Doses of Encouragement: A 3-Day Parenting PlanSample

Our Source of Hope

I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:74

Encouragement can come from many sources, but the foundation of our strength and hope is always the unchangeable Word of God. For centuries, families have depended on the truth of Scripture to guide them in matters of faith, in the nuances of daily life, and during times of trouble. The Bible provides encouragement for the trials of today as we anticipate the joy of the hereafter.

The apostle Paul, no stranger to adversity, said to the Roman church, “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). David, one of the great heroes of the Bible, also faced many hardships (some of his own making). In these times of distress, he repeatedly turned to the Lord and His laws for deliverance: “May your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me” (Psalm 40:11–12). The Psalms, in fact, are wonderful examples of praise and inspiration for moments of fear, insecurity, or doubt.

In our struggles as parents and as Christians, we would be wise to choose God’s Word as our first option for lifting our spirits. It contains the blessed hope that brings meaning to every thought and every moment.

Before you say good night . . .

• What Bible verses are most encouraging to you? (See Psalm 46:1; 55:17; Luke 12:32; John 3:16.)
• Would it encourage your children if you helped them memorize Scripture?

Lord, we confess our deep and constant need for Your Word. Forgive us for depending on our own strength and wisdom—for seeking encouragement in so many shallow and unsatisfying ways. Draw us back into Scripture that sustains us in every challenge we face. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Parents, used with permission.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Ps. 1:1-2, ESV)

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did . . . Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. (1 Cor. 10:6, 11, ESV)