Do not be anxious about anything. ~ Philippians 4:6

应 当 一 无 ? 虑 ， 只 要 凡 事 藉 着 祷 告 、 祈 求 ， 和 感 谢 ， 将 你 们 所 要 的 告 诉 神  ~ 腓 立 比 書 4:6

The world can be a scary place. You might have been afraid to go back to school this last week. Sometimes people can scare us, or things we hear about on the news can. We can be afraid to try doing things that are hard for us. We can feel afraid in the dark or when there is thunder, or if someone we love is sick.

Today’s verse comes from a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the people in a church, where scary things were happening to them. He wanted them to know what to do when they were afraid. He told them not to be anxious, or worried, or scared, about anything.

But that is not easy to do, because we can’t help being afraid. So Paul went on to tell people what to do when they were afraid. Here is what he said: “Pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (New Living Translation)

Paul was reminding them that God is always with them, and that he always listens when they talk to him. That’s true for us too, and for the boy in the picture. Did you notice the two ways Paul said to pray when we are afraid?

First, we should tell God what we need. We might need to brave enough to do something, or we might need to find someone to help us. We might need to be strong enough to say no to someone. Or we might need to know inside that God loves us. Whatever we need, we should ask God.

Second, we should remember the ways God has helped us or other people in the past. Reading our Bibles can remind us of the amazing things God has done. For example, he brought Jesus back to life after he died. If he could do that, he is certainly strong enough to help us too.

Our Father, thank you that you always listen to me. Thank you that you are strong and powerful, and that you will help me be strong too. Help me not to be afraid. Help me learn to pray. Amen.

Children’s Verse Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash