It was a year ago that a pandemic was surfacing and we were rushing to the store to purchase toilet paper. Schools began to shut down. Our workplaces began to adjust our work environment and to accommodate the changes that were forthcoming — and all of these changes were only the beginning of a tumultuous year of newsworthy events that have affected us all.
We have learned much about ourselves, our children, and those that impact both. Our eyes have been opened to propaganda and overreaching government. None of this snuck up on God. He is still on His Throne and has “all” authority over heaven and earth. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
We have learned things that we might wish we didn’t know. We carry burdens that have been placed on us through this newfound knowledge. With knowledge comes responsibility. Let us remember a precious promise from God’s Word in Romans 8:28 (NKJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Praise be to God that we know what we know and that He has a purpose for all of this in each of our lives! Proverbs 3:7-8 (NKJV): “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.”
It seems to be a constant battle to allow that which is good to affect us and keep out that which is not good, or rather to know the difference. By God’s design there is no substitute for a mother or father or both to walk alongside their child to coach and train them in doing life. Show me a better place to invest your time, talents, and abilities than in your children. Is it possible that a renewed investment in our children’s lives might be the good that God caused in all of this?
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
As parents we would be best served to silence all the other voices and listen to the Lord in what is best for our children and our families moving forward from a year of unexpected changes and events. He will direct us to the ones we should listen to and then equip us to heed their counsel.
“Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.”
Psalm 37:3-6 (NLT)
