take advantage of this resources for your family devotions
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” - Isaiah 43:5
For this devotion, you will need some hand weights or something
heavy for each of your kids to lift. It needs to be heavy enough so that it’s
hard to lift, but not so heavy that it’s impossible to lift. Place the weights in
front of your kids and give your kids these instructions: “Pretend like these
weights are something you’re afraid to do. I want you to lift them up to your
chest at least 20 times. If you think you can’t do it, just ask me and I’ll help.
I’ll also make sure you don’t hurt yourself. Feel free to ask any questions you
have along the way.”
Tell your kids to start lifting the weights. Help them as much as they
need until all of them have lifted their weights 20 times. Then discuss the
following questions:
* How hard was it to lift the weights?
* How do your arms feel?
* What happens to your muscles when you lift weights like this?
* How did you feel knowing that someone would help you whenever you
asked?
* How do you think you’d feel if you knew someone would help you like
this whenever you had to face one of your fears?
Explain to your kids that while dealing with fears may be hard, it helps
make them stronger, just like lifting the weights did. Then read Hebrews 13:5
to them: “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”
Tell them that whenever they have fears, they can always ask God to help
them and protect them while they face them. He will always be there for
them, and he will never fail to help.
Pray together, asking God to help each of you with the fears you face
every day. Ask him to give you courage and strength, and thank him for his
promise to always be with you.
What are you afraid of? Most of us are afraid of something, or at
least have some concerns about things in our lives. Our fears may not
affect us much on a daily basis, or they may paralyze us in certain circumstances.
Regardless of what kinds of fears we have, though, we can learn
how to deal with them effectively with God’s help. Discuss the following
questions:
* Can you think of things you used to be afraid of that you’re not
afraid of anymore? How did you get over those fears?
* What’s the difference between being afraid of a thing (like snakes,
heights, etc.) and situations or circumstances (like the future, relationships,
obeying God, etc.)?
* Do you think there’s a difference in the way you deal with the fear of
things and the fear of circumstances? If so, what are some of the
differences?
* What are some things you do now when you have to face something
you fear? How effective is that strategy?
* How much of your fear do you think is mental? That is, you just
can’t get your mind to believe that there’s nothing to be afraid of?
* What are some scriptures you can use to help your mind believe
God’s truth about your fears? (Google “Bible verses about fear” for
some ideas.)
Developing the ability to deal effectively with our fears is a lifelong
skill we should develop. Learning to look at our fear objectively
rather than emotionally helps, but it’s hard to do. The more faith we
have in God, though, the more we’re able to believe he’s able to deliver
us from the things we fear. By believing he’s always with us, always
protecting us, and always directing our lives, we can conquer the fears
that come our way.
Thank God that he’s promised to help you in all of the fears you
face. Ask him to help you believe his promises the next time you’re
confronted with a fear.
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