Building a Bridge to Her Heart – Be Willing to Let Her Make Mistakes

 

 

If you are joining me here today from my devotion at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Battle in the Night, welcome! As I mentioned in my devotion, so often our mind battles come from things outside of our control and one of the things outside of our control is the decisions our kids make.

This week is week three in my series, Building a Bridge to Your Child’s Heart. If you missed weeks one and two, please take a moment to read these as well!

Week one: Be Aware

Week two: Be Approachable

Today, we’re want to be willing to let them make mistakes.

We want so desperately for our kids to learn from our mistakes.  We share with them the wrong choices we made and pray they don’t make the same ones. Our mind spins as we try desperately to figure out ways to direct them and help them to avoid pain and problems.

Stop for a moment, though, and look at your own life?

How did you learn many of the things you know?

How did Jesus become your savior?

I once heard it said that if our kids are to be saved, they need to know they need a savior. If our kids are to be healed, they need to know they need a healer. Not that I am saying our kids have to wander from their faith, but some of our our kids seem to need to learn by making a few mistakes of their own.

This process reminds me of the way of a baby eaglet as they are preparing to leave the nest. The internet gave me insight:

“Once most of their wing and tail feathers are developed, the eaglets can finally leave the nest. First flights usually occur at 9 or 10 weeks of age and are preceded by vigorous exercising and flapping. When a male and female are in the same nest, the male may fledge first. The chick will typically lift off of the nest by facing into the prevailing winds and flapping. Sometimes the adults will force the eaglets to fly. Often the first flight will be to the nearest branch above the nest. When chicks leave the nest they usually glide to a nearby tree or stump, returning to the nest tree frequently and continuing to be fed by the adults. At first the eaglets have difficulty landing on tree limbs. However, if they land on the ground, they need open space to flap their wings to become airborne. While eaglets improve their landing and flying skills, they depend on their parents for food. The adults will bring food to where the eaglets are perched. Eaglets will stay close to the nest and nest tree during the first few weeks after fledging. Within one month after fledging, eaglets will soar and drift over the river.”

How do you respond when your child messes up?

Do you run to his rescue each time or do you give him the opportunity to mature and figure things out? Are you allowing situations and opportunities in her life that will allow her to test drive her wings or are you so protective that the only experience she will have to fly is when she finally leaves home?

Our children need opportunities where they can make their own decisions and either reap the positive benefits or the negative consequences from their decisions.

With having two children already leave home, my husband and I are in a new stage of life in parenting. I’ll be to be very honest: it has been quite a bumpy ride. There have been many, many sleepless nights. 

I think one of the hardest things is to take a step back and allow consequences, both good and bad, come from the decisions our children make. As I have stepped back at times and let God become their teacher, I have had to run to Him to hold me back! My words want to wrangle with my children; give them strong advice back to the right path. 

When our children are trying to grow up, often they don’t want our words. There comes a time when our only words are prayers. Getting out of the way, we make room for God finish His work. If we don’t fight it and allow this independence to happen naturally, we can prevent the burning that often destroys the bridges in family relationships. 

When our children are struggling, we need strength for our struggle too. God’s word brings that strength. We receive strength when we sing songs of praise based on His word and when we read His Word. Today, I’m giving away a copy of Proverbs 31 Ministries new devotional book, Encouragement for Today. These devotions help pull away from the things that pull you down and find lasting encouragement for today.

 

P31 Devo

For a chance to win Encouragement for Today, share in the comments below a song that helps you to redirect your thoughts when your mind is swirling. If you are in a hurry, simply share, “I’m in!” I will announce the winner on my Wednesday Wisdom Tip.

Lynn

179 Comments

  1. It is well with my soul

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Lori,

      This is one I grew up with. It is so powerful. No matter what is happening in our minds or in the physical, it can be well with our soul!

    2. Tammy Kelm says:

      I am in! I love to sing “Jesus Messiah” !!

    3. My song lately is “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher. It is always in head especially when I need His guidance and His clarity.

  2. Great is Thy Faithfulness

  3. Joy Edwards says:

    I’m in. I like to sing “You are my All and All.

