5 Scripture Verses my Kids Know and Use Every Day

I learned early on how important it is for me to renew my mind daily by reading, thinking on, and praying Scripture.

Knowing how God’s Word has opened my eyes to see God better and understand Him more deeply. It has revealed my heart, allayed my fears, buoyed my hope;  the Truth of Scripture has equipped me, protected me, and pointed me in the right direction — naturally then, God’s Word is where I turn for answers to the questions my kids ask on a daily basis. 

Like all kids, our children face circumstances in which they feel afraid, insecure, inadequate, or uncertain. As parents, we want to avoid giving pat answers to the deeper questions and varied feelings of our kids.

Instead, our goal is to discuss questions and address concerns, to walk with our kids as they think about issues, process experiences, and search for understanding in their daily lives.

With four kids in our home, we’ve noticed a pattern in the types of questions that come up in their young lives.

Nearly every single day and in a variety of ways, one of these questions or concerns come up: What if I’m scared? What if it’s too hard? What if I’m not good enough at it? How will I know what to do?

When my husband and I are seeking answers, we turn to God’s Word. Likewise, when my kids wonder about something, we ask, “What does God’s Word say?”

We want our kids to know who God is and what His Word says. As we’ve talked about these common questions, five Scriptures have shaped our thinking and given us words to pray.

In fact, these five Scripture verses are ones my kids know and use every day, and apply to very common situations we all face.

When he is afraid — 

From nerves over a new school year to bedtime fears and everything in between, kids will face times when they are afraid. In those moments, we remember that God is sovereign (He is in control of all things), and He is good. We can trust Him.

Together, we sing Psalm 56:3 with the kids and help them renew their minds, focusing on God and His strength rather than their fear or worry.

Verse :: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

Simple Prayer :: God, I am afraid of _____ right now, but I know that You are in control of all things. You are good, and I can trust You. Even though I feel afraid, I am choosing to trust You instead.

 

When she needs courage —

I’ve found the need for courage is required in moments of fear, so these two often get lumped together. When my kids are lacking courage, we remember that God is all-powerful, nothing is too difficult for Him, and He is faithful. He will never leave us.

Verse :: “… 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).

Simple Prayer :: God, I want to be strong and courageous. I know You are with me wherever I go, but please help me believe it.

When he compares himself to someone else –

Comparison comes so easily to all of us. Whether it’s their ability, appearance, experiences, or future plans, like us, kids easily compare themselves to others and in their minds, come up short. In those moments, how necessary it is for us to remember who God is and who He has called us to be!

Our sovereign, transcendent God, the One who carved the mountains and canyons and rivers in between, the Creator of the cosmos who flung the stars in the sky, He created you and me, and He doesn’t make mistakes.

Verse :: “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14).

Simple Prayer :: Thank you, God, for creating me exactly the way You planned. You don’t make mistakes, and I want to be exactly the person You made me to be! Thank you for making me, me!

 

When a task or decision is difficult –

We have had many conversations in our home about doing hard things. When we are believers in Christ Jesus, His Spirit lives in us. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power in us  because of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit will give us the power to obey God and do His will! 

Verse :: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Simple Prayer :: Lord, I am having a really hard time _________, but I know I can do all things through You, the One who gives me strength. Empower me to obey You and do Your will!

 

When she doesn’t know what decision to make –

In all things, I pray my kids will follow God’s leading, obeying His Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. God is all-wise, and the Holy Spirit is our Counselor. When we ask for wisdom, God gives it generously. I want my kids to know and live out that truth, turning to God first for leading, not their peers, culture, or even me!

Verse :: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Simple Prayer :: I want to trust you with all of my heart, God. I don’t know how to decide _______, but you told me to ask You and follow You rather than relying on what I know. Please lead me and make my paths straight.

 

Whether it’s through prayer, encouragement, reciting the verses as we change our thinking,or a variety of other ways, these 5 verse are heard daily in our home. What are the verses you find your family using every day?

Growing with you,

Erika // erikadawson.com

 

Resources for You ::

• Bedtime blessings when your child is afraid
• 10 verses about who God is (Scripture memory for Kids)
• How to help your child develop a quiet time
• Scripture Music for Kids: Learning God’s Word through Song