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Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson

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WALKING IN HIS WILL

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”  Psalm 143:10

We should always be grateful for God’s clear instructions for successful living and for revealing how we can gain a glorious eternity with Him. Yet simply reading and understanding God’s will for us isn’t enough. We must also choose in obedience to follow it—and that’s the difficult part. So often, we are too headstrong to submit.

The mother of a strong-willed four-year-old once said to her daughter, “Now, Cathy, you’re just going to have to obey me. I’m your boss, and I have the responsibility to lead you. That’s just what I intend to do.” Little Cathy thought for a minute, and then replied, “How long does it have to be that way?” Even at age four, this child was already yearning to forge her own path. Most of us were just as determined when we were kids.

It’s vital that your sons and daughters learn to obey you as preparation for later obedience to God. It’s not always easy to instill a spirit of obedience in your kids, but it’s worth the effort. Walking in the will of God always is.

Before you say good night…

• Are your kids learning a healthy appreciation for the importance of obedience?
• Do they understand that they must yield to many forms of benevolent authority?
• Are they learning the meaning of sin and its consequences?
• Are you setting a proper example by walking in the will of God yourself?

Dear Lord, please give us the patience and the will to be consistent in our rules, to insist on complete obedience, and—when we must—to follow through with discipline. Be our strength and help, we pray. Amen.

Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com.  For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.

This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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About Family Talk Videos

Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.


The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.


Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.

About Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.

Contact Family Talk Videos with Dr. James Dobson

Mailing Address
540 Elkton Drive
Suite 201
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone Number
877.732.6825