2 Chronicles 12:1 “When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the Lord.”

MY OWN STRENGTH

One generation!  That’s all it took!  Solomon and his father David had established a great nation.  In Solomon’s time peace finally reigned in the country.  But Rehoboam wasted no time destroying that peace and ruining the country.  Under him, according to the prophecy of the Lord, the kingdom split. 

And now, because of his irresponsible self-confidence, he led the nation of Judah away from the Lord.  The verse says they “forsook the law of the Lord.”  Why?  How could he?  Oh, be careful that you judge.  We are all guilty of this, aren’t we?  We get comfortable when everything is going smoothly.  We think we don’t need God in our lives when all is well.

TEACHING MOMENT

What a lesson for our kids!  There is NEVER a moment when we don’t need the power of God in our lives.  He is the one who gives us peace, and He can remove it.  He wants us to not only rest in Him.  He wants us to depend on Him and recognize Him.  As your children experience those times when all is well, remind them to thank the One who is above all.

If your children learn now that the God of the universe is the one who directs them, their walk with Christ will be a much more enjoyable one.  That doesn’t mean they won’t have troubles and trials. But it does mean they won’t freak out and panic when the hard times come.  Why?  Because they have confidence in Him, not themselves or others.

Where is your confidence?  Where do you get your strength?  Are you relying on your own abilities or God’s?  As Mom and Dad, we are the ones showing our kids how to depend on Him.  We are the ones they are watching.  If they see us wringing our hands and panicking, they will learn that too.  If they see us going to other sources rather than God, they will learn that.

Point them to Jesus, no matter what.  Pause to pray when you need guidance.  And where and when appropriate, involve your children.  You and they both will be blessed.  Above all, you will bless the Father.

O Father, thank You that You are my strength.  Remind me daily of my dependence on You.  I can do nothing in my own strength.