Finding Rest as a Parent: Embracing God’s Peace
Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and moments that test our limits. Amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to find rest—not just a break from responsibilities, but a deeper, spiritual rest that rejuvenates our souls. Today, let’s explore how we can cultivate this rest, drawing wisdom from Psalm 23 and the teachings surrounding intentional parenting.
The Invitation to Rest
Psalm 23 begins with a profound declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This verse invites us to understand that true rest comes from trusting in God’s provision. Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, God desires to guide us to a place of peace. As parents, we often feel the weight of our responsibilities, worrying about our children’s futures, their safety, and our ability to provide for them. However, we must remind ourselves that we are not alone in this journey.
Understanding God’s Nature
Before we delve into practical ways to find rest, we need to reflect on the nature of God. He is a loving Father who longs to meet our every need. Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” This means that the Jesus we follow embodies the love, care, and protection that we seek as parents. When we grasp this truth, we can start to shift our focus from our worries to His promises.
Practicing Silence and Stillness
In our busy lives, taking a moment to sit in silence can seem daunting, yet it’s essential for our spiritual health. As Howard Thurman wisely noted, “There is a great virtue in the cultivation of silence.” Learning to sit in silence allows us to connect with God and receive His calming presence. This practice is not just beneficial for us; it also models a healthy relationship with God for our children.
The Current State of Parenting
Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory highlighting the mental health challenges facing parents today. The pressures of parenting—concerns about children’s health, safety, and the overwhelming influence of technology—are more pronounced than ever. It’s crucial to recognize that these challenges can drain our emotional reserves, making it imperative to find rest in God.
Shifting Our Focus
As we navigate parenting, we must shift our focus from striving for perfection to embracing the grace that God extends to us. Parenting is not about controlling every outcome; it’s about fostering a relationship with our children that encourages them to seek God for themselves. This leads us to three manageable goals that can help us find rest:
- Give Your Imagination Over to God
Our minds can often spiral into worry about future uncertainties. The ancient Roman philosopher Cicero once said, “We are more often frightened than hurt.” Instead of allowing anxiety to dominate our thoughts, we can practice anticipatory hope—imagining how God might work good in our circumstances. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, and lovely. By shifting our thoughts to God’s promises, we can combat anxiety.
- Allow Healing in Christ
Healing is a process that begins with acknowledging our struggles. We must recognize that God desires to heal our wounds and free us from guilt. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning. This means that no matter what burdens we carry from the past, God’s grace offers us a fresh start. We must be honest with ourselves and allow His healing to take root in our hearts.
- Cultivate an “Anyhow” Faith
Life will bring challenges, but we can choose to have faith regardless of our circumstances. Psalm 73:26 states, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Instead of fixating on “what if” scenarios regarding our children’s futures, we can declare that God is good, regardless of the outcomes we fear. This faith not only strengthens us but also sets an example for our children.
The Role of Community in Finding Rest
Being part of a community is vital for parents. The support from fellow believers can provide encouragement during tough times. Small groups, like the one Jamie and Phill discussed, create a space for sharing experiences, joys, and struggles. They remind us that we are not alone in our parenting journey. These connections can foster accountability and spiritual growth, which are essential for both parents and children.
Conclusion: Leaning on the Good Shepherd
As we wrap up this discussion on finding rest in parenting, let’s remember that we are called to be sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He invites us to cast our cares upon Him, and in return, He offers us peace that surpasses understanding. Our role as parents is not to bear the weight of our children’s futures alone but to guide them towards a relationship with God.
So, whether you’re a seasoned parent or just starting this journey, take time to cultivate rest in your life. Allow God to renew your spirit and lead you beside still waters. Embrace the grace available to you and your family, and let that grace flow into the lives of your children.