What Are We Giving The Next Generation?

 What Are We Giving The Next Generation?

Today it’s time to ask ourselves, what are we passing on to the generations that are coming after us?

Psalm 78 encourages us with these words: 

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. 

Psalm 78:2-4

We have wonderful stories from our parents and grandparents – and if you are my generation then you heard how they came through tough times like the 2nd world war and the depression with rationing of food and supplies. 

We need to carry on the sharing of the stories with the little ones in our lives.  All the digital photos in the world won’t be able to share the heart and soul that these stories can.

And that’s what the writer of this Psalm is reminding us as he recounts the history of God delivering His people from slavery and staying with them for years while they wandered in the desert and then as they made their homes in the Promised Land. 

There is no question about God’s generous faithfulness to His people even though they aren’t so faithful to Him.  And then the writer reminded the people why it was important to tell the stories.

He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God. 

Psalm 78:6-8

Loving God, down through history and certainly in our own lives we have so many stories we could tell of the times You’ve been there for us and the countless ways You’ve helped us. 

There’s no generation that needs hope any less than the one coming after us.  We pray today to be those who are faithful witnesses. Send us out in the power of Your Holy Spirit to be those who bring good news in beautiful ways.  Amen

We’re simple people but I believe that as we allow God to live in us and inspire us with what He wants us  to share with others that lives can be changed forever.  Let’s get about sharing today, shall we?