~CHRISTIAN LIVING~

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. (Psalm 61:2-3, ESV)

It can be difficult if you're a new Christian and your parents aren't, especially if you're still living at home. They just don't have the same priorities you have. You want to go to a Bible study at church but they expect you to baby-sit while they go to a movie. You know the Bible says to honor your mother and father--but what if your parents make it hard to honor God?

In the Bible, David experienced a similar disregard and opposition. Growing up, he was the forgotten son among many brothers. (See 1 Samuel 16:11). And as he rose to prominence in Israel, he was often on the run. While he was a man who had a strong desire to serve God, he lived through many years in which he was at the mercy of others.

So how did he get by? Psalm 61 holds the answer. In verse one David begins by calling out to God, "Hear my cry, O God" (ESV). The second verse goes on, "from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint" (ESV). At times, David felt as far removed from God as was possible. And yet he knew God was still able to hear him.

"Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy" (Psalm 61:2-3, ESV). This is an amazing verse, because even in uncertain, unsteady times we have a rock solid foundation--a refuge where we can find shelter.

Whether you're oppressed or opposed by actual enemies, an arrogant boss or parents who just don't understand, God is your rock and foundation, holding you steady no matter what. In any situation, God is there. Whoever seems to control your life, it is ultimately held by God.

The secret to getting by while living under your parents' roof is to know that you're also living under God's roof. "Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!" (Psalm 61:4, ESV). So even if your parents may be holding you back from meeting God at church, they can't remove Him from your life altogether. There's nothing that says you can't worship God from the privacy of your own bedroom anytime you want.

It's very possible to honor both God and your parents. And in the following sections, you'll see more ways you can do this.

Consider It
Read through all of Psalm 61 and think about the following questions:

* Have there been times when it felt like your parents were hindering your relationship with God?
* How did you react in those times?
* Is there a better way you could have responded?
* What are some others ways you can "dwell" in God's house even while in your parents' home?

Apply It

Go back to Psalm 61:6-7: "Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!" This is easy to say when the king (or a parent) is good and honors God. But did you know David prayed this when the king was trying to kill him? Read 1 Samuel 24 and 26 to see what David did when he had two opportunities to retaliate.

Now have you ever prayed these things (Psalm 61:6-7) for your parents? Have you ever prayed that God would bless their lives in the same way He blessed yours? Make it a point to add your parents to your prayer list from now on.

Express It
Praise God for the work He's done in your life and the relationship you have with Him. Ask Him for wisdom in knowing how to honor Him while also honoring your parents. Pray for your parents too. Pray that they would be curious about what's different in your life, and that they would be open to hearing about God.
(From the book "Word 4u 2day")