Parenting by Design - September 12

Rejoicing in Anxiety?

Phil 4:6-7:  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NASU).

A reduction in anxiety is a sign our trust in God is increasing.  Why?  When we really believe God is in control and using good and bad circumstances to work out His perfect plan, we feel His peace.  In fact, we should be anticipating something great!

Adolescence generates a major share of anxiety for kids.  They worry about everything - friends, clothes, appearance, performance, etc.  Most of it is related to their search for identity.  They want to know who they are and whether they are good enough to be accepted by those who "matter".  This passage tells them what to do with that worry - turn it over to God and let Him work it out.  Trusting God brings peace.  Model this principle and teach it to your kids.  It's the best gift you can give them.

Teach your children to rejoice in anxiety, because they can turn their worries over to God and let Him deal with them.