InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Christianity
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • 52 Days in Psalms
    • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
    • She Loves Truth
    • Hey Mama! PRAY
    • Seeking Him
    • Aging With Grace
    • Choosing Gratitude
  • Library
    • 16 Names of God
    • Bible Reading Plan
    • The ABCs Study Guide
    • The ABCS Bible Study
    • Disciple Me Program
    • Come and Gather
    • She Loves Truth Guide
    • She Loves Truth Study
    • The Red Sea Rules
    • Praying Proverbs
    • 12 Letters I Wrote
    • Christmas Songbook
    • LOVE Coupons
  • The Heart That Heals
    • Read Chapter 1 of The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
    • The Heart That Heals printable package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
Gospel Collection banner

When My Child's Heart is Anxious

4/21/2020

34 Comments

 
When My Child's Heart is Anxious
In Mark 12:28–34, when asked "Which commandment is the most important of all?" Jesus answered, "...you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Most of us would consider these two commandments to be the core of our Christian lifestyle.

I believe, falling closely behind "love your God" and "love your neighbor," could be a third commandment—"don't worry.” We certainly find an emphasis on not worrying in Matthew 6:25 and Luke 12:22, and Philippians 4:6.
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" Matthew 6:25
Minted banner
​"And He said to His disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on." Luke 12:22

​"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
Could Jesus be commanding us not to worry?
I think He could. Certainly it's not a formal command, like the Ten Commandments found in Exodus and repeated in Deuteronomy. However, all throughout Scripture (not just the passages mentioned) we see God taking care of His children so that they would have nothing to fear, worry, or be anxious about. Think about how He took care of the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt. He will take care of us too. We need only to trust Him.
It's easy, even for the most upbeat and optimistic of us, to be a little (or a lot) worried and anxious in times like this. But what about our children, do they worry? Are they anxious? What does anxiety even look like in a child?
One of ours was very anxious as a child, but I did not recognize it. This child did things different than the other three. For one, they walked in their sleep. Thing three would occasionally wander into our bedroom at night, trembling and sweating, babbling nonsense that was not understandable. I look back now and realize this child was struggling with anxiety. ​
Isn't it funny how we can raise four children in the same environment, birthed by the same parents, and yet they turn out so very differently? This child, that struggled with anxiety, has gone on into their adult life struggling there as well. However, by God's grace, they have handled it well and continue to thrive. The struggle with anxiety even changed the course of their career, but still in this we can see God's gracious hand.
Today, I want to share with you some wonderful resources that will help you and your children worry less, be less anxious and trust God more.
Back in March, we began a series of post about 3 small books that included A Small Book for the Anxious Heart, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart, and A Small Book About a Big Problem.

​A Small Book for the Anxious Heart is my favorite of the three. It's just the right size to leave on the nightstands in the guest bedrooms of our home. Let's be honest here, everybody's heart gets a little anxious now and then. Even the most chill of us can experience anxiety when we're out of our element.
Small book banner
​Fear and anxiety are chronic struggles for many, and they are only intensifying and increasing. Best-selling author Edward T. Welch shares the comfort and peace of Jesus in fifty brief readings for those of us who wrestle with fear and anxiety.
A Small Book for the Anxious Heart
Buy Now on Amazon
A Small Book for the Anxious Heart is a powerful devotional that reminds us of the encouraging, beautiful words in Scripture written to anxious people.

While many books on fear and anxiety exist—promising to help us manage our struggles with methods and formulas—this devotional reaches deeper into Scripture, making the Word of God more accessible. Don’t put a Band-Aid on your fear and anxiety; rather, learn to bring your fear to Jesus, relying on His Word.

Welch has been counseling for over thirty-eight years and is the author of more than a dozen books, including A Small Book about a Big Problem, Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest, Shame Interrupted, When People Are Big and God Is Small, and many others.
Jesus cares for us, and in these readings, Welch invites readers to trust God for today, knowing He goes before us always.

​Read a sample of A Small Book for the Anxious Heart here.
​The Moon Is Always Round
​
Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. 
​The Moon Is Always Round
In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God’s goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances. ​​
In this beautiful, full-color, illustrated book, Gibson allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister’s death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds us that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life. 

