“Because he loves me,†says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.†Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)
For many years this passage from Psalm 91 has been my prayer for my sons. I have claimed its promises for them. God is faithful to hear and answer.
God says that our love for Him brings on a response – He is watching and comes ‘riding to the rescue’ when we make choices that get us in trouble! When we take the stand that we only recognize HIM as Lord in our lives – HE stands over us like a shield of protection! When we call and cry out to Him – He answers. HE ANSWERS! When troubles come (they will. We can guarantee that!), God will already be there. He will be a tangible presence in the trouble that will lead us out of the trouble. He will respect and admire us because in that trouble, we turned to Him and expected Him to be there. We turned in the best direction! God will give me a life-span that has no end! HE will show me eternity!
My son, James, died almost four years ago at age 17. James’ life continues on through people who, because of his life-testimony, made a choice to live their lives with Jesus. They saw God’s courage and strength in James’ life and said, “I want some of that!†“I need some of that!†James is having a long life!
My son, John, continues to write his legacy. He is walking his life in front of his own sons, showing them an example of what it is to be God’s man in this world. It is about showing your children that you are weak but God will keep His promises and make you strong! It is turning to God for wisdom and direction in your life and doing what He says even when you can’t see the ‘why’ of it.
…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever I lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
This has been my Scripture for my daughter, Janet. She has been given a gift of faith. I sometimes think that is a difficult gift to carry because it may mean that she believes when everyone around thinks it can’t possibly happen! I believe God put this passage in my heart to use as a prayer that she would keep her focus on Him and not be distracted.
What words of God do you pray over your children? Your spouse? No matter how young or old they may be…God is faithful and a keeper of His promises. Ask God to direct your heart to His words of His children.
