Encouraging the Dads You Love When You Need Hope, Too
BECKY THOMPSON
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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
As a family, our lives have changed so much in just over one year. While change used to look like new babies, jobs or perhaps a move, change looks different these days. I’m sure the same is true for you.
We’ve all had to create new rhythms. Many of us have new roles — caretaker of elderly parents, homeschooling mom, you name it — and we are all doing our best to adjust to an ever-shifting set of circumstances. But one thing has remained the same in our home no matter how much has transformed around us. Our heavenly Father remains the hope, promise and peace of our family, and we see our need for Him now more than ever.
What I have learned from spending so much time at home with my family is that my husband and I need God to encourage us in different ways. As a mom, my heart often needs the reassurance that everything is going to be OK. I need to know that God is working everything out for good, that He is with me, and He is protecting those I love even when I can’t be with them. I have found that my husband’s needs are far more practical than mine.
For example, my husband doesn’t just want me to tell him it’s going to be fine when circumstances are far from OK. He needs God to meet him with wisdom so he can know how to move forward and make the best choices for his family. He needs strength to keep doing what’s best when so much is already asked of him. He needs hope not just that it will work out someday but that God will show up today in a way that moves his family closer to God’s best plan.
It can be hard for me to remember that my husband needs hope too when I’m overwhelmed with my own set of worries. But I have found that these three practical prayer points help me lift up my husband in a way that transforms our entire home. I believe these points will help you encourage the dads in your life as well.
- Pray for Wisdom — My husband is a solutions man. Because outcome-oriented men are constantly looking toward tomorrow, they feel the weight of what they decide today. James 1:5 reminds us God gives wisdom to all who ask. One practical way to encourage the men we love is to ask God to lead them clearly. When dads know the path forward, they have peace enough to share.
- Pray for Strength — While it’s easy to acknowledge the mental load I carry for my family, it can be hard for me to peek over what I have in my arms to see that my husband carries much for us as well. It’s important for me to ask God to supernaturally strengthen my husband. When the days are long, we both need the Lord to do what only He can.
- Pray for Hope — The third and most important prayer is for hope. Paul prayed for his friends, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). When we place our hope in our circumstances, we’re often let down as situations change beyond our control. But hope that comes from trusting God is secure. When we pray for the dads we love to be filled with the hope of Christ, hope and joy overflow onto everyone.
What takes places in a father’s heart influences his entire family. Our heavenly Father proves this to be true. Today, take just a moment to pray for the dads in your life to experience the strength, wisdom and hope of their Father in heaven.
Lord, thank You for encouraging not just us, as women, wives and mothers, but also the men we love as they care for and lead their families. We ask that You give them wisdom, strength and hope for the days ahead. You are the source of everything they need. Remind us to lift them up to You often and give us opportunities to show them Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (NIV)
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Connect the dads in your life with the hope, strength and wisdom of their heavenly Father. Learn more about the Midnight Dad Devotional written by national bestselling author Becky Thompson and her father, Dr. Mark Pitts. Get your copy here.
Learn more about the ministry of the Midnight Dad Devotional and Midnight Mom Devotional here!
CONNECT:
Find Midnight Mom Devotional on Facebook or Instagram, and Midnight Dad Devotional on Facebook.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Midnight Dad Devotional by Becky Thompson and Dr. Mark Pitts. To celebrate this book, Becky’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, May 31, 2021.}
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What is one practical way you can encourage the dads in your life today?
© 2021 by Becky Thompson. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Thomas Nelson Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
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