The world is a pretty scary place right now. The number of school shootings have risen exponentially, bullying is on the increase, and young teen suicide is becoming more and more common. It’s easy to begin to dwell on the difficulties and begin living in fear.
When I was young, heading off to school was an adventure filled with new friends, structured learning and fun-filled days. Now, sending a child to school has become a test of faith. What do we do with the anxiety caused by the time in which we live?
We take our fears to the one who can do something about it.
The God we serve isn’t a giant genie in a bottle, granting favors and wishes. He’s real, and His Spirit walks with us and with our kids. When we place our precious children into His care, we can rest assured that no matter what happens, they will never face it alone.
Dear Lord, Every day, my heart shrinks within me as I face letting my children go to school. They face so much that I never did. I’m fearful for their safety and concerned about their levels of anxiety. Give us all peace in today’s stressful times.
Help me to bring my fears to You. Remind me of all the ways You watch over us and have protected my children in the past. You are the only one who can be with them no matter where they are and what they’re facing.
Grow my faith and bring back my joy. Then use me to encourage my kids and point them to a closer walk with You. You are our hope, our refuge and our peace. Show me how to live that out and model it for my kids. I know You love them even more than I do; help me turn them over to Your loving care as I send them out into this big, scary world. Amen. {eoa}
Edie Melson—author, blogger, speaker—has written numerous books, including While My Child is Away: Prayers for When We’re Apart. Married to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, the two live in the upstate of South Carolina and have raised three sons. Connect with her on EdieMelson.com, through Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared atjust18summers.com.
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