Daniel Seabaugh

Parenting has always been difficult. Even with the vast array of Christian resources available today—resources to help parents raise humble, responsible, Jesus-loving human beings—parenting is still hard. And success, however one defines it, isn’t guaranteed.

Every season brings new challenges. Every new opportunity highlights hidden rebellion, both in the parent and in the child. Parenting in the age of celebrity, the smartphone, and hyper-individualism feels like arranging flowers on the back of a Harley-Davidson that’s screaming down the interstate at eighty-five.

Parenting is hard. Thankfully, we’re not alone.

There seems to be a common thread for me, a typical response, when parenting gets complicated. Although it’s rarely my first response (sadly), I’m learning to throw my cares and concerns on Jesus, because he cares for me. I’m lost when it comes to parenting. I need grace, God’s grace. I need it in a big way.

Parenting blunders should lead God’s people to their knees. We should cry out to him for mercy. If prayer is, at least in part, about lifting our hearts and minds to God, then we should share with him honestly and openly. If we’re freaked out, we should tell him.

Prayer isn’t easy. We don’t always get immediate results. Sometimes it feels like God is absent, or if he’s around, then he’s choosing to ignore us. Yet through the struggle that is prayer, and life, and parenting, we must find confidence in the God who promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Although parenting remains hard, Jesus remains king. He is our all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere-present Savior, shepherd, and friend. We can trust him.

Will our children turn out okay? I don’t know. Will they love God and others with all they are? Again, I’m not sure. Will God be with us and move toward our kids in love? Yes, and amen!

Come, Lord Jesus. Have mercy on us parents who are, quite frankly, scared to death. Have mercy on your children. Have mercy, Lord.

You’re the King of the universe. You’re the God through whom and for whom all things were made. You’re the One who created family and every human being who has ever lived or will ever live. There’s a great and glorious purpose for everything you’ve made, including our children.

Have mercy, King Jesus.

Amen.