Pregnant with Strength

(Psalm Study)

Mammals differ in their gestation periods based on a variety of factors. Larger animals tend to have much longer gestation periods than smaller ones. Marsupials tend to have shorter gestations since they carry their young in pouches after birth.

When I was pregnant with my son, I went through a multitude of phases. At first, nobody (not even I) knew that someone new was growing inside me. During the first trimester, my body reacted unfavorably to the internal changes. It took another few months before I started to ‘show’—where others could see that I was changing. Finally, after nine months, the person who was growing inside me was delivered.

“You made my life large with strength.” (Ps. 138:3 MSG)

“You encourage me by giving me strength.” (Ps. 138:3 NLT)

As I read the above verse, it reminded me of a friend who is going through a tough time right now. Yet, I can sense that the Lord has planted a seed of strength in her. It is incubating, still imperceptible, and I don’t know how long the gestation will be. I hope to be by her side while she goes through this period of stretching and growth. As she carries this inner strength to term, I wait with her, expectantly, for the day when her strength will be delivered and visible—when all this heaviness will finally bear fruit. 

Lord, you give us strength through your Spirit that is in us. Every trial is a time of gestation for this inner strength to grow. Help us to call out the inner strength in each other.