A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God’s goodness to children. This book reminds children of all ages that God’s goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can’t always see it.
The Moon Is Always Round
Buy Now on Amazon
​Zoe's Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious 
​This beautifully illustrated book invites children to remember that God is near, even when they are anxious. Zoe, a fearful mouse, is worried about a class trip. As she talks with her parents, Zoe realizes that she can turn to God for help. Papa Mouse gives her a verse from the Bible that she can read when she is afraid. She learns that she can tell God all about her fears, and He will comfort her. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will give children a practical way to remember God's Words when they are afraid.
Zoe's Hiding Place
Buy Now on Amazon
This new series of hardback, illustrated children's books, specifically for three to eight-year-olds, are each centered on an animal family and brings Gospel truths and biblical counsel to families in need of spiritual assistance. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family faces will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure by bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces. The last page of each book contains information for parents on how God, in His Word, helps children apply biblical truth to specific issues. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.

This book is from the Good News for Little Hearts Series. Here are three other books in this series that we love!
Tori Comes Out of Her Shell:
When You Are Lonely
Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely
Buy Now on Amazon
Henry Says Good-bye:
​When You Are Sad 
Henry Says Good-bye: ​When You Are Sad
Buy Now from Amazon
Jax's Tail Twitches:
​When You Are Angry 
Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry
Buy Now from Amazon
Promises in the Dark
Buy Now on Amazon
Promises in the Dark
​This book, by Dr. Eric McLaughlin, strengthens the hearts of readers to persevere in God’s calling to walk with those in need. As a missionary doctor in Africa, McLaughlin knows how walking closely with those who suffer. He also knows that bearing others’ burdens can easily lead to burnout or cynicism—unless we find the path to perseverance that God provides.

This resource explores how to find both calling and hope, living in the tension between a difficult present and God’s promises of renewal. You'll also learn how to cope with despair and futility, the importance of a suffering God for those who suffer, and how the manifestations of God bring life into this dying world.

McLaughlin explores endurance, in this yet-to-be-redeemed world as ours which is full of tragedy and heartache, pointing us to God’s promises.
Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying
No Worries? We lob that phrase at others yet lie awake at night ourselves. Each day, we struggle to pull our thoughts away from our worries, fears, frustrations, and anxiety. When we get stuck, it's not exactly easy to fixate on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. We are profoundly aware that our worries have negative consequences for our bodies, minds, and relationships. However, like most real people with real problems, our thoughts keep swirling around the same old issues. 
Mindscape builds a practical action plan for changing your mental landscape and your life based on Paul's rich exhortation in Philippians 4:8.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
Author Tim Witmer draws from 30 years of experience in helping worried people apply Scripture to their lives to present a clear, biblical, and deeply pastoral guide to replacing worry with a new way of thinking.

This is not a self-help book, it's a real-world guide to the transformation that Jesus works in us as we go to Him in faith and ask for His power to change, to listen, and to think differently. 
Mindscape: What to Think About Instead of Worrying
Buy Now on Amazon
Chapter-by-chapter application questions make Mindscape perfect for personal reflection or small group use.

Build a biblical, practical action plan for filling your mind with new thoughts based on Paul's rexhortation in Philippians 4:8 Simple, clear, and pastoral guidance: 
Mindscape is the overflow of a pastor's 30 years of helping worried people apply Scripture to their lives.

IE Link-up logo
Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week! 

If you're new to link-ups, checkout our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups to participate in.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

What are your favorite books and resources for anxiety, either in adults or children?
Please Share
34 Comments
Barbara Harper link
4/21/2020 09:20:48 am

When a child wakes up with a nightmare or is afraid to go somewhere, a father doesn't storm in the room and say in a commanding tone, "Don't be afraid!" He says it in a reassuring tone, reminding the child of his love and care and protection. That's how I see the imperatives in Scripture not to worry.

Thank you for these resources! They look good. One of my favorites is Ed Welch's Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest. I read it just before a surgery, and it helped a lot. I read David Jeremiah's What Are You Afraid of? Facing Down Your Fears With Faith. I can't remember the particulars about it now, but I remember getting a lot from it at the time.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:28:07 pm

That's a beautiful example, Barbara! God doesn't yell at us, "DO NOT BE AFRAID!" He gently comes beside us with His hand on our shoulder and whispers, "Do not be afraid child."

I have not read the David Jeremiah book but I love his preaching so I'm pretty sure I'd love the book too. Thanks!

