Encouragement That Lasts Forever

God’s Love Through Parents

I grew up feeling loved by God because I felt loved by my parents. While I did not know the ins-and-outs of theology, I knew God’s love deep in my heart due to my mom and dad’s love for me. My parents’ first ministry and first priority has always been their family, and my sisters and I are the beneficiaries of that. 

As a family, we had breakfast and dinner together every day. If we weren’t required to go to school, we would have had lunch together each day as well. These meals were filled with stories, often with laughter, and always with prayer and encouragement. While my parents used this time to encourage each of us specifically and tell us how proud they were of us, the most important form of encouragement they provided was directly from the Word of God. I remember both my mom and dad opening the Bible at the kitchen table and reading Scripture aloud to us. I did not know it then, but these moments were equipping me with truth–the sword of the Spirit–and sharpening my sword for battle (Eph. 6:17). 

God’s Word as the Ultimate Encouragement

I have learned that the most efficacious way to encourage one’s children is to speak the Word of God over them. There is nothing more powerful than to let the Word of God dwell richly in one’s home. However, for the Word to dwell in your home, it must first dwell in your heart. 

I absolutely love reading Hebrews 10:19-23. Often, we quote verses 24-25 and try to apply them immediately to our lives while forgetting how such application is made possible. Before trying to muster up the strength and bandwidth to encourage others in Christ, we must first be encouraged by Christ. 

Encouraged by Christ

We must be reminded that by Christ Himself, the very Word of God, we have the confidence to enter God’s throne room. It is because of Jesus’ blood covering those who place their faith in Him. We must be reminded by Christ Himself that He is the Way to God and our good works are not. Our sin does not disqualify us, and neither do our good works qualify us when we have been redeemed by His blood. 

We must be reminded that by Christ Himself we have full assurance in His reality, sacrifice, and  salvation. We have been cleansed and washed fully by Him. Then and only then will we be able to encourage our children (or future children) with a truth that will change the trajectory of their life. 

Your next step is simple. Read the Word. Let it dwell in you richly. Step into the throne room of the LORD. Be loved by Him. Be cleansed by Him. Then, encourage your children to do the same. 

As thankful as I am for the parents I have, it is not their words I remember when I am worried or afraid. I remember the Word of God, which tells me I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). As a mother, you get to be God’s ambassador—one who proclaims His Word over the precious lives in your care. God’s Word, unlike anyone else’s, provides encouragement that will last forever (Isa. 40:8).