Protection
Our children need protection and freedom through the Word. 2017 is now behind us, and we are entering 2018 with plans for the year. Our children are continuing to grow, interact with others and explore the world around them. Children, tweens, and young adults are trying to figure out their lives and will do so with or without our help. Last September I began to Blog to help parents help their children through the Word of God. This year, I have reformatted the Blog to help parents become more familiar with the Word as a daily tool for living. Our children, of all ages, look to us for guidance and as role models. It is difficult for children to follow us if we are not practicing the Word. Practicing the Word and the phrase Practicing Christians can have two different meanings. We can be Practicing Christians meaning we can recite the Word, discuss the Word, and explain the Word to others. Practicing the Word means we live the Word in our daily lives. The best way to live the Word is to ask ourselves: ‘is this how Jesus would act, am I mirroring Him, am I obedient?’ If our children us practicing the Word, they will begin to follow suit. Our duty to our children is to demonstrate how to use the tools of protection, teaching them to use the Word as their blanket of protection.
Last September I posted lessons on the Whole Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18, and how it is important to put on the armor every day. The armor provides a layer of our children with a blanket of protection. So too does the 91st Psalms.
My current task is to write a lesson about Psalm 91 and the importance for our children and youth to become ensconced in the 91st Psalms. The Whole Armor of God, Ephesians 6, and Psalms 91 cover our children and youth with a (spiritual) fireproof blanket.
Why is the blanket important you may ask? A blanket protects against the elements. This blanket protects against the elements of the evil one and is fire-retardant. It will keep the arrows and flames of the evil one from destroying our children and youth.
The 91st Psalms is one of my favorite books and chapters in the Bible. It has been my blanket of protection for many years and has covered me during a variety of trials and challenges. Chapter 91 was written to remind us that God is always faithful and covers us throughout our lives, regardless of circumstances, situations or conditions we may have experienced or will experience.
Psalms 91 is essential to learn because like the Whole Armor of God it protects our children from all onslaughts. If our children have a clear understanding of how God protects us and they rely on his faithfulness, then life’s challenges are perceived differently and they will respond to life’s situations differently. Children live knowing their parents are close, will protect them, love them, teach them and correct them. It seems for many, God is much more distant than their parents. The bond between God and his children grows over time for many, and often it is not until adulthood that we enter into a close relationship with him. Just think how powerful our children will be in the Word and how intense the relationship they will have with God once they understand the scriptures and know how they apply to their daily living. (Related Post – Children Model After Christ, October 26, 2017.)
So, what should our children know about the 91st Psalm? First and foremost, the 91st Psalm is about faith and security.
The 91st Psalm’s key lesson, according to Jack Hayford’s Bible Handbook, is “faith is a forward focus on God, His Word, and His promises. But faith also looks back at the blessings of God to gain strength, (Related Post – Learn To Thank God as Part of Prayer, November 13, 2017.) Faith allows us to flee confidently to God when in trouble and to abide in Him for protection.”
According to Warren Wiebsbe’s, Nelson’s Quick Reference, “God preserves those who abide in Him and love Him. These promises are not for people who run to the Lord only in times of danger but for those who dwell in His presence.” “ The abiding life produces the assuring life, the life without fear; which leads to the abounding life, the life of victory and peace. The safest place in the world is under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Abiding Life ->Assuring Life ->Life without Fear -> Abundant Life-> Life of Victory and Peace
For Children and Youth:
- God is our refuge and fortress, not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance
- He is reliable and trustworthy
- He keeps us safe
- He protects us
- He is faithful and loyal
- He shields us from harm and danger
Meaning:
- No sudden event, accident or disaster that causes damage or unfortunate consequences can destroy you.
- His angels will safeguard you from undesirable events.
- He will rescue you from harm’s way.
- He keeps you from being lost or abandoned.
- He comes when called.
- He is steadfast and will be with you in time of need.
- He will deliver you.
- He offers unexpected ways of escape.
- He rescues, saves, and sets us free.
Learning how to implement the 91st Psalms and Ephesians 6 assigns freedom to those who have the faith to believe in the Word of God.
And we also thank god continually because, when you received the word of God, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
FREEDOM