The Bible compares children to arrows in the hands of a warrior. Psalm 127:4 provides “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” (NIV) Arrows are to be prepared and then aimed in a specific direction. How are you, as parents, preparing and aiming your children?
In writing this blog post, I researched that verse to fully understand its true meaning. I found an online article titled Crafting God’s Arrows written by Dennis and Barbara Rainey that was a true blessing to me as it explained this verse very well. Much of what I write here can be attributed to their article.
An arrow has four parts and each of these parts must be expertly crafted and put together so that the arrow flies directly to where it is aimed: shaft, fletching (feathers), nock (groove at the end of the arrow that fits on the bowstring), and point:
The shaft is the main part of the arrow to which all the other parts attach. It can be similar to a child’s identity. If that identity is centered on God and His Word, the child has a firm foundation. What are you doing to ensure that your child’s foundation is secure?
The feathers on the arrow are critical for the arrow to stay balanced as it flies through the air. They can be compared to a child’s character. Will your child’s character be strong enough to withstand all the outside pressures and keep your child balanced on his/her foundation? What are you doing to build your child’s character?
The nock is the small groove on the arrow that keeps it in place on the string. It can be compared to a child’s relationships with others. Are your child’s friends and mentors having a positive influence? What are you doing to ensure that they are?
The point on the arrow is the sharp end that penetrates the target. It is similar to your child’s destiny or mission in life. What impact will your child have in God’s kingdom?
God has given parents a great responsibility to raise our children as He wants. We must be prayerful and diligent in achieving His goals and desires for them.
To read the entire article and others, please visit: https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/parenting/essentials/releasing-your-child/crafting-gods-arrows/
https://graceinspiredhome.com/what-does-it-mean-to-raise-arrows/