“See, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special reward.” Psalm 127:3 NLV
“Father God, I am so blessed. You have allowed me to raise four children to adulthood. As I look at each of them I am touched by the influence we, my hubby and I, have had on their lives today. I am thankful they know how to pray, because we prayed. I am thankful they know that the Bible is their instruction book for raising their own children, because they saw us reading our Bibles. And I am thankful they know right from wrong because we took the time to teach them and to discipline them. I also see evidence of when we were not so perfect in raising them. We did our best, but we were not perfect no matter how many times we read Dr. James Dobson’s books on how to raise children. And that is why I stay on my knees, bringing them to Your throne.
But we can’t stop now. Lord, I see the world pulling on them just as it pulled on us as we were raising them. I see depression, anger, fear, and indecision walking beside them waiting to take over their minds. I see outside influences on our grandchildren and I know our children are praying for wisdom to lead each grandchild through the rough patches. And Jesus, I see the struggle our adult children face as their own children become young adults. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” I want our adult children to understand this, not as a negative way of looking at life, but as a means of knowing that they are not alone. God has provided these experiences for us as parents as well as others who can mentor, pray, and have compassion for each struggle.
Lord, walk with, speak to, and hold each of our adult children in Your Hand as they continue in their lives. Help them to remember each Bible verse they memorized as small children. Bring to remembrance that prayer is the strongest ally they have. And remind them to put on Your whole armor each day before they rise so that they can keep the forces of evil from their homes.
And finally, Father, remind our adult children that time is much more important than money. Let each husband and wife take time daily to talk, read the Bible, and pray with their spouse. Let each of them know that playing a game, working together on a project, and showing an interest in their interests, are critical to raising their children. Remind them to be there when their children need to talk; and listen with their hearts and not just their ears.
I know, Lord, that they have seen me go through our home and anoint the doors with oil as a reminder that God will keep all evil from our home if we but believe. “…and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you.” Exodus 12:23b Protect their homes, Lord Jesus, and keep all evil from entering.
We do not have control over our adult children. But we never stop praying for them and lifting them up to the One who is in control. Protect them, keep them safe, and keep them walking closely to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Heart Notes of Life 