Parenting can be exhausting. Christian parenting can be even more stressful as you parent against popular culture. It’s easy to become discouraged when it seems your kids are taking one step forward and two steps backwards. Hope fades as you watch our world appear to crumble before your very eyes in so many ways.
Yet God wants you to live a hope filled life. He wants you to be encouraged to follow the path He has laid for you. He wants you to parent your kids towards Him in spite of the challenges. So how can you be that person, that parent?
Scripture and prayer always help, but some people also like a devotional book to help them focus. So I was interested when offered the chance to review the new devotional book, Hope Your Heart Needs by Holley Gerth.
Gerth has written 52 devotions to help remind readers that God cares for them. Each one covers an aspect of God’s role in loving and caring for us. The entries begin with a short passage of scripture – usually a verse or two. Gerth then shares something from her life that reminds her of a truth in the passage. The stories are all relatable to our common experience – even if they don’t exactly mirror your day to day world.
Within her story, she weaves the truth she wants you (and herself) to remember from the passage. Most of course have to do with God’s love, care and concern for us. There’s nothing earth shattering here – and that’s okay. Sometimes we just need gentle daily reminders of God’s love.
For those who have a hard time reading scripture regularly, a devotional book like this can help you develop good habits. I didn’t find anything particularly controversial in the entries, but if you disagree on a point here or there, the focus should always be on the scripture anyway – that’s where the real truth and comfort will be found.
For those feeling a bit disconnected from God’s loving care, this book might be the gentle reminder you need. Hopefully, it will lead you back to more scripture and prayer, which ultimately will give you the best connection possible.
This book was given to me for free in exchange for my honest review. An affiliate link is included for your convenience.