Words for Young Mothers: Let God Have the Control
Many of my friends are having babies or are first time mothers. This has caused me to reminisce about my experiences as a new mother. There were so many new responsibilities that I felt completely overwhelmed. Add to the reality of those responsibilities, out of control hormones, and sleep deprivation, and you get one crazy lady! Yet even in this whirlwind of craziness I had great joy with my new son.
One of the biggest mental obstacles I’ve had to face as a mother is relinquishing the control of my children to God. I am a control freak. I was born the boss, yet even though I want to control everything, I simply cannot control everything that happens with my kids. The first couple of weeks at home with Ethan I would not sleep at all during the night. I was scared Ethan would get sids. This fear was exaggerated since the only way he would sleep was on his tummy and the Dr just scared me to death about letting him sleep that way. So for endless nights I would lie in bed awake and then go check on him incessantly.
One night as I was laying there freaking out, I realized something; I am not in control when we have to sleep. Yes, I need to be prudent and aware but I have to sleep and so does Ethan. So I began to meditate on Scripture. One verse that was a comfort to me was “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” God cares about my children more than I do, and ultimately He is in control. God knows more about them and cares about them in every way. He will protect them. This is a hard one for Mom’s. Children are our responsibility and we take it seriously as we should. However this care we give our children should not be overcome with fear for their well-being.
Having children gives women a glimpse at the Father’s love for His Son. Imagine how much you love your child and care for him, and then multiply that times infinity and you would have just some of God’s love for His children. Entrust your little ones into the hands of the Almighty. He will care for them in the best possible way.
Paul
936 days ago
Thank you Kerri for the great reminder that we are not in control and we need to dedicate our children to Him.
Amy B
936 days ago
Great post. I have had the exact same experience with my baby; in the early weeks I would go sleep in her room sometimes and not sleep a wink. After all the baby classes hearing "Back to Sleep" so many times, I was so paranoid for my child who refused to sleep on her back. I finally had to give it to the Lord to do what He deems best for her. And, my friend recently echoed my thought, "She is His baby, not yours." Thanks for this!
Kirsten
936 days ago
It's amazing how in my career life, with my friends…I can let go and let God, but I struggle with my husband and my children. Thanks Kerri for reminding me that we all belong to God and are under his care, protection, and control, not our own.
Keri
936 days ago
thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm glad I'm not the only one who needs this reminder. As my children grow I still have to relinquish control to the Father.
Ben and April
936 days ago
How true!!! Turning the control over is a very freeing thing. Who better to entrust our children to than the Lord. Thanks!
Anonymous
929 days ago
wow Keri, this is so true. i remember Sam telling me even when our M was being formed that she was the Lords. and that He was just loaning her to me. as harsh as it sounds, it is the fact. i love to follow your blog. thanks for sharing your heart. Kari
Heatherlady
924 days ago
I really like this insight. I think it is hard to realize that we aren't in control. I think that lesson is true with ALL aspects of motherhood and bringing life into this world. We think we are in charge of when and how spirits come to this earth and when they leave it, but really God is in perfect control. Thanks for the reminder– sometimes trusting God is the hardest part.