Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The first weeks postpartum can be full of joy, but also exhausting, lonely and confusing. Many mothers do not dare to speak about their heavy feelings. This article is for new mothers after giving birth, reminding you that God sees, understands and upholds you. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
In the days after giving birth, I often struggled with a house full of a newborn by clinging to postpartum pep talks. They always started with my birth story. I pictured myself as a triumphant mother, my strength proven through two days of labor. And they always ended with something like this:
If I could deliver this baby, surely I can…
make it to naptime.
keep my emotions under control.
change one more diaper.
take the baby outside today.
But feeding myself on positive self-talk like this never held me up. It won’t hold you up either. You need to feed yourself with a different story, the bigger story of a greater love. Even though you have just brought a new child into the world, you are the one who desperately needs a Deliverer.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
You will not find this story in yourself, but in Scripture. Just as God helped you give birth, He will also open your eyes. Ask Him to show you. Just as your baby can only see up close, makes out blurry shapes, and yet wonderfully recognizes you across the room, you too will begin to recognize your heavenly Father in the blur of new motherhood.
Pregnancy reminds you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), that God said to be fruitful and multiply from the beginning (Genesis 1:28), and that God Himself became flesh (John 1:14). Pregnancy helps you identify with Israel as they waited for the Messiah, and to watch for Jesus’ return. Childbirth gives you a glimpse of the fall (Genesis 3:16) as you feel the pain of sin and separation from God.
Before Jesus came, a woman after childbirth went through a month of purification before she could come near God’s dwelling. A priest would make atonement for her by offering a lamb without blemish (Leviticus 12:6). Jesus is the better, perfect Lamb, the once-for-all sacrifice for every mother. He intercedes for you every day when you are tired. He promises to be with you, yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He gave Himself to redeem you, so that you can approach the throne of grace in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
What Motherhood Teaches You
The real prison is not postpartum life, but the yoke of sin you once carried. Jesus set you free through His death and resurrection (Galatians 5:1). In this season, He will strip away the idol of self, leaving you feeling as bare as the day you were born (Hosea 2:3). As you accept your new body with its stretch marks and loose skin, you may think of how Eve felt when she was naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). Just as you gently dress your newborn, Christ clothes you with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).
As you look forward to the day when God makes all things new (Revelation 21:5), you will glimpse the gospel renewal that has already happened in your heart. The Holy Spirit lives in you and sanctifies you, so that you are not only allowed near His temple, but your own body has become His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Like your newborn, you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), living a new life (Romans 6:4). You will become a learner and receiver of the gospel in motion. You will learn to love your child as Christ loved you (1 John 4:19), caring day and night for a baby who cannot repay you. You will see Jesus, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). As you respond to your baby’s cries, you will know that God will meet your needs too (Philippians 4:19). As you nurse your baby, you will also crave pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2).
You Can Do All Things
New mothers, take heart! Cling to the Word of life, Jesus! When friends stop bringing meals, when your mother has gone home, when the enemy comes disguised as loneliness and pain, and when sleepless nights seem to drive you crazy, declare that Christ’s grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). After all, Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Paul was not alone, and neither are you. In the next verse he says, “Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction” (Philippians 4:14). Paul received great support from the church. Know that God delights to provide for His people through one another. Reach out and give your church community the gift of helping you, experiencing the gospel both with you and through you. Like Paul, know that your life serves the advance of the gospel (Philippians 1:12). Their needs are just as great as yours.
Postpartum Depression
After I had my first baby, my mother pampered me and stayed with me for two weeks. When my father came to pick her up, he assured me I would be a wonderful mother, and with that, he reminded me that postpartum depression is real and very common. As a mental health counselor, I didn’t think I needed the reminder. But I did, and so do you.
Every postpartum season has ups and downs, but it does not have to become a prison. Seek help right away, from a professional, if you are not sure whether what you are going through is healthy. Yes, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever; but that does not mean we cannot see a doctor. Doctors are often an important means God uses to care for us.
When you tell your baby’s sweet story, remember to tell your own story too. Christ’s redemption is written throughout Scripture, but it can also be retold through your life and your journey as a mother. Preach God’s story to yourself. And as you are delivered, tell the world about your Deliverer.
Walking With Mothers After Childbirth
If you are a new mother experiencing exhaustion, lasting sadness or troubling thoughts, tell your husband, family and doctor right away. Postpartum depression is treatable, and seeking help does not mean you lack faith.
If you are a family member or a brother or sister in the church, don’t only check in during the first week. A meal, a few hours of babysitting or a text saying you are praying, several weeks after the birth, can be a great gift to a mother.
You may also like: 10 Ways to Weave Prayer Into Family Life and Family Worship.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of new life. Uphold mothers after childbirth; give them strength, sleep, peace and loving companions. Heal weary and sorrowful hearts. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Communications Ministry – Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church
Adapted from: DesiringGod.org
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