Blessing Your Children

Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come…Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains,” (Genesis 49:1, 26) 
 
If you are a father, or you hope to be a father someday, God wants you to bless your children. More important than providing for them financially and physically, He wants you as a father to bless your children. In Genesis Chapter 49, Jacob blessed Joseph and his sons at the end of his life. Jacob’s words will give us some guidelines on blessing our children. If you want to honor and bless your children, I encourage you to do several things:  
 
First, pick the right time. We need to understand that blessing our children is something that happens along the way. It needs to be after they are old enough to understand, and before you leave this planet. As a father, you don't know how long you have. God has used you to create a family with your spouse. Regardless of how long you live on this planet, you need to make the most of your time. The investment in the lives of your children is critical, and you need to pick the right time to bless them. Make a conscious effort to bless them. 
 
Second, use the right words. Nothing is more powerful than when you use your words in a metaphor to describe how you feel about your child, the particular child you are choosing to bless. There are several different types of words you can use to bless your child: words of success, words of stability, words of tenacity, words of confidence, words of strength, and words of remembrance. I pray that you don’t miss out on the opportunities you have to use the right words to bless and encourage your children.  
 
Third, reinforce what they already know. Joseph had already endured a life of pain, rejection, redemption, and renewal. Joseph was probably in his forties or early fifties by the time Jacob blessed him. You need to remember this, especially if you have older sons and daughters; it is never too late! We need to reinforce what our children already know about themselves. You should be applauding them for what they have already accomplished and endured. Applaud  them for their tenacity when you see them accomplish things. Reinforce what they already know.