Reply
April link
4/21/2020 09:21:32 am

This is a post full of great resource for such a time as this!! Love that you've given us suggestions and the reasons why you are sharing them with us! Thanks Patsy, I'll be pinning and sharing!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:29:13 pm

Thank you so much, April! :)

Reply
Lisa notes link
4/21/2020 09:48:32 am

These resources look very encouraging, for kids and adults alike. :) I don't have any children at my house anymore, but I remember that oftentimes I would have to stay calm myself because I wanted them to be calm.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:31:59 pm

Yes, Lisa, they can easily feed off of our anxiety. Our response to difficult situations can oftentimes teach them how to respond, and that can be a great thing if our response is the right one.

Reply
Laurie link
4/21/2020 12:12:04 pm

"Don't worry" and "love your neighbor" are good pieces of advice to follow during this crisis for all of us, not just for children. Thank you for the good book recommendations. I am going to get "The Moon" book for my grandson. He struggles with anxiety. Thank you!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:35:36 pm

Yes, Laurie, that one is my favorite too! :) I have one that struggles as well. And then the other one is so happy-go-lucky... Birthed by the same parents. Raised in the same environment. Funny isn't it?

Reply
Sue Donaldson link
4/21/2020 01:31:31 pm

Yes, peace is one of uniforms as Christians - I need to put it on moment by moment, especially with my adult children living back home temporarily. A testament of who we belong to!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:37:04 pm

Bless your heart, Sue. But I'll bet you're making some awesome memories right now!!!

Reply
Michele Morin link
4/21/2020 02:13:50 pm

I was one of those anxious children. I'm very grateful that genetic material did not get passed on to my four sons--and also grateful for the peace that passes understanding.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:38:31 pm

So grateful for that peace, Michele!!!

Reply
Bev @ Walking Well With God link
4/21/2020 04:24:15 pm

Patsy,
My "corona-verse" for this season is Philippians 4:8. So many times I need to redirect my thinking to what is true, right, noble, pure....I believe that there are so many scriptures regarding worry and anxiety because God knows it's not a matter of "if" we will be anxious, but "when." He wants to calm our anxious heart and give us reassurance that we can turn these thoughts over to Him. These are wonderful resources for the anxious child and adult!! Love the little book series! Thanks for sharing! Stay safe and be well...
Blessings,
Bev xx

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:42:50 pm

Bev, I guess that's my "corona-verse" too—it's on my letter board as a reminder. I see it every morning. I need it every morning! I repeat it over and over to myself several times a day, whenever I feel myself getting anxious. And I ask myself, "Is this true, right, noble, pure..." Usually, it's not.

Reply
Lesley link
4/21/2020 05:01:00 pm

These sound like great resources! I especially love the sound of The Moon Is Always Round.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/21/2020 06:44:44 pm

The Moon is Always Round is my favorite! :) It's a great book and beautifully illustrated, and it's just an all-around perfect analogy. :)

Reply
Susan Shipe link
4/22/2020 08:52:24 am

Such great recommendations. My kids didn't get scared but my granddaughter sure did!!!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/22/2020 06:44:29 pm

We have one that's a worrier, so I bought The Moon Is Always Round for him. Then we have one that really doesn't have a temper per se but can get angry quickly in certain occasions. So, I bought Jax's Tail Twitches: ​When You Are Angry for him. :) These are both great resources!

Reply
Angela Johnson link
4/22/2020 01:23:32 pm

Patsy, this statement is so true. "Don’t put a Band-Aid on your fear and anxiety; rather, learn to bring your fear to Jesus, relying on His Word." My middle child is on anxiety medication and has been for about 8 years. Her anxiety became so bad that she had to be home schooled for most of her 1st grade year. It was a very trying time for all of us. Anxiety can take over a person's life if they do not do something about it. The band-aid is only part of the solution. It will not work without full trust in God. Thankfully, she seems to have her anxiety under control thanks to medication but most of all God.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/22/2020 06:48:48 pm

I love that quote too, Angela! I'm glad you're middle child has a mother like you to help her work through these things and a God like we have that we can take our anxiety to. It's such a blessing that you caught it early and recognized it for what it was.

Reply
Jerralea link
4/22/2020 02:05:22 pm

Great resources, Patsy! I love the idea behind the moon book. I'll have to get that one for my grandson. Somehow he has become afraid that aliens will come get him!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/22/2020 06:54:21 pm

The Moon Is Always Round is an amazing resource! AND... it's just another example of God taking a very bad situation and turning it into something good, for His glory!!!

