Hands Tied

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:26

As children grow into adulthood, their decision-making power increases. Although it starts as early as two years old when a child realizes what he wants and screams to demand it. But when a child is two, the parents have both the physical and mental upper hand and can begin the process of training their child to ask politely and take ‘no” as an acceptable answer.

When it comes to grown-ups, not just to family, we can often feel that our hands are tied, especially when a loved one is making poor decisions. Even when the decisions are not devastating or far-reaching, it is difficult to swallow when a person chooses either a path we disagree with or one that is unsound.

To counter the weight of worry that would settle over us are prayers that remind us that God cares deeply and is at work, even behind the scenes. Our prayers can refocus our attention and help us release the person to God. Praying Scripture over our loved ones when we cannot find the words and remembering God’s power can sustain and carry us when our resources are exhausted and we are unsure of the future.

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.
Oswald Chambers