Rejoice Always
Once I was finished reading and praying on Jeremiah 29, Lincoln handed me another book, my prayer journal. He once again told me to read and I opened it up to a page that revealed 1 Thessalonians 5:16: “Rejoice Always.” It was exactly what I needed to see.
Not rejoice sometimes. Not rejoice when your kids are obedient. Not rejoice in your parenting success. Not rejoice when your kids make you proud. Not rejoice when you feel like you have it all together (for the moment). But rejoice always!
Despite the challenge of Adeline’s strong will, there is so much about my daughter for which I rejoice. She is honestly the most loving, compassionate, and prayer-filled person I have ever encountered–and she’s four! She spreads the Word of God nearly everywhere she goes and has complete confidence in God’s existence and infinite power. I cannot fathom the force for Christ that she will evolve into–equipped by God with insurmountable determination, flaming passion, and a heart melted for Jesus and the least of these. In time, Adeline’s qualities that led me to my breaking point will one day be beautifully matured and redirected in order to spread the message of the Gospel in the way God has designed for her.
How Do You Recover Your Joy?
So, what should you do when you’ve hit the breaking point? And how do you recover your joy?
1. Take the opportunity to be Jesus to your child. Be thankful for the chance to allow the Holy Spirit to move in you and address your child in a way that glorifies God’s love and grace.
2. You are going to make mistakes as a parent. Accept that knowledge and embrace the errors, as it provides you the opening to teach your children about apologizing and extending forgiveness. Allow them to see you not only seeking their forgiveness but most importantly, God’s.
3. Rejoice. Praise God for your child’s will, which He has purposefully sculpted in a unique way. You have the blessing of molding this child and growing them in the Lord so that they may one day honor Him with the traits and talents He designed for such a reason.
4. Do something fun or silly with your child to reconnect and repair your relationship.
5. Pray daily (and fervently!) for your child and your role as his or her parent.
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This piece originally appeared at Our Faithful Home, published with permission.
