Oh Baby: 14 Devotions for New ParentsChikamu

You're Ready for This

It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. II CORINTHIANS 3:5 CSB

You are not alone in the important endeavor of parenting. You may feel as if you're alone. You may not have a partner or a supportive family. You may live far away from those who could offer hands-on help and encouragement, but God is with you wherever you are, in whatever you’re facing. He is faithful, and He will see you through.

If you’re drowning in your circumstances, trust that the Lord is there to help you. Push away the panic and acknowledge that He knows what He’s doing. Once you relax and let Him take over, you’ll be surprised at how quickly life feels manageable again. Worry is a drain on your precious reserves of time, energy, and emotional strength. How much better it is to talk over those worries with God and let Him keep watch.

You don’t have to know everything there is to know about being a parent. I promise. God has placed certain instincts within you, instincts that surface once you relax and let them flow naturally. You’re already more equipped than you think. And it’s important to remember that God made you. That’s right, you are His creation, and He knows you inside out and backward. If you need strength after a long night, He will bolster you. If you need insight, He’s the fountain of all baby knowledge. Sometimes He will provide what you need by sending someone your way, and sometimes He will help you reach deep inside and find what you need to get the job done.

Being a new parent can be stressful under any circumstances, but at the same time, it is a time you will deeply cherish as you look back. You will be able to experience it just once with the child you are now holding. Be comforted by the Bible, God’s Word, and allow Him to help you enjoy every moment.

Prayer:

Guide me in Your truth, Lord. Lead me to the Scriptures that best capture Your heart for me in this season so that I can remain strong as a parent and as Your child.