Equip your child to overcome fear
Sadly, children who have experienced adverse childhood events are often prone to have ongoing anxiety and fears.
Some of the fears may come at odd (to us) times and may even seem irrational. But rational or not, if our children are anxious and afraid, we should do our best to equip them with tools and strategies to calm themselves and begin to feel safe again.
For example, deep breathing exercises and using calming essential oils like Lavender can help calm their bodies and bring them out of an overly anxious state.
Additionally, soft music and night-lights are simple tools that can be useful to calm children when nighttime fears strike.
But a life-giving strategy that can really empower your child anytime, anywhere, is to help them memorize scriptures to carry in their hearts and access whenever fear comes calling.
There are MANY verses in scriptures that can be used to overcome fear, but here are just a few, to begin with.
Bible verses for children to memorize for overcoming fear and anxiety
When I am afraid I will put my trust in you. | Psalm 56:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. | Isaiah 41:10
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. | Isaiah 41:13
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. | 2 Timothy 1:7
So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? |Hebrews 13:6
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. | Joshua 1:9
In addition to providing a powerful tool to add to your child’s coping skills, memorizing scripture together can be a bonding experience, strengthening your relationship with both your child and God.
Putting God’s word into our children’s hearts and minds will also help replace the darkness with light, re-wiring negative brain pathways.
A few tips for memorization
- If your child is very young, shorten the verses to just one key phrase.
For example, Isaiah 41:10 can be cut down to “do not fear, for I am with you” and Hebrews 13:6 can be shortened to “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”
- Focus on one verse at a time and don’t move on until each verse is fully mastered
- Repetition is key:
Read the verse to your child and have them repeat it after you. Breaking the verse down into phrases will help. Repeat at least three times per session. Older children can copy the verse onto paper, a chalkboard, or poster board. Seeing the words as they write can be helpful to cement the verses into their brains.
- Review:
Even once a verse has been mastered, frequently revisit it with your children until you know it is truly solidified in their hearts. Don’t just quiz them– let them test your memory as well. It seems kids are often better at memorizing than adults, and it thrills them to “beat” their parents at something!
- Prompt:
When you notice your child becoming anxious or afraid, gently encourage them to say (or repeat) a verse. They may need some coaching to understand how and when to use their “weapons” against fear.
Yes, memorizing takes time and effort for both ourselves and our children, and memorizing scripture may not be a cure-all for overcoming fear, but it is certainly a very powerful tool and is well worth the effort.
Bible memorization is a gift that could help your child for the rest of their lives.
It’s your turn: What verses would you add to this list? Has memorizing scripture helped you or your kids overcome fears? I’d love to hear from you!
♥ Lindsey
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