  4. How great thou art. I sing all day long in my head while working, sometimes humming. Now I will try singing praises at night to ease the worries of the day that come so easily at night. Thanks so much for the inspirational words.

  5. Brenda Griffin says:

    I come to the garden alone. Our children never become too old for us to worry. Thanks so much for your devotion today. It spoke to my heart. 🙂

  6. “Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Keith Green (I think). Love this song taken directly from Psalm 51.

  7. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is a song that has gotten me through some really rough times. I find myself singing it at work when something goes awry, in the car when traffic is a mess, and yes, even in bed when I’m having trouble sleeping. Another one that means a lot to me is “It Is Well.” The verse that says, “My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin, not in part, but the WHOLE, is nailed to His cross and I bear it NO MORE. Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, oh my soul.” is my absolute favorite!!!

    1. CARMELITA CONNALLY says:

      I SANG GREAT IS THY FAITHFULLNESS TO MYSELF THIS MORNING, DURING MY DEVOTIONAL TIME. AT 83 THIS HOLDS ME DAY BY DAY.

  8. Hymns like “it is Well” and “Amazing Grace” help me keep things in perspective. The lyrics are powerful and the tunes are so ingrained in me that they are comforting even if all I can do is hum.

  9. Anne Worlledge says:

    10,000 reasons for my heart to sing ……A song by Matt Redman expresses my heart and soul.
    It is hard sometimes to praise in the midst of what feels like a storm but I think it is easier if just one praise song that is special to you is the one you sing …….Psalm 118 v 14 says he is my strength and song.

  10. How Great Is Our God
    So glad I found your site through P31! With a son in middle school this year and a daughter in upper level of elementary sure need the advice and encouragement! This series is just what I need.

  11. what faith can do, by kutless

  12. felicia sosa says:

    How Great Thou Are! I would love to win the devotional book of encouragement for me and my teenage daughter to do together. Thanks

  13. Beth Eberhart says:

    Left Up Your Face but Third Day became one if my favorites when I was going through a rough time. Every time I got in the car I heard it and I felt as though Gid was telling me to lift up my face and look to him. It meanr so much to me.

  14. Julie Hager says:

    Night song-Invade the Atmosphere.

    Thank you for your ministry. The Lord has used it to minister to me and my daughter on many occasions. Blessed to be a Blessing.

    In His Love,
    Julie

  15. Sandy Madden says:

    GOD ON THE MOUNTAIN……..

    I love to sing this song anytime, any place. God is there in the good times or bad, in the day and in the night! P31 has been such an encouragement to me. I’ve had the opportunity to share these devotions with other women. Many are blessed by this ministry. Thank you, praise God!

    1. Look up child is my favorite.

  16. Coming over from P31, thanks for your post today! Truly enjoyed it! A song that comes to mind is I surrender by Hillsong.

  17. Cathy Mortensen says:

    Til I see you — this song puts me at ease. Love it!

  18. My new favorite is ‘overcomer’ by Mandisa! Her songs are uplifting!

  19. “Shout to The Lord” is one of my favorites. With a 13 and ten year old, all I can do is shout to The Lord!

  20. A Song we sing at the end of our service “He is Able, He is Able”

  21. As I was reading your devotional, I prayed and asked God for a song to come to mind to get me through not just nights, but also the days. He brought, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” to my heart. I plan on singing it all day to remind me I don’t have to face my battles in my own strength.

  22. Good morning all! : )

    I happened upon the proverbs31 website a few days ago, and it’s been such an encouragement already! It’s so interesting that I’ve clicked the link to this devotion today (I usually don’t deviate from the original website), the Lord knew! Anyway, I am facing a situation with my oldest daughter this morning that I want to “fix” for her, and your devotion is the answer to what I was considering doing. Thank you so much for the encouragement that you give to me and I know so many other women.

