Lord, they came to you in their distress;
    when you disciplined them,
    they could barely whisper a prayer.
As a pregnant woman about to give birth
    writhes and cries out in her pain,
    so were we in your presence, Lord.
 We were with child, we writhed in labor,
    but we gave birth to wind.
We have not brought salvation to the earth,
    and the people of the world have not come to life.

Isaiah 26:16-18

I read these verses the other evening during my personal devotions. It painted a picture in my head.

Who am I? –Father, I’m the woman. I strive for things I can’t achieve on my own.

Joy. Peace. Hope.

Jesus once said: Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12

If I can’t achieve anything on my own, what did Jesus mean? The Holy Spirit lives inside of me as a Christian, and because He lives in me, I can achieve greater things. I don’t think those thoughts strike me enough.

In another passage, scripture also describes a pregnant woman. It’s a story you’ll probably recognize and maybe can quote.

 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:16-19

Mary’s first moments with Jesus must have been amazing! She sat in the very presence of God, and it caused her heart to stop and ponder. When was the last time I pondered the presence of God in me? I forget. I’m not awestruck enough. As a Christian, I sit in the presence of God. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me.

He gives me meaning. Through Him I have hope and peace.

I ought to ponder that more. I need to be reminded and awestruck by it. There is a God, who loved me enough to take me from wreathing in labor pains to the point of salvation. Return to me the joy and wonder of that, Father.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:12