By Melanie Chitwood
“’And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter [Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby]’” John 14:26 (AMP)
“Mom, you took all the fun out of me today,” six-year-old Tyler announced to me with frustration as I tucked him into bed.
And you took all the fun out of me! I thought with exhaustion. I kissed Tyler goodnight and turned quickly to hide the smile on my face. I couldn’t help but smile at his comment, which had so perfectly summed up our day.
We were both having growing pains that day. As I was committed to helping Tyler show a little more responsibility and self-control in his little world, it had been a day of power struggles. He wanted to go play with his friends, but I made him do chores. He wanted to play video games, but he had to do homework first. When he whipped his pencil across the room, he received a very long timeout, something we both needed!
During the day, I had thought how easy it would have been just to let Tyler do what he wanted to do. After all, I like to have fun too, and I was not enjoying our power struggles. However, just as I was helping Tyler to grow up some, I, too, was doing some growing up. God had convicted me lately that when it came to being Tyler’s mother, I needed to do what was best for him, not just what was easiest. God was showing me that the balance between fun and discipline was off-kilter in my son, and it was my responsibility to teach Tyler a healthy balance.
As I seek to be the parent God wants me to be, I am so thankful that I do not have to rely on my own wisdom or strength. In John 14:26, Jesus promises that we are not alone: “’And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby)’” (Amp). The minute we ask Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit becomes a permanent resident who remains forever as a guarantee of our salvation and as the Helper we need in any situation.
I try to start each day with quiet time, when I turn my heart to the Lord and acknowledge that I am dependent on His strength and wisdom, not my own. Then throughout the day I pray for Him to direct my steps, to give me wisdom, to empower me to be the mom He wants me to be.
I encourage you today to turn to the Lord at the start of your day. Then in the heat of challenging moments, call on the Helper for what He gives best, his supernatural Help.
Dear Lord, I praise You for being Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that You are with me throughout the day, and that I can call on You for help at anytime. When it comes to being a mother, Lord, You know that sometimes I get worn out and just want to take the easy way. Give me Your strength and Your wisdom to be the parent you want me to be, to do what is best for my children, not what is most convenient or easiest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Today’s P31 Radio Show
P31 Woman magazine
Visit Melanie Chitwood’s blog
What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood
Application Steps:
Memorize a verse to repeat and strengthen you in the midst of challenging moments in your day. Sometimes I repeat, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Reflections:
Read today’s key verse in the amplified version. As you read it aloud, each time emphasize a different name of the Holy Spirit. Which of these names calms your heart most today?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 29:17, “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.” (NAS)
Isaiah 9:6, “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV)
“’And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter [Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby]’” John 14:26 (AMP)
“Mom, you took all the fun out of me today,” six-year-old Tyler announced to me with frustration as I tucked him into bed.
And you took all the fun out of me! I thought with exhaustion. I kissed Tyler goodnight and turned quickly to hide the smile on my face. I couldn’t help but smile at his comment, which had so perfectly summed up our day.
We were both having growing pains that day. As I was committed to helping Tyler show a little more responsibility and self-control in his little world, it had been a day of power struggles. He wanted to go play with his friends, but I made him do chores. He wanted to play video games, but he had to do homework first. When he whipped his pencil across the room, he received a very long timeout, something we both needed!
During the day, I had thought how easy it would have been just to let Tyler do what he wanted to do. After all, I like to have fun too, and I was not enjoying our power struggles. However, just as I was helping Tyler to grow up some, I, too, was doing some growing up. God had convicted me lately that when it came to being Tyler’s mother, I needed to do what was best for him, not just what was easiest. God was showing me that the balance between fun and discipline was off-kilter in my son, and it was my responsibility to teach Tyler a healthy balance.
As I seek to be the parent God wants me to be, I am so thankful that I do not have to rely on my own wisdom or strength. In John 14:26, Jesus promises that we are not alone: “’And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby)’” (Amp). The minute we ask Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit becomes a permanent resident who remains forever as a guarantee of our salvation and as the Helper we need in any situation.
