P has been doing so much better with his fear issues thanks to everyone's advice. I loved the suggestion about teaching him a Bible verse, because he'll have this in his little heart for other situations as well.
Although I was a little skeptical of his ability to grasp it, I taught him to say: "Do not be afraid. God is with me." (Hearing his little voice say these words melts your heart!) We pray for God to keep us safe before bed and I've read them a couple of other simple verses about fear. If I go to his room during the night the only thing I say is, "Do not be afraid. God is with you."
It seems to be working. I have only been up in the night with him twice in the last week (other than the early bird problem exacerbated by DST--4:45 am, YUCK!) but we are working on that.
Anyway, this morning at the breakfast table he started singing "Do not be a-fwaid. God is wid me" to a tune I did not recognize. I said, "That's right, buddy!" and sang the verse with him a second time. When I stopped singing he grinned and sang emphatically, "For da Bi-ble tells me so!" (completely in the tune of Jesus Loves Me.)
I have to admit it blows me away that he "gets it." I think about how complicated we make issues within our faith, yet this simple little two-year old faith believes God will keep him safe from tigers, cows and mud--just because the Bible tells him so. I learn A LOT from my children.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
~Matthew 19:14
Although I was a little skeptical of his ability to grasp it, I taught him to say: "Do not be afraid. God is with me." (Hearing his little voice say these words melts your heart!) We pray for God to keep us safe before bed and I've read them a couple of other simple verses about fear. If I go to his room during the night the only thing I say is, "Do not be afraid. God is with you."
It seems to be working. I have only been up in the night with him twice in the last week (other than the early bird problem exacerbated by DST--4:45 am, YUCK!) but we are working on that.
Anyway, this morning at the breakfast table he started singing "Do not be a-fwaid. God is wid me" to a tune I did not recognize. I said, "That's right, buddy!" and sang the verse with him a second time. When I stopped singing he grinned and sang emphatically, "For da Bi-ble tells me so!" (completely in the tune of Jesus Loves Me.)
I have to admit it blows me away that he "gets it." I think about how complicated we make issues within our faith, yet this simple little two-year old faith believes God will keep him safe from tigers, cows and mud--just because the Bible tells him so. I learn A LOT from my children.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
~Matthew 19:14
4 comments:
If only we could remember to keep our faith so intensly. they really do get it, our kids!
Very sweet. The sweet faith of a child. I love it. It is amazing what they can grasp! God is whispering His truths into their little hearts. . .
Oh YES, they get it! I believe they get it easier than we do because they are so much closer to Him - hey, it hasn't been that long since they were there! LOL
I love this. Love it!!
I'm so glad to hear that he is doing better with his fears ... this is such good advice, I'm tucking it away to use for future reference (Should the need present itself!)
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