Praying for my children – not worrying…

This week I got to see my baby – a little sneak peak at her squirming around in my womb. Through the advances of technology, her little body and even her smiling face flashed on the screen in 4D. She is real – the kicking, punching thing growing in my belly is really a baby! And I have the pictures to prove it!

Now I am sure most mothers just get all full of hopeful joy when they see their little babies.

And I do have those magical moments too. But I also have plenty of worries and concerns. What will her life be like? Will she be happy and healthy? Will other kids like her – will she have friends? Will she feel good about herself? Will she know the Lord? Yes – I worry about everything from her first doctor’s check up, to her first day of kindergarten, to the safety of her soul. I don’t miss a thing ladies!

But I know that my worrying is not building the legacy of faith that I want to pass on to my children. Every time I feel this over powering temptation to worry about my children, I need to turn to God in prayer and bring all my concerns to him.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

But it is so hard to do! For some ridiculous reason, I chose to hold on to my futile worries instead of embracing God’s peace. My worrying accomplishes nothing. Only my prayers and my actions can change anything. I need to leave my children in prayer with the Lord and then model a life of faith for my children.

With my worrying nature – I think I came out of my mother’s womb worrying – I imagine this tendency to cling to my fears will always be a challenge for me. But I must keep fighting against it every day and calling on the Lord for strength. It is only in my relationship with God, that I can build the godly home and the spiritual refuge that I want for my children.

So I was wondering, what has helped you to replace worries with prayers for your children? Have you been able to put your child in the Lord’s hands and rest in the peace of God?

“He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 (NIV)