Patriot Moms

Crying, complaining, huffing, and stomping, these and other more subtle displays of rebellion sometimes creep their way into our homes through our children. Although I hate to admit it, there have been times when the tears of my children find their way into my own eyes, as I give in to frustration and despair. There is a way to overcome these attacks of the enemy. As poor Pilgrim in the much acclaimed book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, was overtaken by despair, we too can give way to this devil in our lives. As Pilgrim found the key to unlock the bars of the dungeon, we too have that splendid key available to us. Jesus Christ inhabits the praises of His people. Did you catch that? Jesus Christ inhabits the praises of His people!

Psalm 22:3 “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”

We need Jesus to come into our home and drive out despair and complaining.
When King Saul disobeyed God by offering a sacrifice that only the priests were allowed to offer, God sent an evil spirit to torment him.

1 Samuel 16:14 “But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.”

Saul, tormented by this spirit, sought relief, and found it when a godly young boy praised God in Saul’s presence.

I Samuel 16:22-23 “And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”

When we, or our children, are discouraged, we need to seek the Lord and praise His name.

Psalm 42:11
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Here is how this practice of praise has found its way into our school days. When I see the spirit of grumbling and frustration on my children’s faces, I will take a break, go to the kitchen, and start the iPod. I put on some refreshing praise music, and let the spirit of the Lord dwell richly in our praise. The music transforms the atmosphere in our home. It is truly amazing to see the children uplifted and encouraged by the words of praise. Often I will find them singing along, and the sour faces melt away. On occasion, it takes a few encouraging words and a cheerful attitude on my part to break through the frustration, but I always see a change in my children when praises are ringing their way through our home. One of our favorites is the New Hallelujah CD by Michael W. Smith. So, get your feet stomping and your hands clapping and let the praises of the Almighty reign in your hearts and your homes!

Cindy Palen, Patriot Mom and Teacher