Security(Peace):
Establishing and maintaining harmony in our relationships and providing freedom from fear or threat of harm through expressions of vulnerability, deepening of trust, and the successful resolution of conflict. (Romans 12:16,18)
It’s back to school time!!!!
There was a commercial that played around this time of year from Staples. It showed a dad happily pushing a cart adding all the school supplies into it while the song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year” played in the background. Meanwhile his kids trailed behind him with sad, pitiful faces. The commercial was funny because I am sure every parent, if honest ;), has felt that kind of happiness at some point!
Though the commercial is funny, back to school time can leave your child feeling very insecure. Your child may be just starting school and feel a bit fearful of being away from mom/dad or fear the unknown. Your child may have been bullied the year before and may wonder what this new school year may bring. Perhaps your child had some good friends who moved away this summer leaving the new school year social life a bit uncertain. This may be your child’s last year of high school or college and they may feel uncertain of what their future holds. All of these can cause insecurity in your child.
Your child may look to you during this time for a little extra security. Let’s learn how to help our children experience security.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – What is it that makes him or her feel secure?
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
As parents there are few things more important than helping our kids feel safe. We want them physically safe, but we also want their hearts to feel secure in who they are and their place within the family. I think moms and dads would do absolutely anything for their child, don’t you?
Ya know, God is your heavenly Father, and I believe He feels much the same way about you and me, His kids! God wants you to feel secure in all He created you to be and that you are loved beyond all you could ever imagine.
Consider Jesus’ words to those who followed Him and how He wanted them to feel secure. He even called ” the little children” to come to Him; his disciples, “friends”; and the Apostle Paul referred to disciples as “my dear children”. Jesus told His followers that they were in His hands, and He, in His Father’s hands. I fully believe that in the insecure world in which they lived under Roman rule and growing persecution, Jesus wanted them and wants us to know that a relationship with Him is a secure one.
My question: Does Jesus want only first century Christians to know the security of His love and power to keep them? Could it be He wants you to know and even feel that security regardless of current circumstances.
Would you say it out loud or loudly within your heart, “Jesus, because of your stability and power, I am secure and want to know deeply how that security feels?”
If you ever wonder how God loves you….think about your love for your own children. Think about what you would do for them. Now, know that God will do immeasurably more than you can ever imagine simply because He loves you. You are His child by grace through faith!
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Are you secure in God’s love for you? Are you secure in knowing that forgiveness and eternity are wrapped up in Jesus Christ’s work. Oh, it is important for us to love Him back, don’t get me wrong, but our security in Christ is so much more than whether we perfectly obey Him. If perfect obedience alone kept our relationship secure, none of us would be secure. Would you ask God to reveal His thoughts toward you and how He truly feels about you? Search His word…He will show you friend! Philippians 4:6-7 We can receive His peace even if ours is broken or out of commission at the time.
Would you then share your prayers, study and God’s revelation with your child? Allow them in and bring them through the same process with God (as age appropriate). What a beautiful time between God, parent and child that would be. Your child may need the very same security for which you crave.
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do: Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
If you know that the start of the school year is bringing anxiety to your children, will you share this verse with them and remind them of how loved they are at home? Reassurance and a chance for them to talk about their concerns with you will help them feel more secure. Remind them that even though you may not be by their side during the school day that God is always there for them and that you will be there waiting to greet and listen to them. Maybe you can slip this verse into their lunchbox or notebook as a reminder for them. Praying this verse over your child/children at bedtime may also be a huge help.
Have you ever leaned on this promise for yourself? It can be a wonderful way for your child to experience the sense of security by hearing a story of how God led you into a place of security and peace. Think about sharing that time in your life with your child. 🙂
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with your children: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
One fun suggestion for you to have purposeful fellowship with your child would be to have a breakfast date with him/her before school. Maybe once a week you can take your child out to breakfast, just the two or three of you. (dad, mom and child) Or maybe alternate, one week Dad takes the child, next week Mom takes the child – you get the idea. This is just a way to have focused time with your kid in hopes of creating a deeper relationship for conversations to flow, kind of a God-hug for your children.
Use this special time to ask how school is going, listen well to their response. The main focus is just to listen to what your children are saying and not necessarily give advice but to encourage them, hurt with or rejoice with them and to let them know by your words and action that they are loved by you unconditionally. I can guarantee your child will look forward to these special breakfast dates with you and it will lead to a greater sense of security within them, even your teens and college kids!
If you have multiple children, you may have to limit these outings to one child per week, but the point is that it happens. Be creative and do some free dates or pack a lunch, or meet them at school. Also, going on a date with your spouse and talking about how your kids are doing in this need for security might even help each of your with that same need. I’m just sayin’!