One hour at a time. Focus on the task in front of you. Do the next thing.

These are mantras for the first few weeks of a newborn’s life. At least for me.

Another thing the Lord reminded me of this week? Scripture (and my life experience with Him) says He is good, He is faithful, He is present. Elisabeth Elliot said, “God has promised to supply our needs. What we don’t have now we don’t need now.” If God gives sleep, He gives sleep. If God doesn’t give sleep, He’ll give energy. He will always provide (Psalm 34:10, Matthew 11:29-30, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Matthew 7:11). I can lean heavily on that hope, even when I so badly want to doubt He’ll come through.

Again, I’m reminded of the passage God gave me my last two weeks of pregnancy, in Nehemiah 9.

Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen. (v. 19-21)

I love our newest daughter deeply, but anyone who has experienced the early weeks (months?) of having a newborn know that it can feel like the wilderness. Uncertainty, minimal sleep, great joy, adjustment, the need for fresh trust, fatigue.

But we can apply the above verses to any wilderness-like season.

He has great compassion for you. He will not fail to guide you, whether you’re in a moment of darkness or bright light. He has given us His good Spirit to instruct us in the decisions we make, in the feelings we’re processing. He will not withhold sustenance for our soul’s hunger and thirst. It is His nature to sustain you, to hold you up, to hold you steady, and you will lack nothing when you trust, adore and invite Him in. His power works miracles in the face of our weakness and lack. There are mercies in the morning. And His unfailing love for you.

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PS – Extra grateful for a shaded back deck until 1pm so we can have lunch outside and play with bubbles.