Today, on May 12th, we celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States, extending warm wishes to all mothers and mothers-to-be for a joyous Mother’s Day 2024!
Motherhood is a lifelong commitment, marked by self-sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the well-being of one’s children. It’s essential to recognise and honour all mothers for their resilience in navigating life’s challenges and embracing its highs and lows.
For those experiencing the complexities of pregnancy, I urge you to prioritise self-care under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
On a spiritual level, consider these steps to shift your focus from adversity to gratitude:
1. Cultivate gratitude
Pregnancy and motherhood are divine blessings and deserving of heartfelt gratitude. Begin each day by thanking the Creator for the precious life within you. Envision a bright future for your child and bless it, drawing strength from the knowledge that you are part of a miraculous journey.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
2. Trust in divine guidance
Follow the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who embraced God’s plan with unwavering faith. Trust in the promises of God, finding solace in His Word amidst uncertainty. Commit your child’s life to His care through prayer, knowing that His divine intervention transcends human understanding.
Luke 1:38 (AMP)
Following a visit to Elizabeth, to confirm what the angel told her, Mary wrote the Magnificat, a song of exhortation to God during her pregnancy.
We might not have a divine visitation like Mary, but we have the promises in God’s word to draw strength, faith and hope from.
3. Pray
Entrust the life of your little one to the Lord in prayers. Stay encouraged even when it feels like God is quiet or you don’t see instant outcomes. Be persistent, as your prayers are powerful and will shift things in the heavenliness to establish God’s kingdom in the life of your child on earth as it is in heaven.
Also, remember to take everything to God in prayers, including all the burdens that may weigh you down.
Trust the life of your unborn child and his/her safe delivery into the hands of the Almighty. Lean into Him and do not be anxious. (Phil 4:6-7), but let God’s peace flood your internal world.
4. Seek community support
You need not walk this journey alone. Connect with fellow mothers in your community or church who share your values. Seek guidance and encouragement from those who have walked a similar path, knowing that collective wisdom fosters strength and resilience.
Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated,
But with many counsellors, they are established and succeed.
Proverbs 15:22 (AMP)
5. Embrace self-care and rest
Listen to your body’s cues and priorities rest. Seek support from your partner when needed. Find solace in God’s presence, allowing His peace to permeate your soul. Remember His promise of rest for the weary and find refuge in His loving embrace.
Write scriptures that speak to you on an index card and speak them out aloud so you hear the words with your spirit.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
You will find peace and shelter under the shadow of His wings. Make it your hiding place.
6. Embrace Motherhood as a calling
Recognise the sacred privilege of nurturing a precious life entrusted to you by God. Your role as a mother is pivotal, shaping the course of your child’s future. Celebrate this calling and embrace the responsibility with reverence and love.
7. Celebrate God’s faithfulness
Reflect on how far God has brought you through in your journey of pregnancy and thank him for the milestones reached and celebrate them. Think of the prayers that God has answered and celebrate them as well.
You can use your communities as a place to share testimonies of God’s provision, faithfulness, and providence through your journey.
8. Trust in God’s Plan
Despite uncertainties, trust in God’s redemptive plan for your child’s future. Pray fervently for their well-being, knowing that God’s plans are for their prosperity and hope. Surrender to His providence, believing that He works all things for good.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
8. Honour mothers and motherhood
Let Mother’s Day serve as a reminder to honour the mothers in your life, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to nurturing and growth. Express gratitude not only on this day but throughout the year, recognising the profound impact of maternal love and guidance.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us cherish the blessings of motherhood and extend appreciation to all who embody its essence.
May the spirit of love and gratitude continue to illuminate our paths, guiding us in honouring and uplifting mothers everywhere. And when Father’s Day rolls around, let’s do the same for dads!
Joanne Sojinu, Author of A Mother’s Prayers, Week by Week Devotional for Your Unborn Child