“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28).

Life with kids can be a roller coaster ride! Children are funny little, tornadic extensions of us that incite every emotion possible during their 18 years of growing and beyond. Life takes a dramatic turn at their birth that is both scary and exciting!

God tells us, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3). While this is true, parenting comes with countless challenges! Through the demands and sometimes craziness of raising kids, it’s important to remember that we, too, are children of the King. Making intentional time for God, even for just a few minutes in His Presence a day, can be vital to our well-being. Our relationship with Christ nourishes our relationships with our spouses and children.

Nurturing family bonds and initiating meaningful conversation, cultivates our children’s identities and values. It lends to shaping their worldview and provides spiritual anchors that will stay with them for a lifetime. Sharing our passion for Jesus is contagious!

When life is stressful and we’re juggling “all the things,” take a deep breath and don’t lose sight of God’s love for you! God sees you and will bless your commitment and sacrifices. Rest in knowing He meets us where we are, and His enduring love helps us get through the roughest of days!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Routinely reading scripture, sharing how the Holy Spirit is speaking to us, praying together before meals, and worshiping God are rich opportunities to model what a relationship with the Lord looks like. He has instructed us to train up our children in the way they should go, and there’s no greater foundation for this than our authentic love for Jesus. Read these scriptures and receive the encouraging word He has for you today!

“And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now He has brought you to this place” (Deuteronomy 1:31).

“But God Himself took charge of his people, took Jacob on as His personal concern. He found him out in the wilderness, in an empty, windswept wasteland. He threw His arms around him, lavished attention on him, guarding him as the apple of His eye. He was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air, teaching them to fly” (Deuteronomy 32:10-11).

“For I hold you by your right hand… I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you’” (Isaiah 41:13).

Prayer: Lord, we are so thankful to you for our families – they are a blessing beyond measure! We ask that you help us be intentional about spending time with You, as we want to develop strong foundations of faith for our homes and families. Dismantle any patterns of brokenness or cycles of generational sin, so they are not passed down to our children. We are new creations in You! Help us to acknowledge You and Your Word in our families, honoring You daily. We give you all the glory, honor, and praise due Your name, Amen.

Final Thought: Our Savior, Jesus Christ, holds us in the palm of His nail-pierced hand. Be encouraged that He loves you today and every day!