Moments Together for Couples 4/3

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Psalm 61:2,3
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For Thou has been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.

Although God is our ultimate security and Protector, as the psalmist said, parents are to also serve as a "tower of strength" for their children. Some of my most vivid childhood memories are of the hours we spent in our family's storm cellar while severe thunderstorms rumbled overhead. As I reflect back on the numerous visits to that musty cellar, I can't help but ponder the need for Barbara and me to provide our children protection from the storms that rumble through their lives.

Now it might be good for me to clarify what I mean by "protecting" children. First, I do not mean shielding them from making decisions on their own, or so controlling their lives that they do not grow up emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I do not mean smothering children with overprotection or insulating them from making mistakes or taking risks.

What I do mean by protecting your children is being proactively involved in their lives to prepare them for crucial decisions, problems and pressures. For example, you protect them when:

You tell them what to do if a stranger offers a ride or candy to them.

You offer advice on how to handle a bully in their neighborhood or school.

You help them develop good friendships, and by stepping in when a wrong influence seems to be getting the upper hand.

You give them boundaries-like placing a limit on the types of movies they see.

You love them enough to talk about a difficult issue like sex, or setting rules for dating (when they can begin, what types of dates they can start out with, etc.).

You pray for God's protection over them when you cannot be with them (see Matt. 18:10).

Are you providing a strong tower of protection for your children?

Prayer:

Ask God for the wisdom and courage to be able to protect your children.

Discuss: A tower provides an excellent view of approaching "enemies." What enemies/issues are your children facing now? On the horizon? How can you prepare your children to face the "enemies"?

Would you like your own copy of this devotional?