I’m 38 weeks along in this pregnancy so labor is on my mind a little more often these days. Like with Caleb and Sofia‘s births, the plan is to go all natural. (Don’t ask me why – that decision is sounding worse and worse the closer I get haha!)
But “natural” or not, birth is never a walk in the park. Whether you’re opting to go with an epidural or with no pain meds, having some Bible verses for during labor (either just in your mind or written out) can be such a blessing.
When I was in labor with Caleb Psalm 61:2 randomly popped into my mind:
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
I had a specific mental picture of that verse in my head and it really helped me as I meditated on it. I now think of that particular verse as my “labor verse”.
This time around though I’ve decided to make a whole list of favorite verses for during labor. I’m not sure if I’ll feel like reading through them or if I’ll just want a couple of them in my head to think on . . . I’ll let you know. 😉
Here are the verses on my list:
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Deuteronomy 33:27a
The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 18
I love this whole passage!! It’s so powerful to read about how God mightily answers the psalmist when he calls to him for help. Such an encouraging passage! It’s kind of hard for me to pick out just one verse because there are so many good ones. So anyway, here’s verse 29 (but you should really go and read the whole passage!)
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
Psalm 23:4
Again, I love this entire passage, but verse four seems like one of the best verses for during labor:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 30:5b
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 61:2
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 121:1-3
I will lift up my eyes to the hills –
From whence comes my help?My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Isaiah 40:11
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41:10,13
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
Isaiah 43:1b-2
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
II Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Phillipians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
So, what about you? Did you have a list of verses for during labor? Any of the same ones that I have on my list? Share what helped you in the comments below!
PS – A friend of mine e-mailed me a PDF of verses on cards to print out for during labor. If that’s something you’d be interested in send me an email ([email protected]) and I can forward it on to you!
God bless you, dear niece, for honoring life and children and family and doing all you can to seek God’s help in your upcoming labor. Love you!!!!
Love you too!!
11 Corinthians 12:9 was the verse that really helped me during labor. My desired was to have a natural birth with no pain meds and the Lord really carried me through it. Labor for me lasted 12 hrs and pushed my baby out for 3 1/2hrs but all that effort is so rewarding at the end. Epidural didn’t even cross my mind during it and the nurses/doctor were shocked I did it. Just remember that God is with you and He hasn’t given you(us) more pain that we can’t handle. I’ll be praying for you!
Thank you!! Wow, 3 and 1/2 hours of pushing?!! I can’t imagine! Good job Mama! Thanks for sharing the verse that helped you. 🙂
This is so encouraging and helpful not only for myself and to speak into others as they bear the end of the third trimester. His word sustains us and carries us through the beautiful transition of bringing these little ones into the world!
Yes it does! ❤️
I love these verses for any tough day! I never thought of having Bible verses ready for labor, but looking back it would have been wise. Labor or not, sometimes a reminder that God is with me and HE is in control is just what we need!!
So true!!
Thanks for sharing! I just sent this post to a friend of mine who is due with her first baby soon <3
Ahh good, I hope she finds it encouraging!
Hurray for being able to meet Baby #3 soon! I didn’t really have any verses to read while I was in labor, but it would have been a good idea! These are good choices!
Good luck with #3!! I love this idea! I’m going to have to save these for when I have number 3 in October!