New Year’s Resolutions. As we are progressing into the new year some may react to that with a fist pump, others may have just had their gag reflex triggered. I have been on both side of the fence there; I think it depends on the year and the resolutions made. Regardless of your position on New Year’s Resolutions I want to take a moment to appeal to your desire for positive change in your family. Sometimes we desire big things or big change but seem powerless to even identify the first step. If you’re in a position like this, I’d like to invite, no, I dare you to pour God’s Word into your family and let Him do the changing.
Our family was introduced to Seeds Family Worship music about 2 years ago. Today I can tell you that God is actively at work in our family, I honestly believe that the influx of God’s Word being sown into our hearts and minds then had a BIG part in where we are today. Sometimes we don’t really even know what we need, but God does. And until we invite Him in, we can kind of stumble around in the dark trying to ‘fix’ stuff. Or we don’t even know that we need some changing. Looking back, we weren’t trying to ‘fix’ anything in our family we just fell in love with the Seeds songs.
Initially I noticed attitudes shifting. It is hard to be a crab when singing God’s Word, try it. Just doesn’t fit. As we progressively listened to more, and without effort, hid scripture in our hearts, God was then able to call verses to mind when and how we needed them. And the best part was that we began truly craving more and only His Word. For a season, (like a whole summer) Seeds was the only music we listened to (not saying you have to do that) but it helped us to really assess what we were listening to and filling our heads with. And importantly, our kids! Young as they are, they’re alway listening. Sometimes even more so than we are.
So how is God at work now more than before? I know that His plan and way are best. (see Ephesians 5 & 6) and as we submit to God, He aligns our lives with His plans for us (and impact for others). I won’t give you specifics because I know that God works differently in each family, in His time! But if you know you need change, ask God to do the changing!!
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
So if you just can’t carve out time to read (or even don’t want to), or don’t feel on the same page with your spouse, or can’t fathom being able to teach your kids anything of lasting value, or your just in an overwhelmed, crazy, off-the-rails place… start simple. Listen to God’s Word (daily, regularly). The Seeds ministry has done such a fantastic job of making it modern, cool, clean and fun. OR if life is going great, I promise it can and will be greater with God’s Word flowing through it!
Hearing your kids (or grandkids) sing and cry out God’s Word back to him is one of the most precious things! And not just for them, for us adults too. God’s Word transcends our emotions and ‘places’ in life, let His Word work in you! I’ve sang and cried Seeds songs everywhere from being in anguish to exuberant praise. He hears and receives it all!!
Here, give it a try. Below is the song and video from Hebrews 4:12 from The Word Of God Album.
