Car Rides and Evil Days

The average mom is a taxi driver for at least five hours a week. School, sports, activities, play dates, youth group. Why do all these things have to be on opposite ends of town? You might spend many minutes on the clock making phone calls, thinking through what’s for supper, and catching up on the news. But even the headlines will remind you: the times are evil.

These are evil times, so make every minute count.

Ephesians 5:16 (CEV)

In the Bible, a man named Paul tells us what to do with evil times—make the moment count, or as another Bible version says, “make the most of every opportunity.” He also cautions us to be alert, ask the Lord what he wants us to do, avoid drunkenness, and sing to God with thanksgiving.

Think of those five hours in the car as a gift. Make the most of your time with your captive audience in the back seat—your kids. Car seats are the best therapy couches around, so listen to them while they are talking. Don’t get inebriated on entertainment; be aware of the evil and talk about it with your kids. But don’t get stuck in the pit of gloom, either. Worship the Lord and thank him. Worship is not denying the ugly but remembering God’s part in the story.

Memorize Scripture together in the school drop-off line. Pray about the day and thank God at the end of it. Intentionally taking these steps will prepare the whole family for when the hard times hit home.

PRAY

Lord God, you are the creator of time, and you control it. You know the hard things around the corner. Thank you for this precious time with my children and for helping me to make the most of it. 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 things most concern you about the world? What Scripture verses or worship songs remind you that God is in control?

Apply: Try a new car ride tradition:

• Check out an audio family devotional on YouVersion to listen to together.
• Pick a verse to memorize.
• Pray about what is coming that day—the test, the tryout, the kid who isn’t kind.
• Google “conversation starters with kids” to find something to talk about.

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.

Psalm 91:1-2

Ephesians 6:10-13