Exhaustion. Part of the parenting experience. Little ones challenge us physically and emotionally and bigger kids physiologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Neither path is…smooth. But God is faithful in the strife and struggle. Even though there are times it doesn’t feel like this, he has perfectly chosen and equipped you and me to be our child’s parent.
Many parents of tweens, teens, and young adults are perplexed by the issues their kids are facing or by things in which they are choosing to participate. ( I have had my share of “surprises”. ) It is puzzling, when your formerly obedient child begins to change the rules and do the unexpected. There is a prayer I have shared with many moms and dads in my parenting courses. For me, God has used this prayer to bring me out of the pit and back to the battle. A battle fought with HOPE on my knees (not in anger with my mouth). If you are sitting in the muck of disappointment, despair, or depression due to your young person’s choices, I know Psalm 118 turned into a prayer will encourage and empower you to move forward and trust God. At first, just to get out of bed, I would repeat, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” That worked for a bit. Then honestly, I felt— annoyed. UNTIL God moved me to read Psalm 118 in its entirety. David isn’t having a worship and praise fest. He is in the middle of a battle. One that looks mighty bleak! He is PREEMPTIVELY praising. He is expecting deliverance and a victory, even though he is surrounded by his enemies. Now this is a psalm that speaks to my heart and circumstances. The Psalmist understands my struggle and…knows my God! I pray this helps you, if you are in a difficult spot with your child.
Psalm 118
Lord God, I give you thanks God, you are good and your loves endures forever for me and (insert you child’s name). Let my whole family say , your love endures forever. You know I am in anguish, I am crying out to you, Lord. Answer me, set me free, set my child free. I know you are with me. I know you are with my child. I will not be afraid! You are my helper. I will look in triumph at (insert the issue here). I take refuge in you. I trust you. I am surrounded on every side. My child is surrounded on every side. But you will cut (the concern) off. I have been pushed back, about to fall but you Lord are my strength, my song, my salvation. You have done and will do mighty things! I will NOT die, my child will not die. I will proclaim what you have done! I will give you thanks. This is the day you have made and I will give thanks and be glad in it. Save my child. Shine your light upon this family. I give you thanks. Your love endures forever. Amen
Rather than wringing our hands, let’s fold them. And.. let’s remember, we (and our young person) are loved by our good and great God. We can’t make him love us (or our kiddo) any less or any more by the things we do or don’t do. Hang in there. God is with you. He tells us he is! I’d love to hear a prayer you pray when you are in a hard parenting place. by, Lori Wildenberg
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