Proverbs 3:1-12 (NRSV)

My child, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life

and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute

in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh

and a refreshment for your body. Honor the LORD with your substance

and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine. My child, do not despise the LORD's discipline

or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves the one he loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights.

The psalmist wrote, "Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me

and answer me!"

- Psalm 27:7 (NRSV)

OUR twin daughters are just learning to walk and are at a stage where they will come to us and cry to be picked up. Almost immediately after being picked up, they will begin to cry because they want to be set back down. They want us to be available at any moment they might happen to need us, but they want their independence too.

Their desire for independence is a good thing. We want them to grow up and eventually have their own homes. This means they will become more and more independent and need us less and less. But for us, as children of God, our growth increases our dependence. Mature saints are those who realize most deeply their total dependence on God.

Too often we find it easier to trust our own judgment than to admit we need God's help, and we yield control to God reluctantly. But we need God's help all the time, no matter how mature we become.

Prayer: O God, help us to trust in you more than in our own strength and abilities. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Lifelong dependence on God is a good thing.

PRAYER FOCUS:

Families with young children

By Norman Styers, Oklahoma