4 Scripture References that Help Us Choose Joy for Our Families and Children

What is the one thing you hear most when you ask parents what they want for their children?

"I just want my children to be happy."

I hate to say it, but I think this is one of the biggest lies and sinful desires that we are buying into for our selves and our children… even if we don't want to admit it.  Being happy shouldn't be our ultimate goal, and it shouldn't be our ultimate goal for our kiddos.  The word happy is incomplete for the description of what we should desire.

1. I think of 1 Peter 5:8-11{emphasis added}

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith,because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

2. And I think about John 16, particularly verse 33 {emphasis added}when Jesus says:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We will have trouble.

Let's not deny it, not sugar-coat it and let's for sure stop acting like we have it all together in our "happy" lives.  And let's make a shift in our thinking and actions for our families from happy to *joyful and content.*

3. Consider James 1:2-12{emphasis added}

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.  For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.   

Being joyful is simply being content in Christ in all circumstances.  

4. Philippians 1:20-22 {emphasis added}

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

Simple, yet so difficult.  But I encourage you, take on the challenge, for yourself, your family, your kids.  Stop chasing happiness, they things of this world are fleeting and you will never find it.  Start pursuing joyful contentness in Christ :).