The Antidote for Fear

For the Military child, death and separation are real fears that this lifestyle sifts to the surface at an early age.

How can we comfort our kids amid these all-too-real realities? Vague assurances of “That will never happen” or “Everything will be okay” don’t satisfy little imaginations… or little hearts.

When we don’t have the words to say, we, as parents, can turn to the Bible for help. Over and over, the Bible tells us not to fear this dark portal into everlasting life.

The LORD gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.

Isaiah 26:3 (CEV)

Nothing will satisfy human hearts—whether big or little—like the promises of God. So we must help our kids be firm in their faith and keep their minds on the Lord. It’s never too early to begin practicing with them. Some ideas include:

• When conversations turn heavy and despairing, add the God factor. He is in control and can bring good out of any situation.
• We all get overwhelmed when our news/social media platforms feed our minds fear. Be sure your family is enjoying time without cell phones and other devices.
• Memorize Bible verses together and remind each other of God’s promises.
• Teach kids to calm themselves with prayers and meditations they can do while focusing on breathing, such as thinking, “Abba (Daddy)” as they breathe in, and “I belong to you” as they breathe out, or “Be still” while breathing in, “and know that I am God” while breathing out.
• Talk about heaven and imagine what it will be like. Celebrate Jesus’s victory over death!
• Nothing affects our minds quite like music, so tune in together to songs of praise and worship.
• Think about how big God is. Make it a game of saying, “God is bigger than…” and take turns finishing the sentence.

Ask the Lord for wisdom and creativity on how you can help your kids fix their minds on a God who is so much bigger than their fears and who has conquered death.

PRAY

Lord, my child can find so many reasons to be afraid. Help me to uncover ways to make them think about you. May they not be ruled by fear in their lives but by joy because of your loving strength. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What do you think death is like? What about heaven?

Apply: When fears seem so big, it helps to see an even bigger God. Go stargazing and talk about how immense the Lord of the universe must be.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 25:8

1 Corinthians 15:54-55