Courage

I wanna hold the hand that holds the world

Physical activity

Discuss some fear-inspiring natural events, such as tornadoes or earthquakes.

Discussion point: Review Scriptures revealing that God controls nature.

An outdoor walk with your children is a great opportunity to discuss fear and nature. Many people fear natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or thunderstorms. To help a child who fears nature’s power, remind them that God made the world and is in control of all that happens in nature. As you walk along, hold hands and explain that when we love and follow God, it is like we are holding His hand all the time. A fun song to sing as you walk along is He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.

Teach your children to repeat the phrase, “I’m trusting God to keep me safe. I’m holding the hand that holds the world.” Read your choice of the verses listed below where God speaks of His power and control over nature. Balance your discussion by reminding your child that God doesn’t want us to be foolish, and we should never knowingly put ourselves in harm’s way. He wants us to be wise and to prepare for emergencies, so we can not only keep ourselves safe, but also be ready to help others.

Relevant Scripture

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

John 10:27-29 “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

Job 38:34-35 “Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?”

Job 38:37-38 “Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens when the dust becomes hard and the clods of earth stick together?”

Job 38:39-41 “Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in a thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?”

Job 39:26-28 “Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread its wings toward the south? Does the eagle soar at your command and build his nest on high? He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is his stronghold.”