What were the first thoughts that ran through your mind when you received the positive pregnancy test? Did you experience excitement and joy? Resolve? Did you feel anxiety and fear? Don’t worry—all these responses are normal.
Many pregnancies are planned and anticipated after much preparation and prayer. Other pregnancies are unexpected, and it’s normal to feel ill-prepared and nervous. Some pregnancies are the result of long periods of trying and failing to conceive, so it’s reasonable to feel a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
Fear is natural. Whether you hear stories of other struggling mothers or even have your own past struggles weighing on you, it’s easy to let fear take hold. But while fear is natural, you shouldn’t sit in it. God’s in control, and He’s right there with you.
Be anxious for nothing
Anxiety, when left unchecked, seeps into every part of your life, and it’s not easy to overcome. But worrying doesn’t solve anything and even has negative consequences on your overall health and well-being [Luke 12:25, NIV]. Here are some scriptural truths about fear and anxiety to reflect on when you find yourself overwhelmed.
God cares
You don’t have to carry your struggles and stress alone. 1 Peter 5:7, NIV says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Bring your worries to Him; let go of the fear surrounding your unborn baby. Let Him carry it all for you.
God has not given us a spirit of fear
You aren’t designed to live in fear—God calls you to something better. 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Your spirit is meant to embrace God’s power, love, and peace. Put aside the fear of the unknown and embrace the spirit of God.
Trust in the Lord
As you put your trust and faith in God and His plan, fear loses its hold on you. Psalm 112:7 says, “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” There isn’t room for fear in a heart filled with faith. Put your faith in God that He will care for you and your unborn baby.
God knows the outcome
You have an almighty, heavenly Father who thinks about you, and He wants you to know He loves you. Jeremiah 29:11, “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.” God knows the story of you and your unborn baby. He knows your past, present, and future, and regardless of the outcome, He desires peace for you—not evil.
His grace is sufficient
Your weakness can glorify God. 2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV says “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” When you feel small and your fear takes hold, humbly confess and relinquish your desire to control and hand it all to God, and He will act for you. God is in control, and He wants you to rely on Him.
Peace be still
Sometimes peace feels out of reach. When you have something weighing on your heart, when you worry for your unborn child and their future—it’s hard to find peace in those moments. However, the Prince of Peace gives promises throughout Scripture about how to attain peace.
God first
Keeping God first in your life and fixing your heart and mind on Him produces peace. Isaiah 26:3 NIV says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” The more your mind fixates on God, the less room there is for the world to sneak in and corrupt with fear and doubt.
Be at rest knowing that God loves you and your child, and He has a plan for you both.
Eternal love
When Jesus died and rose again, He left His Peace behind—a promise of eternity with Him. John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The world can do very little to harm you, because God promises eternity, and nothing can take that from you. There might be struggles in this world, but that’s nothing compared to the glory Christ will reveal in us [Romans 8:18, KJV].
Thanksgiving prayer
An attitude of gratitude goes a long way toward pushing aside worry, and Philippians 4:6-7, ESV substantiates that promise: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you posture your heart towards praise as you lift your concerns to God, you open the door for God’s peace to settle within your heart. Thank God for the gift of life He’s bestowed upon you and trust Him to take care of the rest.
Children are a gift from the Lord
Finally, take heart knowing God loves your unborn child, and He knew the outcome of your child’s life long before you knew you were pregnant. Psalm 139:13-16, NIV expresses how the wonderful Creator is weaving your child together and knows your child through and through. Jeremiah 1:5, KJV says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;”
Your child is a gift and a heritage from the Lord. James 1:17-18, NIV says children are perfect gifts from above and “first fruits of all He created.” Be at rest knowing that God loves you and your child, and He has a plan for you both.
CHM Maternity Guide
When you’re thinking about starting a family, considering all your options is a great first step.
Learn more about CHM’s maternity program and make sure you’re prepared by signing up to receive the Maternity Guide.
