Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 131 - How to Teach Children to Find Security through Scripture

Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 131 – How to Teach Children to Find Security through Scripture

Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture.

Just a quick reminder as we start, if you enjoy Purposed Parent Connected Child podcast episodes, would you please share this episode or others with a friend or family member? When you graciously take a moment to do that, and leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast, you are ensuring that others will find the podcast. When you do, you’re helping affect generations for Jesus.

Now on to this important episode with questions Christian parents need to consider…do your kids know how to rely on Scripture? Do you know how to train them to do so?

Last week my youngest daughter went to a local children’s hospital for an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor. This was a new ENT to her; the one who performed her ear reconstructive surgery a few years ago no longer practices at this hospital. If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while you probably already know a little history on my daughter. If you’re new here, I’ll share that she came to us at the age of nine years old. She had been severely neglected and had many serious health concerns. The infections raging in her ears had been there for most of her life, and we had to send samples to the Mayo Clinic to find out what resided in her ears and what antibiotic would be best to treat and resolve the infection.

Because she was born with smaller inner ear bones and nerves, that infection resulting from a urine bacteria harbored in her ears from the time she was an infant. Because of that, my girl is deaf in one ear and almost deaf in the other. Her “good” ear was losing what sound she had and we needed a doctor visit to test her hearing and see what was going on with her ear.

After some advocating at this local hospital, they got her in, and my youngest was glad to be able to find out what was going on, but not happy to have to revisit the ear situation. To add a little about why - when she was newly home with us she’d had to undergo an ear cleaning procedure that was loud and scary for her. The thought of doing that again was on the forefront of her mind. She’d had to do it again a couple of years later, and the experience was very frightening.

As things turned out, I became sick with reactivated mono and unable to get out of the house to go to the appointment. My wonderful husband was glad to take her to the visit, but I was unsure how our youngest would react when the person who usually went was unable to attend. My prayers were fervent for her to be safe, not scared, and to fully rely on God.

I prayed with her, on my own, and with the family for her and for this area in little bits over the weeks preceding the visit. I wanted to balance just enough attention without scaring her or drawing attention to the visit and making her nervous.

On the day of the visit, a big thunderstorm rolled through the area. Just as the doctor came in to see our girl, tornado sirens blared and my husband and daughter, along with everyone at the hospital, had to retreat to a stairwell deemed safe to weather the storm. Staying in contact with them during the storm via text helped me continue to pray for her and the situation.

After about forty-five minutes of remaining in that shelter, they were able to return to the examination room and see the doctor. This doctor was gentle and knowledgeable and listened to our girl. Hearing of her experiences with two former cleanings, she used a gentler approach and was able to clean her ears without trouble or provoking fear. Because her ears were very inflamed, my daughter will return this week for her hearing test after using antibiotic drops in the interim.

God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty used that time in the shelter area as a refuge of prayer for our youngest. Brooklyn told me that evening that she had kept repeating Scripture while waiting. She mentioned three that spoke to her heart and she said during that time in the stairway and while in the procedure room she let God’s Words flow over her heart and mind, keeping her in perfect peace.

As a believing mom who loves Jesus, I’m sure I’m a lot like you. While we treasure that bonding and attachment with our children, our highest goal should not be to draw them to us – but to Him. As I’ve parented my second set of children it has been with a deep desire to point them to the Father for every need. My goal has been to foster a close relationship with them and be able to share my love for Jesus and dependance on our Heavenly Father to be an example for them. When she was able to fully rely on God to help her through the situation, I was so thankful I wasn’t there. I was thankful I had to stay home. I was thankful her faith was maturing and she could see that this was an obstacle (like many others she’d have in life) that could be used to thrust her into the arms of the One who could care for her in every way she needed.

This is our ultimate goal as Christian mothers. I had to share this single example to encourage you as you continue in your role - sometimes feeling inept, unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed. But God sees! He hears your cries, your praises, and He waits for you to jump into His arms and rest and abide there…then teach your children to do the same.

Because of my daughter’s recent experience, I want to use this podcast to tie into a former episode on Scripture. In case you don’t know, guess what?! I’m in the process of editing my book, “The Good Mom Trap: Break the Belief that Good Parenting Produces Godly Kids” – and I’m on a very tight deadline to get it completed.

Having mono for such a long period has thrown me behind on the editing process, but God is in control and I can’t wait to see and share how He uses all of this for His glorious purposes and timing. Over the next few weeks I will be repurposing content from previous episodes and perhaps broadcasting some new ones because I long for you to continue being nurtured and growing in Him.

This episode is one of the most important reminders about teaching kids to rely on Scripture that I can give you. Mothers, we must be in the Word in order to teach our children to rely on it. To rely on Him. I pray you find something insightful or helpful in this episode that will equip you to reside in His arms and remain in His Word. It’s your most effective tool to becoming that godly woman and mother He is entrusting you to become.

Let me ask…Before you became a parent did you realize the depth of skills you’d need? As a mother, you’re most likely the encourager, the equipper, the peacemaker, the comforter, the chef, and the maid. Keeping the home tidy and well-managed, the children growing and thriving, and your life with your husband flourishing can be challenging. But when those thoughts of inadequacy or overwhelm hit, do you stop to assess why you’re experiencing those feelings?

Most often, it’s because you’re relying on self. Moms often try to be perfect, manage it all, and take care of everyone around us. Instead, we must be resting in the Father’s arms and seeking His approval and direction above all else. When you put Him first, He truly does make the rest of your day flow more smoothly. He fills you with His peace and His strength to face the challenges and erase overwhelm as you learn to depend on the Holy Spirit within you moment by moment.

Then you have the tools you need to lovingly teach your children to do the same.

