“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” Psalm 27:10

This verse has always meant much to me. When I first read it years ago, I didn’t feel the word forsake was accurate in describing my own parents; but the more I thought about it, I realized that millions of people have had the sad experience of having parents who did not lead well, or who were from broken homes, or had families where addiction or emotional isolation was prevalent. My parents unfortunately shared some of these traits, and I often wished that had not been the case. My folks were just teenagers when they got married, and did the best they knew how to lead us. But I have been determined to stop the generational cycle of dysfunction.

Over the years, I have come to realize that we can’t pick our parents or run from our family’s issues. Now that I have my own husband and children, I realize that as much as I love them, they are far from perfect. Gratefully, when I gave my heart and my life to Christ more than 35 years ago, He welcomed and adopted me into His family, and could make good on the promise to never leave or forsake me — just as the psalmist said. As Christians, we can all rejoice in the truth and comfort of that kind of refuge.

Heavenly Father, I am so fortunate and so grateful that You chose to adopt me into Your family and to make me Your child. You and You alone are the perfect parent, even when I am not obedient and I try to run from You. Thank You for never giving up on me and for loving me so unconditionally, in spite of myself.

Take Action

Make a list of traits from your family of origin, both good and bad. Look up Scripture which addresses generational sin, and pray about practical ways to work toward combating those. Ask God to show you areas of your life and the lives of your immediate family that He can heal. Read and journal psalms which demonstrate His unfailing love for you. 



Tags: family