Parenting. It has brought highs and lows. Laughter and tears. Easy and challenging times.
It’s been both the hardest and the easiest thing I have ever done in my life. Yes, both at the same time. There are probably many who feel the same way.
It was easy, and hard, to walk the floors with colic all hours of the night. The same struggle with emotions came as they went through school, endured difficult relationships, faced disappointments, and rose to challenges.
They’re adults now but one thing remains the same – I still want to see them succeed and thrive in life. As parents, we will always come alongside of them to encourage them to achieve their dreams.
In the early morning light, the words were before me on the page:
“The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.†(Psalm 35:27, NIV)
Why do the words surprise me? God is my heavenly Father. If I, as an earthly parent, want to see my children do well and am thoroughly delighted when they do, then why would God feel any differently towards any of us, His children?
Our heavenly Father delights when we are “safe, complete, in health, have success, are secure and happy†(the New Testament Lexical Aids definition for well-being). His desire is for us to live a satisfied life, with a sense of peacefulness, and wholeness.
My children will be the first to tell you we did not give them everything they wanted. There were times they were quite upset at being denied. There was no understanding as to why we said “noâ€. And truth be known, there were times we were not sure why we were saying “noâ€. We just knew in our hearts our decision was the right one.
I have been a child as well, throwing a fit of some sort with God. I haven’t always liked the responses to prayer I received. But here’s the thing – I must trust Him. It is necessary to trust He has my ultimate good in His heart. I must believe all He is doing in my life is for good – my good – even though I may not see it or understand it at the time.
His Word says He delights in my well-being. He is working all things out so that I will continue to thrive in the future.
Much the way my children’s joy brings my heart joy,
my joy brings my heavenly Father joy.
He delights in my well-being.
Through blogging, I have found encouragement and community. It has proven to be a most unexpected blessing. In her post, Eight Benefits of Blogging, Leslie Crawford reflects on her eight years of blogging.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by healthguru from Pixabay
Knowing God delights in us, His children, is encouraging. Blogging has brought an unexpected blessing of community to me too, Joanne. Thanks for hosting our get-together today.
So grateful to have you here as your posts are always an encouragement, Lisa!
Oh, Joanne … God truly is a good, good Father, isn’t He? This is such a comfort: “He is working all things out so that I will continue to thrive in the future.” Hugs, friend.
This jumped out at me>>”If I, as an earthly parent, want to see my children do well and am thoroughly delighted when they do, then why would God feel any differently towards any of us, His children?” So beautifully spoken Joanne. What a blessing your tenderhearted words are today.
{{Hugs}} xo
Sometimes we get in the mindset that God only wants our obedience and service. He does, but He cares about our whole well-being like the loving parent He is. This was a sweet reminder.
Looking back, I’m so thankful for many times God denied my requests. He definitely is a good, good Father.
What an encouraging verse and thought, my Heavenly Father delights in my well-being. Enjoyed your thoughts today, Joanne.
Joanne, I came across the same verse not long ago. How blessed I felt sitting with my Heavenly Father realizing His heart for me is always good.
Joanne I love your following statement;
“But here’s the thing – I must trust Him. It is necessary to trust He has my ultimate good in His heart. I must believe all He is doing in my life is for good – my good – even though I may not see it or understand it at the time.” Amen!
And that is the truth, God is our ultimate good & He knows best.
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
Love this! And when I think about how much I delight in my own kids—what a joyful image of our Father God!