Feeling worried or anxious is a normal part of the human experience.
Every day, we feel insecure about something—relationships, finances, achievements, due dates, wayward children, politics, you name it. The possibilities are endless. Television and social don't help, giving us immediate access to the worst the world has to offer. Even young children, especially those from less-than-ideal environments, but even those with the very best, most stable of situations, can feel anxious about things outside of their control. Some anxiety, stress, or worry is normal. Most of the time it leads us to the One we know is in control—God. His Word gives us all kinds of tools to turn our anxiety into trust, and we should put them into practice often. But sometimes, anxiety goes deeper and needs the foundational truths of God's Word plus help from a trusted professional. There's no shame in this. As someone whose educational background is in counseling, I support getting the help our children need as soon as we know they need it...
But I invite you to start the process of getting help by asking for it in prayer.
As my friend Becky Keife says in Praying God's Word for Your Child's Anxiety, "When we see our children struggle and we don’t understand what they’re going through or how we can fix it, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, lost, discouraged. The best news is that we don’t have to have all the answers. If you’re weary from watching your child suffer or you’re burdened by the weight of trying to solve their symptoms or discern the right kind of support they need, please lean in and listen to Jesus’s invitation to give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).
Prayer is one of the most important parts of Christian parenting today. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most overlooked and underutilized. God has assured us that when we need wisdom, He'll give it (James 1:5). I suggest praying God's Word for your children because it's "living and active...able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12) and because it will do exactly what God purposes for it to do in the heart of your child (Isaiah 55:11). Prayer is a partnership between you and the God Who loves your child more than you do. He will use your prayers in the life of your child and in your own heart to give you comfort and direction in times of need.
"Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail."
Prayer: Father, help my children to take comfort in the knowledge that You are in charge and that You see everything—big and small—happening in their lives. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm them, fill their hearts with faith in the God Who is big enough to know and control all things for their good.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Prayer: Father, anxiety, and stress can cause a lack of belief and trust in Who You are. Help my children believe You at Your Word and have a foundation of joy and peace. Even when their anxiety goes beyond the norm, may the truths of Your Word ground them and give them hope.
"You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you."
Prayer: Lord, there are so many stressful things in this world. It's hard not to dwell on them or feel anxiety over the unknown. Help my children choose to keep their minds focused on what they know about You and Your Word, trusting in You instead of what they can see.
If you suspect that your child is struggling with anxiety, begin praying right away. Look to God's Word to show you what to pray, and bring your petitions to the Lord on their behalf night and day. You might not always know what to do, but you can always know what to pray. If you need help learning to pray God's Word, download your free copy of my how-to guide, How to Pray God's Word for Your Children. And don't forget to pray for yourself. Ask God to give you compassion for what your children are going through, for the strength to follow Him faithfully, and for wisdom for the next step.
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