“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” - This mother’s prayer

​These words from Fanny Crosby’s song of the same title came to mind this morning after I read the scripture and devotional reading for today. The scripture was Numbers 14:1-4, 31.  The Israelites were grumbling (again) about the conditions in the desert and their fear of the future. It didn’t matter that they had seen God’s faithfulness by providing food, water and protection. They had trouble trusting God for their future. They said they were also afraid for their children. It was at this point that God told the parents that the children would “enjoy the land that you have rejected” but they would not. Because of their lack of faith and trust in the words of God the parents lost the opportunity to move into the Promised Land; however, their children lived to experience God’s promises.
 
It’s natural to put the needs and concerns of our children first.  God gave them to us to care for, and to nurture.  However, there comes a time when we need to begin the process of letting go, and it comes much sooner than some of us would like.  Along with allowing them to make some “controlled” choices at a young age we need to let them experience making mistakes.  With this we need to begin to give them the tools to make wise choices.  Knowing God’s Word is the best tool they can be equipped with. We don’t want to raise children who become adults not able to live on their own, contribute to society, and make wise biblically-based decisions.  There are good books that give suggestions as to how to guide the child through the process of becoming independent.  They suggest the types of chores for certain ages, and the types of freedoms and responsibilities that might be appropriate for certain ages.
 
One area that concerns me is the decline in the importance that we as parents and churches are putting on higher Christian Education.  The knowledge that comes from a school and teachers who are well grounded in God’s Word will last a lifetime.  The skills to be obtained from “secular” schools can always be added later.  The Bible training obtained first will equip the students to face the many attacks that will come against their Christian training and beliefs.  They will be much better equipped to deal with important and difficult issues.
 
The wellbeing of our child is always in our hearts and minds, from infancy and up through adulthood as they take their first steps, enter first grade, obtain their driver’s licences, and go on their first date.  They are in our thoughts through sicknesses, job interviews, and career changes. But oh the joy and peace we can have knowing God loves our children infinitely more than we ever could.  He has their wellbeing firmly in His care. Our children could never be in a better place than “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”.
 
Mark 10:16 “And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
 

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