Unbroken Home

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

More frequently than ever in our culture we hear the term “broken home.” Fifty years ago, nearly 80% of children lived under one roof with both parents in their first marriage. In the latest study by the Pew Research Center in 2014, that number has dropped to 46%. The declining share of the “traditional” family has led to family structures that often evolve through the life of a child. One study found that over a three-year period, 31% of children under age 6 had experienced a major change in family structure, in the form of parental divorce, separation, marriage, cohabitation or death.

It is so vital, as much as it is within a person’s power to do so, to provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child. How children relate to mom and dad early in life often determines how they will relate to others later on. Most importantly, it can also determine how they understand and relate to God. If a child hears us refer to God as our “Heavenly Father,” he or she will naturally think about how they relate to their earthly father. That can be hard to understand if divorce, death, separation or other circumstances have led to a home without a traditional structure for the father.

In Psalm 127, God reminds us that, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Society tells us so often to put ourselves first, but the Bible tells us to treat children as the precious and priceless gift from God that they are. Often that means putting aside our own dreams and desires to focus on what is God’s design for the family. It means working through problems and pitfalls instead of walking away. It means being an example for our children, so that when they hear that, “God is love,” they’ll have some idea of what that looks like.

If you came from a “broken home” and grew up in circumstances that weren’t ideal, know that God can help you learn from your own past and build your own home differently. And if your home today is not traditional, know too that God can help you make the most of where you are. The God Who saves us from our sins can also mend the wounds of broken homes and rebuild the lives of those who call on Him in their need.

God, thank You for giving us the gift of the home. I confess I’m not a perfect parent. Help me in the areas where I struggle, especially in being an example to my children. Help me to know how to love them, model Christ to them, and discipline them according to Your Word. Remind me when I feel like things are breaking down that You mend hearts and minds when we call on You for help. May I be the parent and make the best home that I can through Your Holy Spirit working in my life each day. In Jesus' name, amen.