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How to Teach Children About God's Love in Hard Times
- Emmanuel Abimbola Contributing Writer
- Updated Jun 27, 2023
Children often deal with challenges and troubles that can shake their sense of security, identity, and well-being. From the harsh realities of bullying and peer pressure to the complexities of family life and academic stress, a child's life can be difficult. Acknowledging and embracing God's love in hard times helps children find peace, guidance, and unwavering support to navigate the storms of life.
Bullying
Bullying, for instance, is a pervasive issue many children encounter. Its damaging effects can inflict deep wounds on their hearts and minds. However, with the word of God, we can remind them of God's everlasting love and reassurance. Psalm 34:18 says,
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." NLT
By acknowledging God's love, our children can find comfort and strength, knowing they are not alone in their struggles and their heavenly Father stands by their side, ready to heal their wounds and provide the courage to face adversity.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure poses a significant challenge for children striving to find their place within social circles. The pressure to conform and make choices that may compromise their values and beliefs can be overwhelming. Scriptures such as Romans 12:2 encourage them not to conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Children can find solace in knowing that God's love empowers them to stand firm in their convictions, resist negative influences, and find their identity in Christ.
Family Life
Family problems can burden children's hearts as they witness and experience the complexities of fractured relationships, divorce, financial struggles, and other domestic challenges. In these tumultuous times, the scriptures offer them a guiding light, reminding them of the promise in Psalm 46:1,
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
By acknowledging God's love, they can find solace and reassurance, knowing that even amidst family turmoil, God's love remains constant, providing them with a safe haven and strength to endure. Knowing God loves them even in their times of trouble helps our children cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a deep sense of purpose.
Teach them to pray.
They can seek solace in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages them to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, knowing that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds. Understanding they are beloved children of God, our children can sail through the challenges they face confidently, knowing they are not alone and held in the embrace of divine love.
Encouraging our children to find a quiet place for reflection and conversation with God fosters a deep and personal connection with Him. This sacred space can be as simple as a corner in their room, a peaceful garden, or a cozy nook where they can retreat from the noise and distractions of the world. In this space, they can find solace, peace, and an opportunity to pour out their hearts to God, knowing He is listening and attentive to their every word.
By instilling this understanding, our children can find solace and reassurance in the knowledge that God deeply loves them, empathizes with their struggles, and is present to provide comfort, guidance, and strength.
Explain God's omnipotence.
Teaching children about God's omnipresence equips them with the knowledge that God is always there, knows their needs, and is intimately involved in their lives. As parents and guardians, we are responsible for guiding our children to understand this fundamental aspect of their faith and to help them find a quiet place to calm their minds to engage in heartfelt conversations with God. Psalm 139:7-10 says,
"I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me." NLT
Scriptures help our children understand that God is with them no matter where they go or what they experience—watching over, guiding, and comforting them. It's crucial to remind our children God is not distant or detached from their lives but actively cares for them in their times of trouble. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus reminds His disciples that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's knowledge and that they are of much greater value than sparrows. We can teach children that God's care and concern extend even to the smallest details of their lives.
As we teach our children about God's omnipresence and guide them to find a quiet place to commune with Him, we empower them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and reliance on their Heavenly Father. They learn that they are never alone in their struggles and that God is their steadfast companion, ready to listen, comfort, and provide wisdom. This instills a sense of security, peace, and trust in their hearts, allowing them to approach difficult situations with resilience and faith.
Encourage them with true stories.
When sharing biblical stories with our children or testimonies from our own lives, we exemplify how God helps people in times of trouble. We have the incredible opportunity to express our Heavenly Father's profound love, power, and faithfulness, assuring them that no difficulty is too great for God to overcome.
The scriptures contain a treasure trove of accounts that demonstrate God's unwavering support and intervention in the lives of His people. For instance, the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 showcases God's mighty power and ability to conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles. By recounting this story to our children, we instill in them the knowledge that God can equip them with the strength and courage to face their own "giants" and overcome challenges that may appear overwhelming.
Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea in Exodus 14. In sharing his story, we emphasize how God's love and faithfulness guided His people through treacherous waters, providing a path to safety and deliverance. Children can be inspired to trust in God's steadfast love, knowing that just as He paved the way for the Israelites, He will also lead them through their own troubled waters.
Personal testimonies from our own lives can serve as powerful proof of God's intervention and faithfulness. We might share instances where we faced adversity or uncertainty yet witnessed God's hand at work, providing guidance, comfort, and miraculous solutions. By recounting these stories, we teach our children that God's love extends beyond the pages of the Bible, reaching into our lives today. These stories become living proof that our Heavenly Father is actively involved in our lives, offering His divine assistance in times of trouble. Romans 8:28 says,
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
God's faithfulness transcends circumstances, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and ultimately leading to greater blessings. By sharing stories that showcase God's power and faithfulness, we nurture our children's faith and equip them with the understanding that no matter what they face, God's love and provision will never fail them.
Remind them God is trustworthy.
As parents, it is crucial we actively encourage our children to trust in God's love, regardless of the circumstances they may face. Through the trials and uncertainties of life, we have the responsibility to instill in them the unwavering belief that God's love is steadfast and unchanging. Jeremiah 29:11 states,
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Remind children God has a good and purposeful plan for their lives. By emphasizing this truth, we foster hope and confidence in their hearts, assuring them God's hand is guiding their journey, even when they encounter obstacles or face uncertainty.
We must remind our children of the promise in Hebrews 13:5, where God declares, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This assurance is a powerful reminder that they are never alone, no matter what trials or challenges they encounter. By continually reinforcing this truth, we cultivate a deep sense of security and peace in our children, knowing that their Heavenly Father is with them every step of the way.
Encouraging our children to trust in God's love does not mean shielding them from difficulties but rather teaching them to lean on their faith in times of adversity. By equipping them with the understanding that God's love remains constant and unchanging, we empower them to face challenges with resilience, knowing they are held in the embrace of a loving and faithful God.
Conclusion:
Through prayer, scripture study, and nurturing a personal relationship with God, children can develop an unwavering trust in His love. They learn to rely on His guidance, provision, and comfort, knowing that God's love transcends circumstances and is the source of true peace and joy.
By consistently reminding our children to trust in God's love, to believe in His good plan for their lives, and to rest in the knowledge that He will never leave them nor forsake them, we empower them to navigate life's trials with confidence and hope. They are encouraged to seek God's wisdom, guidance, and strength in every situation, knowing they can place their trust in the hands of their Heavenly Father, who loves them unconditionally.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/skynesher
