Life as we know it has changed right now, whether that is directly or indirectly. For many of us, COVID-19 has slowed us down or brought our busy lives to a screeching halt! What we find are our families being asked to stay at home, in an extraordinary way, not only in our community but across our country. For a couple of weeks at least, families’ schedules are not packed with crazy schedules. For many, life is simpler for a couple of weeks. If anything, it has at least freed up hours in your life that simply aren’t always easy to find these days.
As a parent, in the midst of this difficult time, I really want to make the most of this time. Even in trials, I want my family to see that the Lord has a plan in all of this. As I sought the Lord this week, the Lord took my mind to Deuteronomy 6:5-9 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
God wants us to love Him and everything in our life to reflect this love for Him. As I focused on this, the Lord reminded me of some things that I hope to encourage you all with for the coming weeks.
Make Personal Time for the Lord
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
If you get anything out of this, please focus on this. Seek the Lord during this time. We can’t know God and His heart, if we don’t spend time with Him. God wants you to lay all of your anxiety, burdens and uncertainty at His feet. His grace is sufficient for each day. This precious time being filled by the Lord each day is essential to being poured out for others in our life. God wants us prepared to love our family, co-workers and neighbors as we continue through these difficult days.
Family Devotionals
We have a larger family and this can be difficult, but the Lord can use this time. Depending on their age, take 5 – 10 minutes to read God’s Word and discuss it as a family. Encourage participation from all the children. Encourage them to pray for others, especially during a time with so many hurting and lonely at this time.
Respond With Grace
So often, my family takes the brunt of my frustrations and my lack of time in the Word. I can’t ask my wife and kids to sit down for a time in the Word if I myself cannot let my daily response to them reflect the love of Christ. When we do make a mistake, show your family what repentance and seeking forgiveness looks like.
Spend Time Together
I often have to work at this. Take meaningful time out of your day to spend with your family. Ride bikes, play a game, or simply something that is interactive with them. Again, this quality time will show you care and give more opportunities to show your family the gospel of Christ Jesus.
My prayer for my family is that we draw closer to the Lord. The Lord does not want us to be overwhelmed by these trials. I can stand firm with the hope that Lord Jesus is on His throne. He loves us and will never forsake us. The Lord Jesus has called us to the task of loving him and loving others, something that needs to start in our homes.