by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Continuing her reflections on Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Sherelyn focuses on "Father, Help Us Raise Our Children," a hymn relating to hearth, home, and hope.
The song, "Father, Help Us Raise Our Children" (Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs #550), communicates the thought that children are a gift from the Lord sent with joy and love. "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them" (Ps. 127:3-5). Our hope for these blessings soar into the future, and we, as parents, must do our part to help these dreams come to fruition.
With the blessing of children comes the responsibility of raising them right. Abraham was chosen by God to command his children to keep the way of the Lord in righteousness and justice. In fulfilling this admonition, he would bring forth a great and mighty nation. We, also, can have hope in raising our children as did Abraham. Fathers are told to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Through fearing the Lord, we, as parents, will be blessed with fruitful olive plants around our table; moreover, we hope that our children will also bring forth faithful offspring (Ps. 128:1-6).
Little children are so precious when their parents nurture them as they head to bed each evening. Praying with them, reading Bible stories together, singing hymns, and tucking them in for the night is a heartwarming experience. When the disciples asked Jesus, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?", He called a child to Himself. Jesus told the disciples to humble themselves like the child, receive the child who is innocent, and thus, Christ-like, and become godly examples to them (Matt. 18:3-6). A child's purity and sweetness, innocence, and trust, serves as an example for all who would seek God's kingdom. When the angel spoke to Zacharias concerning the imminent birth of his son, John, the angel referred to John's task for the future. John would "turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children" (Luke 1:17; Mal. 4:6). Pray that your children will be pure and sweet.
Hoping for their spiritual faith and endurance, parents should teach their children to trust in God and not rebel against Him (Ps. 78:5-8). Then, when new generations are grown, they will have prepared hearts to face the struggles of life. Also, they can arise, and tell their children, so they will not forget the works of God and keep His commandments. In fear of the Lord, they will take refuge in Him because of their strong confidence (Prov. 14:26). Jacob was not ashamed when he saw his children, the work of God's hands, stand in awe of the Holy One and sanctify His name (Isa. 29:22-23). As Paul beseeched the Thessalonians, fathers should implore their children to walk worthy of the God who calls them to Him (1 Thess. 2:11-12). As children grow up, they have a choice to make—life or death, blessing or curses. Our goal is for them to turn to God in love and obedience, holding fast to Him (Deut. 30:19-20).
We are as dust. As our time to depart draws near, we yearn to be together with our children again. "Even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, your power to all who are to come" (Ps. 71:18). Our children may be left behind after we are gone, but the Lord's loving kindness is toward those who fear Him and remember His precepts to do them (Ps. 103:13-18). Women will be preserved through the bearing of children as "they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint" (1 Tim. 2:15). Because of God's love, we can be reunited with our faithful children throughout all eternity. When our sons and daughters walk in truth, our joy will be made full. God the Father will bring them home to heaven, along with all His children—one day.
Author Bio: Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry who labors with the Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist and elder. She can be reached at sherelynmayberry@live.com.
