15 days and counting…As we get closer to the due date for baby D coming, I can tell that both Kristin and myself are getting more excited, but we can also tell we are getting more anxious and a little bit more emotional. Sometimes we both wake up at 4 in the morning wondering how are we going to take care of this little guy! There are so many questions and anxieties swirling in our heads about just having a baby and what that means for us – the delivery, post delivery, additional financial support we need to raise before heading back to Zambia, finishing our time in the States well, roles and responsibilities we have back in Zambia and bringing our first child into those…and a host of other concerns.
A couple of verses that I have been trying to meditate on as all of these anxieties and concerns swirl in my head and soul are Philippians 4:19 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
D.A. Carson says these helpful and encouraging words about these verses:
“The Lord is no-one’s debtor. The measure of God’s giving is infinitely greater than that of any human giving. God’s promise is to supply all that he sees we need, and not only out of but according to [in the measure of] his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” The New Bible Commentary
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“God’s mighty hand is a familiar phrase in the [Septuagint], usually connected in thought with the deliverance from Egypt (as in Ps. 98:1). Here it reminds us that God can intervene in human affairs and bring blessing out of acceptance of the lowly part of life, even of suffering rightly borne. Cast is the vivid verb ‘hurl’. The reason for the absence of anxiety is the one Jesus gives, e.g. in Mt. 6:25–34; 10:28–33.” New Bible Commentary
So this Memorial Day weekend Kristin and are praying that we would trust that, “God will supply every need of ours,” (baby, Zambia, financial support) and that we would “cast” or “hurl” our anxieties on God because he does care for us.
We hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Derek and Kristin Dearth 
Oh I SO hear you on having your mind swimming with anxiety and wondering how on earth you will survive such a big change! Two verses that I constantly cling to are Psalm 71:5-6 & Psalm 28:6-7.
Psalm 71:5-6
For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; My praise is continually of You.” (this one is specifically helpful in reminding me that God not only sustained Redeem in my womb and then brought her out, but He will continually take care of her, despite me and my failed attempts at motherhood)
Psalm 28:6-7
Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” (the phrase, “my heart trusts in Him and I am helped” is usually all I can remember of this verse, but God has used it to strengthen me many, many times since Redeem was born)
Love and prayer for you both as you anticipate the change ahead. Keep trusting in Him!