. I plan to meditate and pray on them during the different phases of childbirth, from the easy contractions early on, to the mounting, seemingly never-ending rushes of the latter stages of labor, to the challenging but exhilarating time of delivery, and finally through the beautiful moment of our daughter's birth.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."    Deuteronomy 31:6

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Psalm 91:4 

“Cast your cares on the Lord  and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22

[The Lord] "gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

 Isaiah 40:29, 31

 

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." Psalm 34:7

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:21-23

 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

 Philippians 4:13

Doubtless I probably will not have these 10 verses memorized. Still, by meditating on them daily and having my note cards with me during labor, I believe I will be better able to endure and appreciate this childbirth experience.  

I have found that clinging to the Word of God during moments of fear, pain, and sheer exhaustion, during trials and challenges that seem insurmountable, has been a source of strength and hope, helping me to accomplish what I never could do alone. Knowing that my God will never leave me nor forsake me is a source of peace for me.

What are your favorite scriptures that help YOU through the difficult times of life?

Keri

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This post is linked to: The Better Mom Mondays, Teach Me Tuesdays, Time-Warp Wife Titus 2Days, Top 10 Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Raising Homemakers Wednesdays, Raising Mighty Arrows Proverbs 31 Thursdays