    “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus (Christ is Enough for Me)” by Hillsong

  23. My husband and I have raised 2 daughters. One is married and the other one is getting ready to fly from the nest soon. I feel like God has given me great wisdom in raising them and I pray that they will both be independent women with a strong faith. I now find myself laying awake at night worrying what my next season will bring to me and I never thought about singing a song of praise instead of countless hours wrestling with my mind and God. Thank you for the suggestion. Starting tonight I will be sing How Great Thou Art!

  24. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
    Praise Him all creatures here below
    Praise Him above ye heavenly host
    Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
    …I sometimes sing this over and over, finding it reminds me of who God really is, my Rock and my Refuge.

  25. “Take my life and let it be, consecrated, LORD, to thee”. A hymn from the early 1800’s.
    Also, “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” are life savers.
    Thanks for being here all of you at Proverbs 31 Ministeries!

  26. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name…..”…….I grew up singing this song and just saying the name of Jesus over and over comforts me.

  27. I Am With You In This Storm….. It moves me and encourages me. Sometimes I sing it all day.

  28. Hannah W. says:

    10,000 Reasons….Bless the Lord, oh my soul. “You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger, Your name is great and Your heart is kind, for all Your goodness I will keep on singing, 10,000 reasons for my heart to find.” Since He can be, I will let Him be, through me. Yielding. …that is often the hard part.Giving up carrying the burden and trying to fix it myself. Again, I let go, because I can’t fix it. Thank You, Holy Father, for being capable when I’m not!

  29. My oldest daughter (now 22) has given me many sleepless nights! The song that helped me the most in 2009 when she first strayed from Jesus was Chris Tomlin’s version, “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” It was a promise to me that even though she was wandering, God knew where she was and was keeping her in the palm of His hand. Her return was a beautiful prodigal story; but it was not without the additional challenge of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Mandisa’s “My Deliverer” helped me through those long nights. It has been hard to admit that she needed to go through the realities of life that were the results of her decisions, but in doing so, they have drawn her closer than ever to her Lord and Savior. Now, she is entering her final year of college full-time and her little girl is almost a year old. They are both doing well, and we are optimistic for their future. Now I sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and Mandisa’s “Overcomer.” (And our middle daughter just turned 13, and we have an eight year old as well. PRAYING that they will learn from their sister’s mistakes, which they have seen firsthand. That might be more meaningful than stories parents tell. (?))

  30. Billy Meade says:

    Create in Me (Psalm 51:10) is a song I heard at a woman’s conference a few months ago. That song is truly amazing and can lift my spirits! Its a reminder that God is continuly working on my heart and is creating a heart within me!

  31. Don’t have a song to share, but have learned from experience that quoting scripture is very effective on those nights when troubling thoughts keep me awake. My favorite is II Corinthians 10:5 – “Casting down imaginations (most of my worries are about things I IMAGINE will happen) and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” Even if I can’t remember and quote the whole verse in the night, I can quote the last phrase. It is Satan that troubles our thoughts at night, and the Lord himself quoted scripture to fend off his attacks (Matt. 4:1-11). Thanks for your devottionl!

  32. “God is an awesome God, who reigns from Heaven above.”

  33. “Overcomer” by mandeza this song always
    Reminds me how important it is to remain in the
    Battle and never give up!

  34. When struggling with whatever, I go to “Need You Now” by Plumb – and when I want to come unglued – the hymn “Love Lifted Me” : )

  35. Just last night, “One Thing Remains” began running through my mind when I couldn’t sleep. My sleepless night was for a friend that I highly respect that seems to have turned from God. “His Love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me”.

  36. Jill Lindsey says:

    As the deer panteth for the water. It’s the lullaby I sing to my 7 year old every night and its always fresh in my mind. “You oh Lord are my strength, my shield” is the reminder in the night, when my thoughts are keeping sleep at bay, that God will protect me and my family and I will find my strength in Him.

  37. One of the new ones is “Here’s my Heart Lord” by David Crowder

  38. Jennifer D. says:

    “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave always helps me in times of struggling. Makes me focus on my Christ.

  39. Allison C says:

    WhomShall I Fear by Chris Timlinn

  40. Haynes Paschall says:

    Trust and Obey!

    (for there’s NO OTHER WAY!!)

