365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 63

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Devotional

Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Mental Health Insight – When a mother enters the postpartum period the brain is naturally in a heightened state to protect the baby. However, many mothers’ brains will get stuck in a heightened state creating scary intrusive thoughts about the baby’s or mother’s safety. But how can one combat this? Research shows that when we put our thoughts into words it decreases the heightened state of the amygdala and activates the logical part of our brain, the prefrontal cortex. 

Example: “I am experiencing an intrusive thought about the stairs”

By identifying the fear as just a thought and not truth, you take the power away from the intrusive thought. By identifying the thought, one can help their brain categorize it as “just a thought” and not a real emergency or threat. 

Faith Connection – In Psalm 34:4 we can see that whenever fears arise, the Psalmist doesn’t deny them but rather runs towards the Lord when they arise. When entering the postpartum phase, spending time with God starts to look different. We are in a new phase of life, learning how to juggle parenthood and this new phase of life. Seeking the Lord can be a simple declaration, acknowledging our struggles while inviting Him into the chaos. 

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Reflection Question: What is one “False Alarm” fear my brain has been screaming at me today?

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Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that I don’t have to hide my intrusive thoughts or my “scary” fears from You. You know how much I love this baby and how much I want to keep them safe. When my mind starts to spiral, help me to seek You quickly. Deliver me from the paralysis of “what-if.” I label my fear now and place it in Your hands, trusting that Your peace is stronger than my anxiety. Amen.

Book Recommendations – PostPartum Resources 

A Mom Is Born by Rachael Elmore

A therapeutic lifeline that bridges clinical mental health with Christian faith to help women navigate postpartum depression and anxiety. Written by a licensed counselor, it offers a professional yet compassionate roadmap for the massive identity shift of motherhood, providing practical “wellness plans” to move you from survival mode into God’s grace.

Want To Further Your Mental Health Journey? You can actually start reading the many book recommendations on this blog for FREE in the next 60 seconds. Grab a [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial here] or [Get 3 months of Audible for just $0.99/mo] to unlock this title and thousands of other mental health tools, instantly on your phone or tablet. (Note: Kindle Unlimited selection varies over time; check the product page for current eligibility.)

Closing Thoughts

You have completed Day 63 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. Go you! I hope your March is going well and I cannot wait to hear all the amazing blessings God is doing in your life!

Have the best and most blessed day ever!

Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student 

Disclaimer

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.