Bible

Bible

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my only source of hope.

Psalm 119:114

Over the years I’ve prayed that my sons would grow in their love for God and his Word, but sometimes I forget that it’s often the challenges of life that send us running there.

I’ll never forget the afternoon I picked up one of my sons from high school and could tell by the way he walked to the car that he’d had a dismal day. After he told me about a big disappointment (his girlfriend had informed friends at school that she was breaking up with him before she told him), I redirected our van to Taco Bell. As the mother of boys, I’ve discovered that a favorite snack often helps promote good conversation. When we returned home and sat at the kitchen table, I listened to his feelings and tried to encourage him the best I could.

Later that afternoon, I walked upstairs to check on my son in his bedroom, and I noticed that his eyes were red. As I sat down next to him, I noticed something else. On his desk was his open Bible. When I asked him what he was reading, he said, “Hebrews 13:5, where God promises that he will never leave us or forsake us.” Then it was my turn to get misty eyes.

That experience reminded me why it’s important to saturate a child’s life with reverent knowledge of God’s Word. Then, when they need hope, they know exactly where to turn. Ruth Graham wisely wrote: “If our children have the background of . . . unshakable faith that the Bible is indeed the Word of God, they will have a foundation that the forces of hell cannot shake.”

Father,

Help us to cherish the Bible so that our children will cherish it, too. Thanks for the encouragement your Word brings to people of all ages. In Jesus’ name, amen.