  41. Kim kiestler says:

    Amazing Grace-My chains are gone thanks for all your encouragement tjis is really a help and blessing in my life. I have a son recently married a son in college a daughter 16, and my niece that we have raised since she was 2 yrs old that is 16 also. I love reading your devotions it is such an encouragement and help.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thank you for the encouragement, Kim!

  42. Bambi Blanchard says:

    “You Are” by Colton Dixon and any old hymn like “Amazing Grace”. OR….”Your Love Never Fails” or “Flower in the Rain”. 🙂

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Bambi, “You Are” is a very powerful song for our kids. LOVE IT!

  43. Believe (Open My Eyes), Debbie Fortum and Jesus Loves Me!

  44. I love “BRING THE RAIN” by MercyMe. It says that whatever we are going through, if that’s what it takes to praise You, God, then bring it. Then, it ends in praise…..Holy, Holy, Holy, is our Lord God Almighty!!!!

  45. Angie Boucher says:

    I am in !! I love the song…. I will praise You in this storm by Casting Crowns. This song has gotten me through major children illnesses, children not making good choices , parents dying.. in general it has gotten me through life !! Love the song!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Angie…this one got my friend and her kids through a dad leaving.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Classic…always perfect!

  46. You are More by Tenth Avenue North.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Love this one, Tara! I especially think it is a powerful song to our youth!

  47. Tracy Alderson says:

    I like “My Offering” by Nichole Nordeman, or “Blessings” by Laura Story when I’m stressed out. Something easy for me to use at any time of day or night, in any situation is for me to repeat slowly (like a meditation) “Peace of God” over and over again until I’m calm. To me “Peace of God” comes from Philippians 4:6-7.

    Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    1. Mindy Baker says:

      I love that Tracy- I will have to remember to say “Peace of God” in times of stress!

  48. Find rest my soul In Christ alone
    Know His power In quietness and trust
    When the oceans rise and thunders roar
    I will soar with You above the storm
    Father You are King over the flood
    I will be still, know You are God

    “Still” – Hillsong

  49. “Stronger”….I think it’s from Hillsong. Thank you for your encouragement. 🙂

  50. Lily Furlow says:

    I Need Thee Every Hour…I love to sing this song when I am discouraged or sad…it brings me hope 🙂

  51. Jen Kramer says:

    “Lord, listen to your children praying”

  52. Tammi Garceran says:

    I love Blessings by Laura Story.

  53. You raise me up – gets me every time 🙂

  54. Angie Carpenter says:

    Redeemed!!! by Big Daddy Weave.
    I cannot seem to get enough of this song right now! 🙂

  55. Hi! I’m over from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Just have to say that as parents, we all struggle so much with our “eaglets” and especially when Mom and Dad have different views on parenting. HOWEVER, in the end, if we place our children before the throne and lift them up in prayer, God will always have His eyes on them.

    One of my go to songs is “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns.

  56. WOW…timely message for me!! “Blessings” by Laura Story amongst other ones shift my focus to where it needs to be.

  57. He Is With Us from Love & the Outcome
    Reminds me He is always with me, my child, all of us, ALWAYS!

  58. Whom Shall I Fear….
    Thank you for your encouragement today..

  59. I’m in!!! I don’t have a ‘go to’ song, but I often awake in the morning with a worship song in mind. I’m pretty sure God places it there…like my manna for the day. 🙂

  60. Grace ~ by Laura Story

    Great words, God’s grace is sufficient for us each and every day!! <3

  61. Praise You In This Storm – Casting Crowns
    What a great reminder to know that God is there even when it feels like you are in the midst of a storm and things can’t possibly get better. He is always with us, but He’s especially with us during the hard times!

  62. I’m in! I so enjoyed your devotional today as I struggle with worry mostly at night when I need to rest in the Lord and get some much needed sleep. Thanks for sharing.

  63. Veronica Garcia says:

    I will overcome.