Reply
Lauren Renee Sparks link
4/22/2020 04:45:12 pm

I am living in this place with my teen and am saving your post for these resources. Thank you.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/22/2020 06:55:46 pm

Blessings to your, Lauren! Thank you!

Reply
Calvonia Radford link
4/22/2020 10:49:37 pm

First of all, children should come with a manual, with tabs. One of my children had frequent nightmares and another bit his nails until they bled. I have guilt looking back because I didn't pick up on the signs. But, God's grace is sufficient. The one with nightmares has served as a missionary in 13 countries and the nail biter is a Pastor. Praise God!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/23/2020 05:18:18 am

They for sure should! I recall leaving the hospital with our firstborn—the experimental child (LOL), and thinking. "What in the world are these people thinking letting me leave with this baby. I have no idea what to do with it!!!" And that was the truth! But we learned, and Thing 1 survived. God's grace fills all cracks and crevices of our needy wanting life. Isn't it wonderful!?!

Reply
Jennifer DeFrates link
4/23/2020 04:56:26 pm

My poor anxious kiddo just asked me today about how we could praise God and thank Him in tough times like the time I dislocated my hip at a wedding. We all have PTSD from that! And I had to remind her to look for the good. I was not alone. I was surrounded by family and friends. I had loving people to look after me and she did too. The ambulance team were capable and caring. I was able to witness to them and everyone in the ER. God always has ways to thank him in tough times. We just have to change the way we look at things. Thanks for sharing these books and resources for our little ones with anxious hearts.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/23/2020 05:58:18 pm

Oh, wow, Jennifer! I'm afraid to ask how you dislocated your hip at a wedding. That must of been one wild wedding!!! LOL I love how you found all those ways to be thankful and praise God and I especially love how you allowed your child to see that too! You're right, we just have to change the way we look at things! :)

Reply
Lois Flowers link
4/24/2020 07:59:06 pm

These books all sound wonderful, Patsy. Honestly, “The Moon is Always Round” sounds like I would want to read for myself! :-)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 06:37:19 pm

The Moon is Always Round” is a GREAT BOOK, Lois!

Reply
Donna Reidland link
4/25/2020 01:31:05 am

Patsy, I've always appreciated Ed Welch's books. When People Are Big is one of my husband's favorite resources in counseling. I'm always looking for biblically sound resources for counseling children so I look forward to checking out The Moon is Always Round. I was not familiar with it. Thanks for sharing such good material. I hope anyone who is not familiar with Ed Welch will check out these solid, helpful little books.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 06:38:51 pm

I am going to have to check that book out, Donna. Thank you!

Reply
Maree dee link
4/25/2020 12:48:32 pm

I love your book recommendations. Thank you!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/3/2021 06:39:18 pm

These are such good reads, Maree! :)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    HSRC Free Preview
    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, lock screens, and more? You’re going to love this library, there is all kinds of exclusive content, just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that!
    Patsy signature

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    ARTZA banner
    Use our exclusive code INSTA25 for 25% OFF your subscription box!

    Top Posts

    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk 
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    18 Characteristics of True Christianity
    10 Favorite Bible Verses on Adoption
    12 Letters I Wrote to a Friend With Cancer
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    Messy Marriage
    Money Wise Steward
    Wield The Word
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Our Words Matter
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Bible

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program 
designed to provide a means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Faithbox, Minted.com,
​
Canvas Vows, Digital Grab Bag, Grove Collaborative, Faithful Life Planner, and Tailwind.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2023|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Christianity
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • 52 Days in Psalms
    • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
    • She Loves Truth
    • Hey Mama! PRAY
    • Seeking Him
    • Aging With Grace
    • Choosing Gratitude
  • Library
    • 16 Names of God
    • Bible Reading Plan
    • The ABCs Study Guide
    • The ABCS Bible Study
    • Disciple Me Program
    • Come and Gather
    • She Loves Truth Guide
    • She Loves Truth Study
    • The Red Sea Rules
    • Praying Proverbs
    • 12 Letters I Wrote
    • Christmas Songbook
    • LOVE Coupons
  • The Heart That Heals
    • Read Chapter 1 of The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
    • The Heart That Heals printable package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God