Support: Coming alongside others and providing gentle, appropriate assistance with a problem or struggle. (Galatians 6:2)
Having adult children allows me to look back over their lives and see struggles that they had at certain stages. First day of school, middle school, high school, dating, college, entering the workforce, marriage, their own children. Lots of happy memories are in their history, but so are insecurity, fear, and stress. Change, though welcomed at times, can create a great need for some “extra” support.
From my own experience I can tell you that if children do not have support, especially during difficult times, they can grow up feeling unworthy, unlovable, insecure in relationships, and may not know how to process change well. Thankfully, my God has healed those areas in me, but I knew that was something I did not want my kids to ever experience. I did my best to support them well and consistently “be there for them”.
Really that is what our kids want and need to know for sure. When I need support (some extra help with a life issue), will someone be there for me?
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Support
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
In Exodus chapters 3 and 4 we read about Moses. We see that God was calling Moses into ministry, but Moses had some (several) questions!!! He was fearful!
One of the many things I love about God is that it is OK to be honest to share our fears with Him! We can ask all the questions we have, and He is so kind to reassure/support us. He promises to be there for us. We can trust that “He is for us”. He proves it daily!
Have you ever gone through a time when, as Moses, you were fearful? Did you ask God questions, sharing your uncertainty or ability to do the task? What did God do? Did He leave you to figure it out on your own or did he listen to each concern, just as He did Moses? Did He provide support and encouragement directly or through others?
Would you take some time and read through Exodus chapters 3 and 4 and see if you see yourself in these chapters. Recall times that God was/IS your support. Has God provided financial help, the extra job or unexpected funds? Has God supported you by wonderfully making more time or helping finish a project on time when it looked undoable? Has He given you comfort to handle a deep loss letting you know He cares?
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I (Linda) remember my husband and I teaching this verse to our kids. They both have been through some very difficult phases in their growing up years. We wanted them to know that not only were we there for them, but also God will always be there for them even when we can’t be. We wanted them to know that they could always rely on God, and He would never let down. You do understand that we are not saying God does exactly what we want Him to do. He does His will and allows us to see His hand in the support He offers.
This is a great memory verse to teach your children. They will have challenging situations at school or elsewhere when you are unable to be there. They and we can have Deuteronomy 31:6 in our mind to reassure us of God’s care and closeness.Our Heavenly Father is with us everywhere we go!
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with your children: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
Would you and your spouse pull out some of your own favorite scriptures that remind you that God is with us always? Scripture, like the verse above, that promise the Lord’s support include the following: Matthew 28:20; Proverbs 3:5-6; Malachi 3:10
Would you practice, as a family, memorizing some of these verses together with your children? Talk about what each verse means to you and ask your children what it means to them. Practice one a week. This can open up great family conversations, as well as foster some personalized talks with each child. You will get a peek into your child’s thoughts and feelings and allow them to peek into your heart too! …. Win-win!
Each of you may also gain deeper insight into God’s love and true nature. …..a Win-Win-Win!