  64. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”

  65. The Old Rugged Cross
    Overcomer
    Redeemed
    It Is Well
    Revelation Song

  66. From the inside out –
    A thousand times I’ve failed
    Still Your mercy remains
    And should I stumble again
    I’m caught in Your grace

    Thank you for your encouragement. I now have an adult married son and 1 year old granddaughter. It seems even more difficult now, watching my son and daughter in law make decisions – but God is faithful! I have found journaling to be a huge blessing. I have journaled about this very verse and the songs God has put on my heart during the night, a blessing that I will awaken singing. I like to think that my spirit was in the throne room worshiping while I was being blessed and refreshed with rest – to face another day.

  67. O Lord, I need you, every hour I need you, my one defense, my righteousness; O God how I need you.

  68. I highly recommend many of the hymns already mentioned:
    It is well with my soul
    How great thou art
    Just as I am
    But the song that came to mind first as I read this post is more current than these.
    It is Matt Maher’s Lord, I need you.

    Lord, I come, I confess
    Bowing here I find my rest
    Without You I fall apart
    You’re the One that guides my heart

    Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
    Every hour I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

    Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
    Where grace is found is where You are
    And where You are, Lord, I am free
    Holiness is Christ in me

    Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
    Every hour I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

    Teach my song to rise to You
    When temptation comes my way
    And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
    Jesus, You’re my hope and stay

    Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
    Every hour I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

    You’re my one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

  69. Be not afraid, I got before you always..

  70. Jane Cowper says:

    Song: He’s Been Faithful, Faithful To Me. Scripture: Proverbs 3: 5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, And lean not on your own understanding”

  71. Jesus, Jesus…There is something about that name. Also; Thank you Lord for your blessings on me.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      I used to sing that song to my kids when they went to sleep at night!

  72. Your post “Battle in the Night” spoke to me so deeply. Just last night I had a terrible battle with my thoughts. Sometimes they are, indeed, the devil’s playground. Thanks for sharing.

    A song? “By Your Side”, Tenth Avenue North.

  73. Trust and Obey if my favorite

  74. Myrtle Cash says:

    Overcomer by Mandisa

  75. Emily Wilson says:

    I can’t get the new (Hillsong) United song: Oceans – where feet may fail. It is a soul-soothing song, packed with TRUTH! It will truly calm your soul. The part about “faith without borders”, that is what I long for daily. I just can’t say enough about this wonderful song, and what it has done for me, both day and night.
    God bless you!

  76. Emily Wilson says:

    That was meant to say- I can’t get enough of… 🙂
    *(ahhhh, Monday brain!) lol.

  77. You are my hiding place….

  78. There’s an old hymn “Love Lifted Me” and then I sing The Joy of the Lord is My Strength. With all the challenges facing my family I’ve decided to be “joyful” so I am on a journey of how to be more joyful – and one thing I have discovered is that the more you know our Heavenly Father the more joy He will pour into your heart. Isn’t that wonderful? He is good, merciful, long suffering, and full of grace.

  79. Belinda Chan says:

    My mind was filled with worries last night as I tossed and turned trying to sleep. I then decided to read the lyrics of the song “Blessings” by Laura Story. And today – I received your devotion through Proverbs 31 about having a song to praise God through the night 🙂

  80. Krislyn Booth says:

    It is Well With My Soul

  81. I like very much ‘there is power in the name of Jesus’ by Kim Walker.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Oh me too, Marisha! Love to crank it as loud as possible!

  82. Becky Williams says:

    Amazing Grace!

  83. Amy Miller says:

    I’m in. I just discovered a new favorite. “Our Hope Endures” sung by Natalie Grant

  84. Mindy Baker says:

    Hi Lynn, a song that helps me get focused is “Lift My LIfe Up” by Unspoken. It reminds me to surrender it all to God!

  85. “great is thy faithfulness”. It was my dads favorite
    too ;-))

  86. Love praise music! Just to name a few, I love Amy Grant’s “I Surrender All”. Also Matt Maher’s, “Lord, I Need You.” And “My Help Comes from the Lord,” by The Museum. Beautiful comforting and worshipful songs!

  87. “Word of God Speak” is always my go-to song in a crisis. It immediately calms me and reminds me to be still and recognize that God is with me.

