By True Girl Lead Teacher Janet Mylin
David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of Teen Challenge, is quoted as saying,
“How quickly we forget God's great deliverances in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past.”
And it’s true, isn’t it? Especially when things get hard or scary. But if we don’t remember what God has done, it’s hard to walk in confident faith when we face difficulty.
Young David, before he was king, knew the power of remembering. When he came in from tending to his flock of sheep to see what was going on, he saw an actual giant, Goliath, terrorizing the people David loved.
When no one else would fight Goliath, David stepped forward and this is what he said when King Saul expressed his doubt:
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37 (ESV)
And we all know what happened. Goliath fell at the hands of a shepherd boy who had unshakeable faith in God’s desire and ability to help him during a scary time.
When your daughter is feeling anxious and afraid, you can help her remember what God has done in these three areas:
1. Talk about ways God has been faithful to her.
Was there a time she was scared and God provided comfort?
Did God heal something in her body, mind or heart?
Was she lonely and God provided a friend?
2. Tell her stories of God’s faithfulness to your family.
Are there stories of how God protected members of your extended family?
How has God helped your family navigate hard times?
Do you know stories from your parents or grandparents of how God showed up in their story?
3. Celebrate ways God has answered prayers for your community.
What has God done in your school?
Is God moving in your church?
Have things happened in your town, state or country that give you hope that God is moving?
Teaching your daughter the practice of intentionally remembering what God has done will be a mighty tool as she grows and faces different challenges.
“For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”
Psalm 100:5 NLT
Looking for more practical ways to help your tween fight anxiety and experience God's peace? Check out the True Girl Subscription! This month's Peace Box has everything you need to help your daughter dig into God's Word to find peace that only comes from Him. Wondering what's inside? Check out this sneak peek below:
