Parenting is HARD WORK. PERIOD! Christian parenting is even harder. But God’s Word offers unshakable hope and help for every parent who is trusting in Christ and His good and loving provision.
This short article, “10 Promises for Parents” by Pastor Kevin DeYoung (the father of nine children), continues to be a great read even six years after he wrote it—refreshingly honest, practical, convicting, and encouraging.
My kids need Bible promises, but on most days I need them even more. I’m prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I want them to love.
So here are ten promises from the Bible that every Christian parent should remember, especially the Christian parent writing this blog.
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- “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3). Since the verse refers to trials of various kinds, I assume that James is talking about more than martyrdom and death. Sleepless infants, tortuous bedtimes, muddy feet, spilled orange juice, moody teens–they all count too. And we should count them all joy, even when they feel like the biggest pain. God promises he’s at work to produce steadfastness.
Here are promises 2-10. Be sure to read his additional comments for each promise here.
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- “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
- “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
- “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3).
- “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
- “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
- “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).
- “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16).
- “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox” (Proverbs 14:4).
- “But he gives more grace” (James 4:6).
Looking for other resources to encourage and equip parents? Consider our booklet Dedicated to the Lord: Five Parental Promises for the Faithful Discipleship of Children by David Michael. Here is an overview of the booklet:
When we receive a child from God, it is right that we recognize that child as dedicated to God for His glory. This little booklet provides a working definition of what it means for a child to be dedicated to God. It unpacks the significance, meaning, and implication of five promises that represent the biblical calling and responsibility that rests on all Christian parents who have been entrusted with children to raise for the glory of their Creator.