  88. Roxanne Erdman says:

    Victory in Jesus!! I am in!

  89. “Cornerstone.”

    Christ alone, Cornerstone, Weak made strong in the Savior’s love…

  90. I never thought to use a song on those days my brain keeps regurgitating the same stressful things. Thanks! I love What a Friend We have in Jesus. And my daughter and I are hooked on Matthew West…”child of the one true King!”

  91. Twila Paris’ song “God is in Control” is one that flits through my head to give me peace.

  92. “Cornerstone” by Hillsong reminds me that Christ ALONE is my Cornerstone and solid ground!

  93. I am in!!!! I love to hear the words of ‘How great thou art” .

  94. Betty Enns says:

    I have often sang the song, “Oh I love to talk with Jesus”.

  95. Peace, peace, wonderful peace.

  96. it is a third day song, something about you waited for me, He waited for me to come back to Him!!

  97. Kim Sharpe says:

    Everlasting God- Chris Tomlin

  98. Thanks for a great blog post! The song that kept running through my head last night when I couldn’t sleep was “You are I am”, by MercyMe.

  99. Blessings. By Laura Story

  100. Teresa Atchison says:

    “Promises” by Sanctus Real: “Just hold on to the promises…hold on to the promises. Jesus is alive so hold on tight, just hold on to the promises. Neither death nor life can separate us, from the eternal love of our God who saves us…..” Spoke at my church this past Sunday morning and my topic was “Promises.”

  101. I so enjoyed your message today. I really needed it! I’ve been suffering with the inability to have a peaceful night of sleep for weeks. My mind just won’t stop, and most nights I’m up until 3-5am. My songs of praise change often, but help a lot. I just sing whatever comes to mind! Right now it’s: “Our God is an awesome God.” Thank you so much for encouraging me today!

  102. This is My Father’s World 🙂

  103. I often do find myself letting my thoughts go at night and I DO silently go through songs over and over in order to sleep. A recent song/chorus I found is this: In the Harvest Feast or the Fallow ground, my certain hope is in Jesus found, my lot, my cup, my portion sure, whatever comes we shall endure, whatever comes we shall endure.

  104. Great us Thy Faithfulness is my favourite hymn. Even when others and I fail, God is always faithful! He has provided all that I need.

  105. Shara Livingston says:

    How Great Thou Art!

  106. Beth Knavel says:

    This devotional is just what I needed today. My seven year old is struggling with his chronic illness right now and this mama stays up at night crying and worrying. The other night I grabbed my iPod and listened to Matt Maher’s “Lord, I Need You.”

  107. Beth Knavel says:

    This devotional was exactly what I needed today! My seven-year old is struggling with his chronic illness right now and this mama is struggling. I want to fix it but cannot. I have been up in the night crying and worrying. The other night I grabbed my ipod and listened to Matt Maher’s “Lord, I Need You.” This helped me settle my thoughts and fall asleep.

  108. Stephanie says:

    The latest song, “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North has been my hearts cry for months now. Some days are better than others and the Lord definitely sends showers of blessings during the hard times. Briefly, my marriage and family was torn apart because of addiction. I have been divorced for almost two years now and the last six months have been extrememly difficult for the children. I have attempted to protect them from the truth about their father’s addiction,but the blind was removed from their eyes back in the summer. They have not spoken to or seen him since early June. Being a single mother is challenging and yet so rewarding. I fear my children turning to others to complete the void in their life that is missing from their eartly father. My mind wonders endlessly, when i see the daunting tasks before me. Your words today have helped remind me that God is in complete control and when I know that I am doing all that I can do, I have to trust HIM for the rest…trust HIM to point them in the direction when I fail…that they will see my outstretched hands when I am falling, reaching toward a Father that is ready to catch me…because I am tired and worn…and HIS grace is enough!

  109. I struggle with this a lot lately. there are times that I seem to be walking on eggshells with my son, who is uncertain what he believes anymore after having been bullied by his Christian peers and seeing a lot of hypocrisy and judgemental attitudes among other youth and youth leaders. We have given him a solid Christian foundation and this has only happened in the last year. He is very sensitive and has struggled with depression. I love the statement that you made about our only words should be prayers at times. I have realized he will open up to his parents if we stay quiet and let him. When he fails, he knows we still love him and will not judge him. Thanks for your great advice!

