Three Sides to a Box

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

Did you know, there is a worry box you can make for children? Apparently, you ask your child to write down or draw their worries on paper. Once written down, cut the paper into strips and place them into the worry box. You then explain to your child that the worry box is a safe place to keep their worries.In theory, this seems like a good idea and is recommended by child psychologists. It helps the anxious child to name their worries, write them down and put them into a closed container where they cannot get out. Now the child does not have to carry those worries around with them anymore. It is a shame that our children and teenagers currently have so much to worry about considering the state of our world. There is divorce, neglect, abuse, bullying, confusion, a lack of mentorship, child trafficking and the list goes on.

If I could design a worry box, mine would only have three sides. The sides would represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Casting our worries on the Triune God, in my opinion, is a safe place.To sit down with your children at any age and pray with them can have lasting effects. It can be a sweet intimate time, spent learning about a loving God who is there twenty-four hours a day to make them feel safe. Through God’s love, they can learn a better way to handle worries especially since there is scripture about worry and being anxious. This can also open the door to teach forgiveness and to give your burdens to the Lord.To me, a blessing box would be a better tool. You can teach your children/teens about God’s blessings and how they can be a blessing to others. Communication is a key component, so you know what they are dealing with. Also, they can put their prayers into the blessing box and take them out when they are answered.Our children are a precious gift from God and at any age, need our protection. Interceding for them through prayer and praise is essential and can turn the tide, opening the heavenlies which changes the atmosphere around them. I continue to pray for my child, grands and great grands, asking for God’s protection, wisdom, mercy, grace and favor. I already see a difference!Know that I pray for our youth.

With love, Jacqueline Bott