Reassurance – Daniel 10:19a

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God.  Peace!  Be encouraged!  Be strong!”[1]

Thunder crashes, and the children in our lives cry out in fear.  We say, “No,” and they put their heads down in dejection. We catch them in mischief, and their tears flow in shame.

Praise God for these opportunities to teach our children about His faithfulness.[2] By using the soothing language of the angel in Daniel’s vision and speaking truth to a heart-broken youngster, we, through the goodness of God and the ministrations of the Holy Spirit, will calm their troubled minds and encourage their shaken souls. As we tell them of God’s unfailing protection, unlimited provision, and unconditional love,[3] we will not only comfort them but also provide an opportunity for the Lord to strengthen their dependence on Him.

No more reassuring words about one’s worthiness, especially after a fright, deprival, or failure, could you use than to tell a shaken and fragile, yet eternal soul, about God’s deep, devoted, unconditional love for His children. As you encourage a little one to rest in the Lord who abides with those who love Him, always protecting them, providing what is best for them, and preparing a way for them, you will build perseverance and strength of character into the young heart. You will provide far more than comfort for the moment as you whisper, “Do not be afraid; trust in the Lord.[4]  He loves you, and He is right here in our presence watching over you.  He will always love you, as will I, even when you have been bad, even when you fail. He will instantly forgive every wrong thing you do when you confess your mistakes to Him and decide to obey Him.”

Take advantage of the occasions the Lord gives you to provide life-changing reassurance of His unfailing love and protection to the children in your life. These tangible experiences of God’s love will become part of the foundation of faith and trust on which they can built successful lives and find the strength to stand when confronted with the real trials that come in adulthood.[5] Tell them how profoundly God cares for them and demonstrate His love by your affection, devotion, and compassion toward them.  Encourage them to run into the Lord’s arms when they feel alone and need someone they can depend upon.[6]

Be a ministering angel of truth, and you will touch young lives in ways that will endure throughout eternity as you lead them into a deeper relationship with our Lord.

Precious to God

Imagine a diamond in a setting of gold

Brilliantly shining, its value untold

Precious beyond the riches of earth

Treasured and cherished, a prize of great worth

Beautifully, perfectly, lovingly formed

In God’s very image, and by Christ transformed

Talented, gifted, creative, unique

Imbued with a wisdom for which scholars seek

A child of the King, wrapped in His grace

God’s stored every tear that’s touched her sweet face

He watches, protects, secures from above

Nothing can separate her from His love

[1] New Living Translation. 1997. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[2] Deuteronomy 4:9-10

[3] Psalm 57:10

[4] Psalm 56:11

[5] Psalm 125:1-2

[6] Psalm 17:8