When We Grow Faint

Psalm 142:3 “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.”

Sometimes parenting takes all we have to give, and then some., doesn’t it?  Let’s be honest, sometimes we feel like we are at the end of ourselves.  And when our sons and daughters reach adulthood, it doesn’t necessarily get easier.  The challenges grow more intense. The worries become weightier. We may feel even less able to manage things or offer wise advice.  

But when we grow faint, God is still there.  He doesn’t stand at a distance to watch us struggle, He’s right in our midst to support us, love us and give us the strength and wisdom we need.  And friends, instead of rushing to our sons and daughters to ‘fix’ their dilemmas, maybe God wants us to allow Him to be their first call, their rock and their helper.  When their spirit grows faint, He wants to be the One Who watches over them and Who is their rescuer and shield.

Let’s all take a breath and step back.  When our son is at the end of himself, God is there.  When our daughter is overwhelmed and sinking, God is there.  When they encounter opposition and persecution, God is there.  When they don’t know how to handle a situation, He does know and He will.

Today, let’s pray that when their spirit grows faint, they call out to their Heavenly Father who is there to watch over and protect them and Who will give them the strength to remain faithful to Him.

“Lord, You are so attentive to our every need.  During those sleepless nights when I struggled to care for an infant, You were there.  During those nonstop years of toddlerhood, You walked beside me and strengthened me to answer all the ‘why’ questions, because You'd done the same for me with all of my questions, too.  Lord, you  strengthened and sustained us through the teenage years and when my spirit was faint, You knew my way and were faithful to lead me in it.  Now, Lord, my sons and daughters are grown and I don’t see all that they do or know where they are.  But You do.  Watch over them, Lord.  Strengthen (name)’s heart to walk faithfully with You.  Guide their steps away from or around those traps set by the Enemy and by those who would delight in seeing (name) falter and fail.  Keep them safe and spiritually strong.  You are faithful, Lord.  Help us to trust you, always.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.