Devotions: Blessings of Investment

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:4-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

When a person has children when they are younger, they are a help to them when that person is older and less able to care for self. If we take our children in hand when they are young, they will be more likely to follow our teaching and example and later in life they will shoot straight like an arrow from the training they have received. If we wait too long they will likely go astray. If we have many children who are affectionate to us (because we have been affectionate with them) whenever we are in a difficulty they will readily come to our aid. In the days of David, people generally lived in walled fortresses of some kind. So when enemies came, they were met at the gate. A man who had many brave, righteous sons had no need to fear attack for he had sufficient back-up. Now we probably will not have to physically fight off enemies, but there are other fights beside the physical. Having a repertoire with our children such that they will willingly come to our defense is invaluable as well as honoring. The blessings here are many! Some people are not able to have children, but they are not excluded. This blessing is not limited to biological children only. Children of the faith are just as precious. When I was in high school, the couple who lead the local bible study for teens always wanted to have a lot of children, but were only able to have two. Yet they felt as if they had “a quiver full” because they invested in the lives of many, and were the source of conversion for many including myself. Investing in the youth of the community is just as rewarding for us, and even more so for them, for they may not have parents who are willing to invest in them. Taking the time to invest in our children as well as those around us provides blessings of companionship, honor, and support, as well as the benefits that come from sharing our faith. Invest in the youth around you and be blessed!