Lord I dig my roots deep into the soil that you have me placed so that I would stand tall and strong as you provide the nourishment that I need on the days when I feel empty.
Being a parent isn't always easy. There are times when our children are disrespectful, rude, disobedient, unkind, and act like their ears have been cut and they are blind to everything around them. On those days we feel drained, exhausted, at the end of our rope, and like there is no more. How can we go on? Are we even doing this right? What if our children turn out bad? Are we screwing them up? Are we going to make it? Are they going to make it?
As parents these are typical questions that most of us ask ourselves on a daily basis. But in Jeremiah the word tells us that blessed are those who trust in the Lord.
“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT)
When we stay close to the Father, and stay rooted in him, we know that when the heat or the wind or the drought or the storms come that rise up in motherhood or fatherhood, that we are firmly planted and that He will renew our strength. He will protect us from the storm. He will guide us and love us and teach us how to guide these children and love them and teach them. Even on the hard days. Our reward will come. Because His word does not return void.
So today, just let His refreshment pour over you as you stand with your feet buried in the soil.
Close your eyes for moment...imagine your standing on the beach and as the waves crash into the shore, and the water rushes over your feet...feel them sinking deep into the sand as the warm sun beats down on your face. Just stand there a moment and let The Lord refresh you today!
Lord, I pray that every momma, daddy, grandparent, or guardian who is a caretaker of these children you've blessed us with, that you would bless them today and bring an abundance of refreshing to them as they stand tall and focus on you. May they not forget that they will produce fruit in the lives of those around them. Because your word doesn't lie. Thank you Lord for being a refresher in our times of need. Thank you for being a sweet father to us. In Jesus name! Amen!
