Nurturing Great Kidsنموونە

Fear the Lord

The idea of being untouched by trouble is appealing to a parent. However, Proverbs 19:23 doesn’t say we won’t have trouble, it says we will be untouched by it. In other words, trouble will not affect who we are in Christ.

When we hear the phrase “fear the Lord” we might retreat with almost a hand up for protection from his wrath. That’s a misunderstanding of the concept. God should be feared out of respect for his encompassing power. Use this analogy: If I told you I fear lawn mowers, it would mean I don’t stick my hand underneath one while it’s running. But

I don’t cringe every time I see a lawn mower. I just respect its power.

When we have a healthy fear of God and teach what that looks like to our children, we help them have a good life—a life that may include trials but that recognizes God’s power even in the midst of those trials. Our children can rest content knowing God is God. Period!

Parenting Principle

Fear the Lord and rest content for that is God’s intent.

Points to Ponder

How have you come through a time of trouble, yet are untouched by trouble in the long-term?

Are your children learning to rest content? How?

What is one way you can help your children develop a proper fear for the Lord?

Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.