Dr. Dobson's Parenting Devotional - May 24, Daily Devotions for Parents, by Dr. James Dobson

Dr. Dobson's Parenting Devotional - May 24

May 24, 2023

The Journey Is Too Much

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

Elijah had just achieved a great triumph on Mount Carmel. Now he was thoroughly drained in body and soul. The devil, who delights in attacking us when we are vulnerable, took full advantage of the situation through Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah. Exhausted and discouraged, Elijah sat down and prayed for it all to end. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4).

God heard Elijah’s prayer and sent His tender answer through an angel: “The journey is too much for you” (v. 7). After sleeping, Elijah found that a meal had been prepared for him. He ate and drank and received new hope and strength to continue.

When your energy is totally depleted because of extra commitments, when you’ve been sick and have nothing left to give, when obstacles seem to thwart your every move—these are the moments when Satan will gather his forces for a fresh assault on your spirit. But if you respond by turning to the Lord in prayer, He will show you a way out of hopelessness and discouragement (see Ephesians 6:10–11). When we send our burdens to heaven and rest in His Spirit, we can always count on Him to lighten the load.

Before you say good night…

Are you discouraged with life because you’re simply too tired?
Do you, and your kids, turn to the Lord in all moments of distress?
When has God responded to you as He did to Elijah?

We praise Your powerful name, Lord! You are the One who makes a way where there is no way. Forgive us for limiting Your power and Your love—which have no limits at all. We offer you our lives afresh this night. 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.

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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 organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk 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 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. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.

Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.

About Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 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, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels 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. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).

Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.