Parenting by Design - September 13

Freedom from Our Past

Psalms 25:5-7:  "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.  Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord" (NIV).

We serve a God of new beginnings, and what tremendous hope for the believer!  Temptation may cause us to believe the lies of Satan that tell us differently.  "How can I discipline my child when I am guilty of the same sin?"  Praise God that we are free from sin when we repent and ask God for forgiveness.  In the passage above, David desired that God would show him His ways, including truth, and teach him His paths.

Although they may not acknowledge or verbalize this fact, our children have David's same desire.  Today, thank God for not remembering the sins of your youth.  Show your children His ways through your own life.  Teach them through love and empathetic consequences. 

By living this truth, you can help your child understand more about their heavenly Father, and enjoy walking in His guidance!