This post will close the month of discussion about ‘Family Revelation.’ Next week, we will begin looking at four spiritual disciplines you and your family can dive into together. However, family revelations from the Lord do not and will not stop if you continue to seek His face. Will there be times that you don’t hear anything from the Lord? Yes, and those times can seem frustrating, but they are, as is everything, times to help us grow, learn, and become more Christlike.

     What are some of the most applicable Scriptures to daily life and families? The Proverbs. They are inspired writings of what the Bible says is the most wise man ever, Solomon. Where did he get such knowledge? When God was blessing him in his new roll as King of Israel, He asked Solomon what he would want from Him? Solomon did not ask for wealth or power or even the Rolls-Royce of chariots. No, he asked for a hearing / receptive heart, so that he could lead God’s people the way they should go. Read 1 Kings 3 focusing on verses 5 and 9. “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, ‘Ask. What should I give you?’ … So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:5‭, ‬9)

     What if you asked for the same — a hearing and receptive heart for your family?  What would change if you received God’s word more clearly?  When we seek advice or a revelation, we are seeking wise counsel. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.”

     What a great place to start as you lead your family. And, as we mentioned in a previous post, having reverence and respect for God should be a priority in life. Just as Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” That level of respect and reverence is what this proverb is referencing. The other side of the proverb is that fools do not reverence God and actually reject the Lord’s wisdom in such a manner that shows a deep contempt for His word. I would hope we, as leaders of our families, would show a level of respect for God’s word that demonstrates its power and authority in our lives. That doesn’t mean we have to go through religious ceremony prior to reading the word, but does your life actually reflect your love for His wisdom?

     Let’s look at another reason to ask for a receiving heart: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

     Since God is the giver, is your heart prepared to receive?

     Not to belabor this point, but how earnestly are we seeking God? Have you established a time to meet with him? Some say it takes 21 repetitions of doing something to make a habit, while others claim it takes many more consistent efforts to build a true habit. I ask, what is the desire of your heart? If you lack desire or do not know the benefits of seeking God, then you will more likely than not either fail or have a simple, unfruitful habit.

     Unfortunately, many of us fly by the seat of our pants on a daily basis. We have had training, education, attended seminars, or subscribe to the latest parenting magazines. Do you still feel lacking in some ways? I know I often lean on my own understanding, and when I do, things don’t always come out the way they should. Amazingly, there’s a proverb for that as well: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

     Hopefully, this month has encouraged you to go deeper in your journey with the Lord and have a desire to lead your family in His wisdom and understanding. For with God there is growth and prosperity. Together as a family, read Psalms 1:1-3 and discuss how the Bible can and should be more prevalent in your home. 

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Resource for this week:

A new podcast from a wonderful couple at our home church: FamilyCast with Kyle and Amy Goen