Speaking the Truth in Love
There are days when my children struggle, when they wallow in tantrums and trouble, when they move from one poor choice to another. There are days when all they need is to be pulled close and saved from their own impulses. But my own sinful anger collides with the situation of the day and I find myself stuck in the muddy mire of selfishness.
How easy it is to become lost in our own unrepentant lives.
The prophet Zephaniah had a message about just this issue and though it was originally spoken to Judah, it applies to us today as well. Zephaniah shared a serious message about the destruction that was to come to Judah, though he also was clear in reminding them of God’s deep love. He affirms the humble and meek and offers comfort to Jerusalem, even in the midst of such a tumultuous time.
On the days of chaotic clamoring and deliberate disobedience, my children need the same from me. Even in my frustration, I can find humility and from that place, speak truth and grace over my family. Pulling them close, I can use the words of Zephaniah to remind them of what is truth.
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
And the comfort that was offered to Judah will belong to my children as well. Because they need to know how loved they are, even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.
And maybe, as I share these words with those I deeply love, the truth of it all will settle gently on my heart and mind, as well. Because my children are not the only ones who need these words of peace.
As we go through the darkest times, there is comfort to be found in knowing how loved we are. There is comfort in being reminded that God does not struggle with human frailty. He sees our lives, our weaknesses, our need for repentance and holds out His love for us nonetheless. No, we will not be spared the consequences of our actions--nor was Judah. But, we will be enfolded, saved, quieted by the One who loves us best.
This truth is a beautiful gift to all God’s children, big and small.
Comments
Resources
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Successful Step Families
Step families come with a variety of challenges to weather from the moment they say “I do.” Ron Deal addresses specific challenges and offers biblical insight as well as clinical experience as a marriage and family therapist to help equip couples for the journey ahead. He offers hope and encouragement for helping families navigate establishing working relationships within the new family as well as with the extended family.
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Marriage is a gift
http://glendora.patch.com/articles/your-marriage-is-a-gift Advice for weathering the storms of marriage from the Glendora Patch
"More importantly, if it is so difficult, why bother trying to make marriage work? For starters, it is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Research consistently shows that children tend to fare better in married, two-parent households. The investment you make in your marriage not only rewards you and your spouse, the dividends spill over to your children as well"
