Encouragement for Today - Mar. 14, 2007

March 14, 2008

Help from the Helper

Melanie Chitwood

“’And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter

[Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby]’”

John 14:26 (AMP)

Devotion:

“Mom, you took all the fun out of me today,” six-year-old Tyler announced to me with frustration as I tucked him into bed.

And you took all the fun out of me! I thought with exhaustion. I kissed Tyler goodnight and turned quickly to hide the smile on my face. I couldn’t help but smile at his comment, which had so perfectly summed up our day.

We were both having growing pains that day. As I was committed to helping Tyler show a little more responsibility and self-control in his little world, it had been a day of power struggles. He wanted to go play with his friends, but I made him do chores. He wanted to play video games, but he had to do homework first. When he whipped his pencil across the room, he received a very long timeout, something we both needed!

During the day, I had thought how easy it would have been just to let Tyler do what he wanted to do. After all, I like to have fun too, and I was not enjoying our power struggles. However, just as I was helping Tyler to grow up some, I, too, was doing some growing up. God had convicted me lately that when it came to being Tyler’s mother, I needed to do what was best for him, not just what was easiest. God was showing me that the balance between fun and discipline was off-kilter in my son, and it was my responsibility to teach Tyler a healthy balance.

As I seek to be the parent God wants me to be, I am so thankful that I do not have to rely on my own wisdom or strength. In John 14:26, Jesus promises that we are not alone: “’And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby)’” (Amp). The minute we ask Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit becomes a permanent resident who remains forever as a guarantee of our salvation and as the Helper we need in any situation.

I try to start each day with quiet time, when I turn my heart to the Lord and acknowledge that I am dependent on His strength and wisdom, not my own. Then throughout the day I pray for Him to direct my steps, to give me wisdom, to empower me to be the mom He wants me to be.

I encourage you today to turn to the Lord at the start of your day. Then in the heat of challenging moments, call on the Helper for what He gives best, his supernatural Help.

Dear Lord, I praise You for being Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that You are with me throughout the day, and that I can call on You for help at anytime. When it comes to being a mother, Lord, You know that sometimes I get worn out and just want to take the easy way. Give me Your strength and Your wisdom to be the parent you want me to be, to do what is best for my children, not what is most convenient or easiest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Today’s P31 Radio Show

P31 Woman magazine

Visit Melanie Chitwood’s blog

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Application Steps: 

Memorize a verse to repeat and strengthen you in the midst of challenging moments in your day. Sometimes I repeat, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Reflections: 

Read today’s key verse in the amplified version. As you read it aloud, each time emphasize a different name of the Holy Spirit. Which of these names calms your heart most today?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 29:17, “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.” (NAS)

Isaiah 9:6, “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV)

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