  110. Sheri Fabiani says:

    There are a few songs I will turn to. I guess it just depends on the situation or which one first comes to mind. “It is Well With My Soul” is certainly one of them, “God on the Mountain” and “He Will Carry You”(both sung by Lynda Randle) can really help me to get things into perspective sometimes, too…….Something I am grateful for is that many of the hymns we sing in church can particularly touch me on a given day, depending on what is going on in my life.

    I just found your website and appreciate this series. It has come at a most opportune time for me. Thank you!! 🙂

  111. Sherri Smith says:

    I’d Need a Savior

  112. Oceans by Hillsong

    For the times I know that I am not strong enough, this song reminds me that I don’t need to be. Thank you Jesus!

    “And I will call upon Your name
    And keep my eyes above the waves
    When oceans rise
    My soul will rest in Your embrace
    For I am Yours and You are mine”

  113. AnnMarie Dixon says:

    Great is Your Love and Your Love Never Fails are two songs that have uplifted my soul when I’m down.

  114. Great devotional. Thank You. song: ANCHOR

  115. Patricia Chang says:

    Trust His Heart by Babbie Mason

    God is too wise to be mistaken
    God is too good to be unkind
    So when you don’t understand
    When don’t see his plan
    When you can’t trace his hand
    Trust His Heart

  116. One song that has seen me through is “God Wants to Hear You Sing.” “…when the wisest one has spoken and says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be…that’s when God wants to hear you sing.”

  117. I have had many sleepless nights over my youngest daughter. She has walked away from the Lord and from her family that love her. Songs that come to mind for me are On My Knees by Jacki Velasquez, the old hymn Love Lifted Me and another oldie titled HE the last phrase says Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live HE’LL always say I forgive. Thank you for your words of wisdom which are coming to me at a much needed time.This the first time on your site and knowing I’m not alone when it come to hard times with adult children. My daughter is 27 and I know my biggest mistake with her was always coming to her rescue. I know now I have to get out of the way and let God. I have always said my children were a gift from
    God and were only on loan to me for a while and that they belong to Him and not me, so I have handed my youngest back into the hands of the Lord and wait on Him to bring her home to Him and to her family.

  118. Kristin Lloyd says:

    My favorite praise song right now is “FOREVER REIGN” by Hillsong
    You are good, You are good
    When there’s nothing good in me
    You are love, You are love
    On display for all to see
    You are light, You are light
    When the darkness closes in
    You are hope, You are hope
    You have covered all my sin

    You are peace, You are peace
    When my fear is crippling
    You are true, You are true
    Even in my wandering
    You are joy, You are joy
    You’re the reason that I sing
    You are life, You are life,
    In You death has lost it’s sting

    Oh, I’m running to your arms, I’m running to your arms
    The riches of your love Will always be enough
    Nothing compares to Your embrace
    Light of the world forever reign

  119. Carolyn R says:

    The kids and I sing “As the Deer” and “Amazing Grace” together and I sing these when I need them to stop my mind from churning. Thanks for your series. I love it and will share it with my husband.

  120. Sarah Griffin says:

    Take it to the LORD in Prayer!

  121. Mary Trevino says:

    “I Am Redeemed!”

  122. I’m in. “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redmond “Bless the Lord, oh my Soul, ohhh, my soul, worship his Holy Name!”. There are many more beautiful songs.

  123. Loved this advice! Singing praise and worship is what I taught my girls to do when they awoke from a bad dream; it is also what I did when I rocked them through many sleepless nights. 🙂 I love to sing both hymns and more contemporary songs like, “Blessings,” or “10,000 Reasons”.

  124. Step by Step/forever we will sing!

  125. “Victorious” by Mandisa. There is nothing God cannot do!

  126. I just heard Natalie Grant’s “When I Leave the Room”. For the first time this weekend. Such an amazing song for our children!

