Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Oh, how that is a verse I needed to see yesterday! At church we are going through the book of Isaiah and this is not the first time it said something I needed to hear.
For good or bad, my life pretty much revolves around my kiddo. I sometimes feel like my parenting skills are lacking and with his vocabulary becoming larger and the introduction of the word "why" into conversations several times a day, I find myself at a loss. This whole verse wraps me in the comfort of God's arms - and for several reasons. When I picture Jesus, I envision him with little children all around. This verse gives me that picture with God. Where are the little children? Close to his heart. Even when I screw up, as I do on a daily basis, God has my little man close to his heart. In addition to that, God leads us in the act of raising our children. He doesn't lead us by yelling or shaking his fists, he leads us gently. That is a key word because I'm sure my reactions at times are so not the model of correct parenting that God is up there shaking his head at me. Yet, instead of holding those times against me, I think he uses His word to try and help me see how I should handle any situation that may come about. He gently corrects me instead of slapping me upside the head. I am sure that both I, and my son appreciate that :).
Let's focus on another part of this verse - God is tending the flocks like a shepherd. In order for us to be part of the flock, we need to be willing to follow instead of lead. It is in that act of following God's word that we are able to see where He is leading us so that we may, in turn, lead our children. If we are trying to herd our own lambs in our own way, we get led astray.
Fellow parents out there (with children of any age), don't hesitate to ask God for guidance for any and every aspect of parenting. He will gently lead you and he will always keep your children close to his heart. Reflect on that. I pray it fills you with a sense of peace and comfort from the Lord.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank you for gently leading me to raise my son. Let me never think any issue with him is too big or too small to take to you. Our children live in your heart and you guide them, just as your guide us. Help us stay on the path You have chosen and let US let YOU lead the way. Our flock is not really our own, our children belong to you and because you are trusting us to do a good job, we must trust you to show us what that good job looks like. As always, we cannot do it without you! We love you and in Your Son's name I pray. Amen.
He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Oh, how that is a verse I needed to see yesterday! At church we are going through the book of Isaiah and this is not the first time it said something I needed to hear.
For good or bad, my life pretty much revolves around my kiddo. I sometimes feel like my parenting skills are lacking and with his vocabulary becoming larger and the introduction of the word "why" into conversations several times a day, I find myself at a loss. This whole verse wraps me in the comfort of God's arms - and for several reasons. When I picture Jesus, I envision him with little children all around. This verse gives me that picture with God. Where are the little children? Close to his heart. Even when I screw up, as I do on a daily basis, God has my little man close to his heart. In addition to that, God leads us in the act of raising our children. He doesn't lead us by yelling or shaking his fists, he leads us gently. That is a key word because I'm sure my reactions at times are so not the model of correct parenting that God is up there shaking his head at me. Yet, instead of holding those times against me, I think he uses His word to try and help me see how I should handle any situation that may come about. He gently corrects me instead of slapping me upside the head. I am sure that both I, and my son appreciate that :).
Let's focus on another part of this verse - God is tending the flocks like a shepherd. In order for us to be part of the flock, we need to be willing to follow instead of lead. It is in that act of following God's word that we are able to see where He is leading us so that we may, in turn, lead our children. If we are trying to herd our own lambs in our own way, we get led astray.
Fellow parents out there (with children of any age), don't hesitate to ask God for guidance for any and every aspect of parenting. He will gently lead you and he will always keep your children close to his heart. Reflect on that. I pray it fills you with a sense of peace and comfort from the Lord.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank you for gently leading me to raise my son. Let me never think any issue with him is too big or too small to take to you. Our children live in your heart and you guide them, just as your guide us. Help us stay on the path You have chosen and let US let YOU lead the way. Our flock is not really our own, our children belong to you and because you are trusting us to do a good job, we must trust you to show us what that good job looks like. As always, we cannot do it without you! We love you and in Your Son's name I pray. Amen.
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