Once you’ve pursued relationship with Jesus through the gift of salvation, you learn the character of God through Scripture. Without your humble submission to the Lord and continued growth through His Word, your personal and family life simply cannot thrive.

As believers, we long for our children to know Jesus and follow Him into eternity one day. But the truth is that if you’re not personally mentoring a love for Him that keeps you in the Bible, studying and growing with loving intention, your child isn’t going to see the need.

Life only gets busier once you have children! You already think you’re busy, then suddenly you find time to do what needs to be completed to enable you to give the best care to your precious child.

What about time with your precious Father in Heaven? Somehow, the most important relationship you can have gets relegated to the back of your mind and heart. Eventually, unless you are intentional, you stop hearing and responding to the Holy Spirit inside. Life gets heavier, messier, and you wonder why you no longer feel peace, joy, or a longing for the Lord.

Is this the life you want your children to witness? Is this the life you want them to emulate?

Of course not. Believing moms understand this isn’t the life they want for their children. They just struggle to find the time to do all the things.

The first step is realizing that you’re really the first Jesus your children see. You must make time for what God calls most important. When you strive to follow Him, prayerfully and humbly request that He show you what He desires for your life, and then show you how to make time to do as He desires, He will. If you believe God could part the sea for Israelites to cross, do you believe He can guide you to find time for Him?

God’s Word tells us that when we seek Him we will find Him. Once you realize that you have His power to find time to be in the Word and inhale Christ so you effortlessly exhale Him, you must continue to seek the Father in His Word.

So, what is the best way to train your child to rely on Scripture? Ensure that youare reliant on God’s Word.

First, let’s look at Bible verses that equip how you shape desire for and reliance on Scripture and mentor that to your children.

Philippians 4:9 says, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

Titus 2:7-8 says, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

Matthew 19:14 says, “But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

The book of Proverbs teaches that godly wisdom is critical for creating and maintaining a life pleasing to God. As you lay a foundation of faith for your children to stand on to construct their own relationship with Jesus, you’ll build the rails that also guard and guide them. These rails line the pathway that leads them to Scripture.

Without this strong foundation to hold the personal house of faith they will build, your children won’t carry godly insight, wisdom, or judgement that instills and directs this path to navigate life with integrity and insight from God.

As you raise your young ones to know, love, honor, and obey God and direct them toward a personal relationship with Jesus, craft prayers to be lifted to God in your personal time with Him and also speak prayers you offer with your children. Lifting prayers in the presence of your children teaches them how to prioritize relationship with God and how to approach Him with reverence, honor and relationship.

Let them see and hear you rely on God’s Word through each day. Make it as natural as breathing…as walking…as speaking. As the Holy Spirit resides within you, invite Him to be evident through you.

Whether your children are older, and you’re just now teaching them to rely on God or you’ve been modeling relationship that leads to Jesus over the years, using Scripture naturally, not forcefully, will deepen their hope and trust while leading them closer to our Heavenly Father as you remain committed and consistent.

Ask God to direct you to verses that will reach and teach the heart of your children while continuing to deepen your walk with Him in ways that transform your desires, actions, and reactions for your children to witness His life-changing power. The closer you move to God, the more your parenting desires will reflect His will.

Start with Scripture that is easy for your children to understand and that will build the basics of a lifelong trust in, and relationship with God, through Jesus. As you pray these prayers consistently with your children, you’ll find that the truth resting in the verses you use will also flow into conversations and guide the lifestyle you establish in your home.

My daughter remembered Psalm 23:1-4 in the doctor’s office, in the KJV which says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Each time she felt that fear may arise, she kept reciting the verse in her mind and praying, trusting in her Heavenly Father.

This is our Father’s desire for His children – the ones He entrusted to you and me. Are you preparing your children each moment to rely on Scripture?

Also, as so many children struggle with anxiety, and they often face fears such as this doctor visit, plus so many other things in life, I’ll list a few Scriptures that offer hope and reassurance to those who’ve been trained to seek Him and His Word.

Proverbs 3:1 says, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments.”

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

Remember, Matthew 19:14 says, “But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Can you see how reassuring it is to know God through His Word and to find Scripture that comforts, reassures, and offers hope and guidance? I urge you to seek Him through the Bible today for yourself and future generations of your family.

Scripture is God’s gift, and a powerful tool to keep your heart and the heart of your family in alignment with God. A tool that leads to intimately know Him, His character, and His will. Through Scripture your children will understand how to build critical thinking skills that match the Father’s heart and mind. Scripture offers protection and guidance in a world of confusion. As you continue to teach and instruct from God’s Word, your desires and actions are transformed into the image of Christ that will attract your children as you become a godlier woman and parent. This equips your child to use Scripture as easily as breathing - to learn, to craft prayers, and to use His Word in their life – through trials and on the smoothest of days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for instructing me through Your Word so that I can lovingly mentor my children in Your ways. You say that I should not hinder the little children from coming to You. Show me the way to bring them to You. Help me show Your heart and truths in ways that are lasting in their life. Please keep me in alignment with Your will and ways in all things so my family will also draw near to You. May my children choose to serve You all the days of their life and long to be pleasing in Your sight. Help them remember all of Scripture is breathed by You and will train, correct, and equip them for every good work. May they treasure Your Word and hold it dear in their heart. May they always delight in delighting You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

If you have questions after this episode, please reach out to me at info@terrihitt.com. I’m happy to help you give the gift of Scripture to your children.

I also have a resource that you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource.

If you’re ready to be more intentional - to be purposed in preparing your children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ, contact me at info@terrihitt.com. I think you’ll be interested in my Set-Apart summer renewal for $197.

Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. Remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ.