No Greater Grief and Joy Have I

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

How often in my own parental joys and sorrows

I think of my patient Heavenly Father, where I, his willful child

need his faithful goodness, mercy, rebuke and forgiveness!

Lord, I Need You

No greater grief has a (Christian) parent than watching a precious child choose the hard

road of rebellion ,(where we all once were, but by the grace of God have been saved!)

No greater joy has the same parent when watching a child

 choose the hard road of repentance, of truth, obedience and faithfulness!

All that I bring to Thee

Is but what you bestow

Nothing have I save love’s reply

Each gifted breath will owe

Forbid that I betray

My Lord and King of kings

As Want uncouth disdains God’s truth

To covet carnal things

Lord, purge all boast but One;

The faith that makes me whole

Through Jesus Christ who sacrificed

His life to save my soul

No greater joy have I

Than Truth that sets us free

With holy awe to keep the law

Of love’s humility/of perfect liberty

No greater grief have I

Than to bear witness to

Emboldened hard, cold disregard

My faithful God, to You

Lord, hear my heartful prayer

Where joy and grief travail

To praise and plead and trust each need

To love that will not fail

© Janet Martin

Dear praying parent! Keep on keeping on!

Psalm 5:3&11-12

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait expectantly....

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;

you surround them with your favor as with a shield.