  127. This devotional is much needed. My faith is definitely tested at night. Tonight, I will sing “Blessed” by Fred Hammond and “Praise Him in Advance” by Marvin Sapp. In all things I will praise Him! Thank you for today’s message!

  128. What a Friend We Have In Jesus

  129. Megan Reddy says:

    I love what you said about letting God be their teacher.

    This is one of many songs that comes to my mind. I come before His throne of GRACE so often these days. Looking for help, asking for wisdom in this season of parenting.

    Lord, I come before Your throne of grace
    I find rest in Your presence,
    And fullness of Joy
    In worship and wonder,
    I behold Your face
    Singing what a faithful God have I

    What a faithful God have I
    What a faithful God
    What a faithful God have I
    Faithful in every way

    Lord of mercy, You have heard my cry
    Through the strom You·re the beacon
    My song in the night
    In the shelter of Your wings
    Hear my heart·s reply,
    Singing what a faithful God have I

    Lord, all soverign
    Granting peace from heaven
    Let me comfort those who suffer
    With the comfort You have given
    I will tell of Your great love
    For as long as I live
    Singing what a faithful God have I

    1. What a beautiful song! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  130. Dawn Israel says:

    I receive I believe emails. It’s amazing how God works. My name is Dawn. I am a single parent of six. Ages 18, 17, 16, 15, 12, and 9. At the moment I am dealing with my 15 yr old daughter who happen to sneak out while I was working that night. Story short. Cops were called. They found her. She is not to happy with me. She will be going to court for her citation. She does hang out with friends who are doing things that I won’t let her do. She hates me. There have been so many times I have called the cops because of her unruly behavior but never really did nothing about it because she pleased and cried she will be good. While the cops and family was searching for her I had a lot of thinking to do. When they found her I chose to have the officer to cite her for what she had done. I have been so overwhelmed with all this then on top of this being sick and dealing with everyday duties as a parent. I happen to get this email of your writing and everything you wrote pertains to my situation. I just want to thank you for this. There are nights were I can’t sleep when I have a night off because I am worried about everything when I should be singing, giving praise to our Lord God. The song that I have listening to his “Praise you in the Storm” thanks so much for this. I’m still learning and I want to know The word of God and apply it to I and my kids lives.

    1. Dawn, I’ll lift you before our Lord, I too had a difficult child. Hold to God’s promises. Continue to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. God will do great things, wait, pray, watch, wait. Liz

  131. Darla Blake says:

    Rise ! By Sean McDonald

  132. Dottie Slocomb says:

    Lift High The Cross

  133. “Overcome” by Jeremy Camp. Google the lyrics if you don’t know the song, it is awesome!

  134. tree dalton says:

    Amy Grant’s I have Decided! Since I was little!

  135. What a great post. Music has always been a source of encouragement to me and so many of the old hymns are based on rich scripture verses. I’m constantly reminded of my need to get out of God’s way and stop trying to be my son’s Holy Spirit. It doesn’t work well! God does it best, and He shows me my need daily to do what the old hymn says, “I Surrender All.” I also like Casting Crowns “Praise You in This Storm.”

    Big Blessings to you.

    1. I needed to devotion. I find it so hard to fall asleep at night. I too have been struggling with getting out
      of God’s way so he can work in my son’s life. I always try to fix things and all I do is make him more
      dependent on me and less on HIM. I usually try to fall asleep reading God’s word. But singing praises
      to God sounds great. Will start singing praises.

  136. How Great Thou Art!! Great is thy Faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. Thanks for the Encouragement!

  137. I don’t know the name, but the words are….quiet my mind lord make me more like you, calm my restless thoughts lord make me still before you. Raise up these hands that are hanging down, Make me more like you.

  138. “I Will Not Be Moved” by Natalie Grant

  139. My Testimony—-Marvin Sapp
    So glad I made it, I made it through, I didn’t loose, I experienced lose at a major cost but I still had faith in You. So glad I made it!

  140. Ophelia Ami says:

    I will sing
    I will praise
    Even in my darkest hour
    Through the sorrow and the pain
    I will sing……by Don Moen

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