When You’re Not Sure How to Parent

I was a new mom when I accepted Christ as my Savior. My heart and mind were full of questions about how to teach my daughters about God and His Word. One day as I read my Bible, my eyes landed on Deuteronomy 6:5-7. God amazed me by showing me His guidelines in three verses for raising my little ones. I read those verses so many times I finally memorized them.

What Am I Doing?

Have you had days when you’ve wondered what in the world you’re doing as a mom? Take heart! God goes straight to the heart of the matter and packed these verses with clear communication to us parents. The first step? We must love God first. Why? Because we become what we love. This is the reason Scripture instructs us straightforward about where we are to place our love. And not just some of it. The Lord goes further and demands all of our love.

Who Do I Love?

God wants us to love Him with every breath, thought, emotion and passion, and choice we make. He wants us to think of Him first and to desire to please Him above all else. And He desires for our love to be intense and complete.

I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “There is no love like a parent’s love.” If you’re a mom or dad, you know this is true! From the moment a parent knows they have a baby on the way, all of our prayers, thoughts, and goals are channeled toward our little one. This tiny being completely consumes and preoccupies our time.

Where is My Focus?

Now put the strength of this love into your love for God. This is how much God wants us to focus on Him … even more! The more we love Him, the more you and I will know about love. This will allow us to know how to love. The more we know how to love, the better you and I will love our own children. And this, by God’s grace, will make you a parent who can raise a son or daughter after God’s own heart.

RESPOND

Dear Lord, You are the best Father, and I long to follow Your example of selfless love. I commit to loving You most so that I can love my child best. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

A Mom After God’s Own Heartoffers moms practical advice and real-life suggestions for helping children, no matter what their ages, to incorporate God into daily life.

REFLECTION

“You shall love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. And you shall teach them…” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

How does the command, “love the Lord your God with all your heart” simplify the many parenting concerns that I have?

When all your love centers on God, and when you follow Him with all your heart, you will qualify to lead your children to follow God too!

Read When You’re Not Sure How to Parent on Elizabeth & Jim George.