Pray even when you don’t see it because it works.

Pray to start your day, end your day, and most importantly to help you get through your day! In my daily devotional today from Daniel, the importance of prayer was elevated in my mind when the angel Gabriel spoke the following to Daniel:

‘I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people, pleading with the Lord my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain. As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision. ‘

Daniel 9:20-23

Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not working. Pray!

There are battles in the heavenlies that may happen before we can see what is taking place. We see this when we continue in Daniel where we read:

‘Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.” ‘

Daniel 10:12-14

Don’t lose hope but instead choose to pray

So whatever it is that you are going through today, don’t stop praying! God’s Word tells us to pray without ceasing! God’s Word tells us to pray rather than worry. So today as we get started, let’s pause and turn to God and pray!

Today’s Verse of the Day:

Therefore, let’s be the dads that catch a hold of the character and response of God and look for ways to apply it into our lives. Moreover, let’s be the dads who spend a lifetime pouring out love and favor and only for a moment allow anger to exist. Finally, let’s be the dads who trust God and lean in through the challenging times because we know that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

So how can we apply today’s verse of the day towards being the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be? What can we learn and put into practice to live up to the calling of God to be the dads He created, planned, and purposes for us to be?

Applications of Psalms 30:5 towards being and becoming the dads we need to be, are supposed to be, and want to be:

• Patience: Just as God’s anger is temporary, practice patience with your children. Understand that they will make mistakes and test your patience, but always strive to respond with love and understanding.
• Grace and Forgiveness: Emulate God’s favor and grace by forgiving your children when they make mistakes or misbehave. Show them that your love for them is unwavering.
• Consistency: Recognize that challenging moments are like the weeping of the night. Be consistent in your love, discipline, and support, knowing that joy and progress will come in the morning.
• Unconditional Love: God’s favor is for a lifetime, regardless of our shortcomings. Be a dad who loves your children unconditionally, regardless of their actions or choices.
• Communication: Encourage open communication with your children. Let them express their feelings and concerns. Be a listening ear, and they will find comfort in your presence.
• Teaching Resilience: Help your kids understand that difficult times are temporary and that they can bounce back from challenges. Teach them resilience and coping skills.
• Leading by Example: Model the behaviors and values you want your children to adopt. Show them through your actions what it means to be a responsible, kind, and loving person.
• Celebrate Achievements: Just as joy comes in the morning, celebrate your children’s achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize their efforts and milestones.
• Support Their Dreams: Encourage your children to pursue their dreams and passions. Provide them with the necessary support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.
• Spiritual Guidance: If you have a faith, share it with your children. Teach them about the spiritual aspects of life and guide them in developing their own beliefs and values.

Pray and don’t lose hope.

Remember that being a great dad is an ongoing process, and you will face challenges along the way. Psalms 30:5 reminds us that even in difficult moments, there is hope for joy and renewal. By applying these principles, you can strive to be the dad that your family needs and fulfill the calling of God to be a loving and supportive parent.