Raising up a child in the way he or she should go (Proverbs 22:6) proves to be a challenge in the most benign times. Now, thanks to one of the most chaotic years our generations have ever experienced, we find ourselves struggling with issues we never saw coming yet have to address. These 7 tips will encourage you and help you survive, and thrive, in the back half of 2020.
- Figure out a way to pray as a family. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:18
Prayer is not only our outlet to God, but it’s also an outlet to each other. By joining our words and souls together through the power of prayer we’re teaching our children the beauty of a personal relationship with the Creator of the world; that the God who created us also cares for us. What a beautiful lesson to learn as early as possible.
- Get outside for 20 minutes. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. Genesis 1:11
We have to remember to take time each day to enjoy the world our Lord created. From the heat of the sun to the chill of a wind, our God pays attention to each detail of His design. Practice noticing the garden, the grass (or weeds), raindrops, and all the crawly animals. Each of these pieces of nature matter. Yet, you matter even more.
- Listen to Christian music. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalms 47:6
Nothing cheers our souls quite like music. Just as Saul called for David when he was depressed, I encourage you to call for Christian music to soothe your soul. It can be the old Hymns from your grandparent’s church or the new music coming from worship leaders. Throw on a song and dance like you’re David slaying giants.
- Find a church service that works for your schedule and watch it as a family. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. Psalms 118:26
The lack of in-person fellowship is wreaking havoc on all of us. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy and right now so many of us are feeling our relationships with our Sunday School classes and Bible studies slipping away from us. I assure you God did not mean for us to do life alone. It’s why the family unit is so critical to Him and why watching church together matters now more than ever. Find a time that always works for every person in your home and watch together. Then, discuss what you learned!
- Practice saying life affirming things to each other. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Philemon 1:7
Find the beauty in the person in front of you. Tell your child how well he throws that ball. Encourage your daughter as her reading improves. Kiss your husband every time he closes his laptop and “leaves” work. Your words and actions matter. They bring such joy to each person around you. Take away the negative thoughts by speaking positivity.
- Find a unique daily activity to do with the family each day. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Psalms 96:7
This could be taking 10 minutes to work on a family puzzle together or cooking your favorite cookies to take to a neighbor. Write letters to those in nursing homes, shop for someone at your church, or sit around for an evening and do nothing. It’s not the what that matters; it’s the who. And the who is your family creating memories together.
- Memorize a new Bible verse every week. So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
Depending on the age of your children, the verses can range in length and depth. Maybe Mom memorizes verses with the younger children and Dad takes the older ones. We want you to be successful as you write the words of God on your heart with your family.
For further tips and a bigger discipleship plan, please check out Terence’s book Do Your Children Believe and other resources by clicking here.