I try to start each day with quiet time, when I turn my heart to the Lord and acknowledge that I am dependent on His strength and wisdom, not my own. Then throughout the day I pray for Him to direct my steps, to give me wisdom, to empower me to be the mom He wants me to be.
I encourage you today to turn to the Lord at the start of your day. Then in the heat of challenging moments, call on the Helper for what He gives best, his supernatural Help.
Dear Lord, I praise You for being Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that You are with me throughout the day, and that I can call on You for help at anytime. When it comes to being a mother, Lord, You know that sometimes I get worn out and just want to take the easy way. Give me Your strength and Your wisdom to be the parent you want me to be, to do what is best for my children, not what is most convenient or easiest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Today’s P31 Radio Show
P31 Woman magazine
Visit Melanie Chitwood’s blog
What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood
Application Steps:
Memorize a verse to repeat and strengthen you in the midst of challenging moments in your day. Sometimes I repeat, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Reflections:
Read today’s key verse in the amplified version. As you read it aloud, each time emphasize a different name of the Holy Spirit. Which of these names calms your heart most today?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 29:17, “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.” (NAS)
Isaiah 9:6, “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV)
9 Comments:
What a perfect devotion for me today as I struggle with teaching my three year old son how to be more independent! He has a physical disability which makes it easy for me to step in and do things just because it is easier. But, God has helped me realize this is not going to benefit him in the long run. Your devotion hit home as I have already "lost it" twice today, and it is only 11:30. Your words have helped me take a deep breath and realize with Gods help I can do it! Thanks for your thoughts!
but what if they are older and you havn't set limits like you should. I did not know how and I wanted them to have a perfect childhood, because mine was not and now I feel it is too late
A great reminder that I am on the right track. I have an 8 yo son with physical disabilities and just this week his teacher filled me in on what he does at school but not at home! I, too, need the Holy Spirit showing me and causing me to allow him to become independent. God gave him to me and I need to be about His work!
Great article Melanie! I'm a 1st grade teacher. I've noticed throughout the years, that those young students whose parents have taught them responsibility at an early age, actually do better in school. They are more relaxed & better able to carry out their academic responsibilities easier. Their frustration level is less; their learning level higher. It does not matter how "smart" they are to start with...it's just easier for them to be organized with their schoolwork & homework. You are actually giving your young Tyler a gift. Keep up the good work & may Jesus provide lots of "fun" times as well. *.*
Now there you go again...timing a devotional for the exact day I need to see it. I sure wish you'd ease up on me a little. I mean, couldn't I have just an hour of laziness...(whine, whine, whine)
...My son turns 7 today! and just yesterday we had the power struggle to beat all power struggles. Mom won of course, but I sure did need to see your encouragement to keep on keeping on. And boy did I need it.
Now, how about a devotional for tomorrow that addresses the need for a long bubble bath...or maybe God could tell me I can go shopping??? (ok, ok, I'm putting my mommy button back on now)
This was great. I am a grandmother now so I will be praying for the mothers of my grandchildren and this was so helpful. It also brought back memories. I wish I could have read this at that time in my life. I loved the reflections part and will be reading that verse over throughout the day in just the way you mentioned. I thank our Lord Jesus for you and giving you the ability to write and share with us. Thank you.
I just wish that I'd read this 35 years ago -- when it was soon enough for me to make a difference to my children's lives!
The opening scripture, I think it's supposed to be John 14:16.
Thank you for this! While I am not a mother, there was a thing you said that caught my eye. You talked about how as a mother, you want to do what is best for your son, not just what is easiest. I am going through a difficult time in my life right now, and I needed the reminder that God is doing what is best for me right now-even though it is not easy. Only he knows that outcome, but whatever it may be, it will be His best for me! Thank you!
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