In life and in the family, times of uncertainty are inevitable. Just a week ago, no one would have expected the events surrounding Covid-19 to have escalated to where they are now. However, America (and the world) is different today than it was then, and it looks like many families are going to be spending some extra time together in the coming weeks.
This means that as parents, we have some choices to make about our response and how we spend our time within our home. Can I suggest 5 practical ideas for your family during these times of uncertainty?
1. TALK Together
World events like the coronavirus that affect our daily lives are a perfect opportunity for parents to maximize upon such teachable moments. There is a lot of fear, anxiety, and worry surrounding us right now. Sit down and start an ongoing conversation to talk through these things with your kids now and in the coming weeks. Here are some Scriptures to help jumpstart your conversations – Psalm 46:1 & 56:3, Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 5:5-6, Matthew 6:31-33, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 37:25, Ephesians 6:10-19.
2. PRAY Together
In times of uncertainty, our go-to should be prayer. Our kids need to see this. More than they see our fear, they need to see our faith. Prayer shows faith. As Christians, we are called to pray without ceasing. I love the reminder from the old hymn that says, “Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”
3. MINISTER Together
During this season, let’s not forget to pray for others, and especially those who are most vulnerable at times like these. In addition to prayer, it’s also a perfect time to reach out and minister to an elderly couple, a widow, or that neighbor who’s fear is probably very real right now. Even if personally visiting them is not your best option, a phone call to pray with and encourage them during this time could mean the world.
“A scared world needs a fearless church.” – A.W. Tozer
4. TRUST Together
God has given us the answer for times of uncertainty in 2 Timothy 1:7… “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” As Christians, our family’s response to the events surrounding us should be different than that of the world. We have hope and we know that God is in control and can use all things for His glory. Let’s stay positive and lead our family to live like it.
5. GROW Together
Times of uncertainty are fertile ground for growth. Kids learn by imitation, so let’s give them something worth imitating. Because whether fear-filled or faith-filled, they’ll follow our lead. Stay busy and keep calm. Intentionally grow closer to your family and to the Lord during this time. Purposefully spend your time wisely. Say no to more tv, and yes to more reading, playing, serving, and making memories together as a family.
May we continue turning our hopes and hearts to the only One who can be fully trusted, and may we help our children become overcomers in these uncertain times!
Romans 8:37-39 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
