God's presence in your child's life

This weekend I was at a gathering of people who were coming together to share the loss of the young man I told you about that died. What amazed me was the sheer number of people there. He had a huge family and dozens of friends that loved him and remembered good times, laughs and challenges that they had all experienced with him. We wished he had known how loved he was. If we had he may have not taken his life.

It is important that our children understand that God is always with them and around them. When they perceive that people have failed them (and they will from time to time), God is still there as an ally. Read them Psalm 139. Ask them open-ended questions that don't end in yes or no. Give them a chance to realize that nothing is hidden from God. He knows their thoughts and everything they do. He loves them more than you do and he wants what is best for them. Spend a good week or two just hanging out in this Psalm with them. Help them deeply internalize their value to God and how He is unchanging. This Psalm will always be true.

No matter if your child is socially comfortable or an introvert, it is imperative that they deeply sense God's commitment to them and His undying, unchanging love for them. This will get them through all that life throws at them.

Growing up, I was extremely shy, gawky looking and the target of much bullying. God's presence in my life got me through the darkest of times. There were times I was convinced that not another person on the planet cared for me, but knowing that God did made me slide deeper into a profound relationship with Him. We can't protect our children from all the experiences that lie ahead. The truths in this Psalm, if internalized, can get them through it all.

If you have little ones, make God's love and thoughts about them your matra. They should hear it out of your mouth as often as possible. As they do things, let them know that God already knew they were going to do it. If they behave badly, tell them God knows and wants to help them do better. Study this Psalm yourself and find ways each day to put it in terms your little one can understand.

My prayer goes out that all of you will succeed in helping your children grasp this wonderful truth. May the Holy Spirit guide your words and their hearts.
Blessings to you all
Brenda