Day 24: Fear and Faith
Lord, help these children to know that You will never leave them, nor forsake them. When they are afraid, may they trust in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 56:3
One thing we try to explain to our children is that everyone will let them down sometimes. As parents, we will fail our children occasionally. We won’t mean to, but it will happen. A broken promise, a bad reaction, a emotional need unmet and unnoticed. Even the best, most diligent parents will drop the ball at some point. Therefore, it is very important to point our children from the earliest age to the One who will not let them down. Point them to the Perfect Parent, who will never leave them nor forsake them.
How do we counsel them through their fears? The best way I know is to teach them key scripture verses related to fear. The Bible is full of them. And the common theme? “Do not be afraid.” Rumor has it that there are 365 references in the Bible with this message—one for every day of the year.
We have helped our children memorize these verses and have instructed them in the power of confessing this truth aloud. I have to do this myself sometimes. So, if you see me on the road, seeming to talk to myself, don’t worry. I may just be reciting the truth that I know but sometimes forget!
