Childish Fears

When Paul, the famous Christian of the first century, was imprisoned awaiting a probable death sentence that would likely be a gruesome demise, he truly had every right to be filled with anxiety and fear. Sometimes what we know causes tremendous fear, but more often it is what we think that brings terror to our hearts.  The same is true for our children.

How many times have you checked under the bed to insure the coast is clear? How often have you waited until the kids were away to vacuum because they believe that the sound is a source of danger?  When thunder crashes, do you have a lap-full of terrified children who are convinced they won’t survive? How many dreams have become a reality in the mind of a child causing the entire household to forfeit a good night’s sleep?

All those fears are completely real to a child and must be addressed. Don’t dismiss it as nonsense. When you downplay the fear because it is childish, remember that you are talking to a child… Of course it is childish! There is no harm in a child behaving like a child, however, you must reveal the folly of fear. Deal with it by explaining that fear is coming from their thoughts and the only way to make it go away is to change the way they think.

Do what Paul did… 

1. Remind them that God is near (Philippians 4:5) and so are you and let them see and feel your love and compassion. Your exasperation with them will only cause them to stop bringing their fears to you. Suppressing them is not a healthy choice. 
2. Talk to God about your fear (Philippians 4:6) and ask Him to take it away.  
3. Begin to talk to God about all the things you are grateful for (Philippians 4:4, 6) and make the list as long as you can. You can never cover all the blessing God gives us daily so help them list His good and gracious gifts. 
4. Unveil the real truth (Philippians 4:8). Begin to replace the things they have believed with truth, like the vacuum being something that takes dirt and germs off the floor and the lightening putting nutrients into the soil so that we can have good, healthy food.

 The next time you get impatient with a child because their fears are ridiculous and unfounded, take a look at the fears that cripple you. They are no more real than your child’s fears in the eyes of the One who asks you to give Him all your anxiety in exchange for His peace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-8