INTRODUCTION
Psalm 127 declares that God sees and honors families! He responds to the hard work it takes to build a homelife and He gives rest along with rewards to those that have children. As an insight into the heart of God, the wisdom from Soloman in scripture says children are a “heritage”, a “fruit”, and an “arrow” while celebrating that the man that has a growing family is “happy” and “unashamed”.
INSIGHTS
Early on in my life, I did not enjoy children. Although it sounds harsh, children weren’t easy for me. Even growing up with a mother who ran an at-home daycare, I wasn’t happy to help. Babysitting jobs weren’t my favorite as a teenager either. So when I married, my perspective on having children was an obligatory next step in life, not something to look forward to or to be enjoyed. Much to my surprise, I have changed drastically.
I am a forty-five year old homeschooling mother of six children and my life’s passion is to help families thrive. I absolutely understand, adore, and enjoy children and yes, even teenagers. What happened?! God’s truths and presence became clear to me in a distraught moment of prayer just after I found out I was pregnant a second time – and my first baby was only 3 mos old. God spoke to me and showed me His word about children which changed everything.
As we pause to look deeper into the latter part of Psalm 127 in verses 3-5, we are clearly told that children are a blessing from God!
“Children Are” – Period. They are a blessing. No question about it. Done deal. No matter how they come to us with their flaws, messiness, attitudes, physical needs, or financial
cost – they simply “are”. Children are a gift, in and of the fact, that he or she is a child made by God and in our lives.
“A Heritage” – Children are a special possession. They are the legacies who live beyond us and are highly valued. Scriptures do not state that they are a burden, a dream-killer, or a time-waster. Children are a heritage to be prized and honored! A heritage to be managed carefully and with clear direction. Our children are our greatest assets and resources for the future world!
“From God” – “Every child you encounter is a divine appointment” shares Wes Stafford, the former President of Compassion International which has reached 2.3 million children in 29 countries. God creates children in the womb and gives each one as a gift from Him. He breathes life into them and builds our families, churches, communities, and nations through the next generation. Every time we connect with a child we should see it as a divine opportunity.
On the other side of my initial perspective on children, I have found that they are truly the best gifts of life. Children are rewards, arrows in the quiver, fruit of the labor, and I am happy and unashamed as their mother just as scripture declared. As always, God’s ways are higher than our ways. Children are a blessing!
QUESTIONS
Who are the children that you can impact and encourage in your life?
When you were a child, in what ways did you feel seen and loved by adults?
How can you improve your interactions with the children God brings to you?
What is the next step you can take to impact the children in your family and in your community?
PRAYER
God, may we see all children as a divine gift from You. May our hearts be humbled to set aside our unbiblical perspectives as we build our families for your glory when we invest in children. Help us to make time to be with children and to give resources to equip them to know you through our actions. In the name of Jesus, the one Who desires children to come to Him, Amen.
