Joy: 37-Day Devotionalنموونە

We had been dealing with the same behavior from one of our children for a while now. It felt like a merry-go-round that I desperately wanted to get off. “What are we going to do?” I asked my husband. We were at wits’ end. Can y’all relate?

It was at this breaking point that the Lord softly whispered, “Come to me in prayer about this.” I quickly remembered the book, Fervent, by Priscilla Shirer that I had recently read on praying specific prayers with Scripture and started my own prayer journal for my two children, husband and me. I loved how this journal helped me focus on our immediate needs and really connect with the Lord. 

I was done trying to fix our problems with my own strength; now it was time to lean on the Lord. As time progressed and my prayer for my family strengthened, I began to see the Lord at work. I was amazed and encouraged by how focusing my prayers on our areas of struggle really invited the Lord to do those things that only He can do: change hearts and attitudes and fight battles on our behalf (Ezekiel 36: 26 & Exodus 14:4).

Why is praying God’s word the ultimate Godly Parenting Tool? Because doing so ignites the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Why don’t you invite the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit in to your daily life as a parent? Pray God’s word for your family. Watch and wait expectantly on the Lord for a revelation (Micah 7:7). It will happen. I have lived it. 

Lord, I humbly come to You asking for You to do only what You can do. Please help me place my parenting struggles into Your capable hands. Please help me wait and watch expectantly on Your works. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.