Children, God's Reward for Us

 I have received many rewards in my lifetime. Some of them were given to me for being a pastor. Those are always very special. People have been so kind to me. I have received rewards for some of the jobs I have done, too. I am grateful that I received some rewards during my school and college years, too. However, there is no doubt what my greatest rewards have been and still are today. God was so good to reward me and Chris with 3 children. They are my greatest reward by far.

The psalmist spoke very directly to this great blessing. (Psalm 127:3,5) "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.... How joyful is the many whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gate." I believe what the Lord is saying to us in these verses, since I have experienced this reward for many years now. Please, allow me to elaborate.

Chris and I were young when we got married so we waited about 5 years before we had children. During those years we were depending on God to show us when to have children. When He showed us it was time, we were blessed with 3 children within about 5 years. They were a blessing and a great responsibility. God gave us strength and provision every step of the way. Once Chris had John, she told me he was the last one, our quiver was full. Your quiver may be smaller of bigger, but our held 3 beautiful children.

All of them are different in wonderful ways. They have blessed us over the years by loving us and loving the Lord. Now that Chris is with Jesus in heaven, they are a huge blessing to me. They care for me, and they have my back, just like it says in this verse. I don't know anything that we did  to deserve such a great reward, but I thank God for His mercy and grace. He knows just what we need, and when we need children, they are His gift and His reward for us. Praise the Lord!

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalm 130-134.