Though frustrations may come; staying joyful is what must be done to keep your sanity while parenting. Joy is an attribute that comes from God and it’s a gift from God. To be honest with you; there’s only one way to be filled with joy and that’s through the person of the Holy Spirit. I know some of you who may be reading this article may not be Christians or believe like I do, but if you are reading this article then one thing we both have in common are being parents. Parenting is a job you should enjoy, and you should be filled with joy to get you through the moments that’s challenging when it comes to dealing with your children’s attitudes and behaviors along with family distractions and disappointments. I’m at peace because I’m filled with the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. You can only be filled with joy when you know the Lord Jesus Christ for yourself.



You may even be on the brinks of a martial break-up, family separation, or your child may be “sick and afflicted, locked-up" in jail or in juvenile detention but through it all, you can find joy in suffering, you can find joy in serving, you can find joy in believing and you can find joy in your giving. You do all the above when it comes to being a parent whether you are a single parent or if you are happily married. We all face different situations, some of our children have serious issues that’s health related in the areas of mental health, and some of us even have children who’s physically challenged. Some of us have children who have behavior problems that cause much heartache and pain.

Regardless of your circumstances whether they’re good, bad, or indifferent when you can get through each day and realized there was some “super-natural" power working on your behalf; then you can’t help to give credit where credits due. Chances are you know it wasn’t you but it was the Lord who carried and guided you through the dilemmas you had to endure. You can and will make it; because when you have the joy of the Lord working in your life you will find strength that only God can give to help you get through each and every day, one day at a time. I want to encourage you today to seek God for yourself, and get to know him personally for yourself. If you want to find joy and stay joyful I strongly recommend you open up your bible and read it to find the answers to all of life’s problems, and to find all the answers you need for directions for your life.

This world is like a wilderness and jungle in which we live, but the answers to all of life’s issues are written in the Word of God. To stay on course and to keep you in the right state of mind you need “super-natural-power" working in your life. Joy is an internal ingredient you do not want to live without. Here are a few passages of scripture to get you started with being filled with joy and keeping you filled when times of trouble come your way. Psalm 27:1, 4-7, 14. Psalm 18:30-32. Psalm 32:11, Psalm 61, 62, and 63. John 15:11, John 16:21-24 and Nehemiah 8:10.

Your child or children are an asset to you and not a liability. Look, Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of your womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. If you are struggling with your parental rights and responsibilities sign-up to receive tips on life in general and I can help you with your parenting concerns.

Copyright © 2007 Clark A. Thomas