He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. – Isaiah 40:11, NIV
There was a recent news story about a politician. While campaigning to be re-elected, his siblings filmed a commercial endorsing his opponent. Needless to say, Thanksgiving with his family will probably be awkward this year.
But the politician isn’t the only one with difficult family relationships. The Bible is filled with stories of families who didn’t get along. Cain killed his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy. Joseph’s older brothers sold him into slavery. Sarah and Hagar had a bitter rivalry that lasted for years.
It can be easy to let the chaos and pain from your family define you. Maybe you’re the child of alcoholic parents. Perhaps your mother abandoned you, or your father neglected you. Maybe your siblings rejected and bullied you.
Regardless of what your family dynamics are like, God is for you! He loves you passionately, and you’re precious to Him. Sometimes, families don’t give you the love you crave, but God is always pouring out His love on you.
Prayer:
Lord, families can be messy and difficult. Mine is no exception. Help me to bask in Your love, to accept it, and let it fill me up. Show me how to love my family and open the doors to healing my relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
