READING: Psalms 78-79
Psalm 78 is a long psalm with a simple message: make sure you tell the next generations about the power and blessings of God. In fact, one generation telling another should lead to at least a third generation learning about God:
“We will not hide them [things God has done] from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children” (Psalm 78:4, 6).
The goal was that next generations would learn from the past and thus not make the same mistakes in the present. With that in mind, I wonder some things:
- How many of our children know the mistakes we’ve made in the past? Have we talked with them at this level?
- Do they know the blessings God has given — the number of times He’s granted forgiveness despite our recurrent failures?
- Do they understand that God severely judges at times to draw His own back to Himself — and that He might judge them, too, if they walk in unfaithfulness?
- How many of our children know much at all about the history of our personal walk with God? We miss a teaching opportunity if we don’t tell even our own children about God’s grace.
If we do not tell the stories, it shouldn’t surprise us that our children struggle with following God. It must be challenging to follow God when we who claim to follow Him seldom speak about Him.
ACTION STEPS:
- Make a list of the major points and lessons of your spiritual journey. Create a timeline to show when and how the Lord taught you.
- Take some time to teach your children and/or grandchildren just a few highlights of your walk with God.
- Be a person like David, who led with integrity of heart and skillful hands (Psalm 78:72).
PRAYER: “God, I must tell Your stories more. Forgive me for my silence, and empower me through Your Spirit to speak about You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 80-85