Oh Baby: 14 Devotions for New ParentsChikamu

You Are Not Alone

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” PSALM 91:1–2 NIV

It can start in the first weeks of pregnancy. It grows in the delivery room and repeats multiple times throughout a child's life: an internal cry that says, “I can’t do this!” Have you been there? More than likely, your heart will echo this more than once during your parenting journey.

It doesn’t always matter whether you have a supportive spouse or family nearby. Sometimes you can be well-connected and still feel alone. Other times, your aloneness stems from being a single parent or the one who is home with the kids most of the day or night. The transition is normal. You may have been someone who thrived on long hikes through nature. You may have relied heavily on a dynamic network of social activities. But all of that changes when a baby comes! It’s inevitable! Your preferences and personality don’t change, but your outlets for those things suddenly become much less available.

While it’s true that our lifestyle takes a sharp right turn when a baby comes, the best news is that God does not change. He is the one constant through it all, supporting you and loving you exactly the same on this side of parenthood as He did on that side. It may take longer than you’d like to discover your new dynamic with Him. But if you continue to trust and take it one day at a time, you will find that His hand never lets go of yours.

Psalm 91 is a resource for any struggling new parent. David experienced the highest of highs (think of killing a giant and saving a nation) and the lowest of lows (as a murderer and conspirator whose firstborn son died in infancy). He learned through his life to cry out to God in need and to proclaim the truth of who God really is. Psalm 91 declares those truths and promises. When you feel alone and overwhelmed, consider turning to Psalm 91 and remembering what is true.

Prayer:

God, I dwell in Your shelter and find my rest in You. You alone are my refuge and place of safety. You are my God, and I trust You.