[Part of Chapter 3 of the Teacher’s Guide]
The LORD is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The LORD is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation. (Psalm 145:8-9)
When they first come into the world, human beings are absolutely helpless babies. Thankfully, they are also absolutely adorable, and [providentially] most are blessed with one or two doting adults who feed them, clothe them, bathe them, burp them, carry them, sing to them, rock them, tuck them in, worry about them, hug them, kiss them, and protect them fiercely from all danger, real or imagined. This not only ensures the child’s physical survival; it also teaches them their first subconscious, foundational, life-sustaining lesson: Someone is there, meeting their every need. Someone loves them and speaks to them.
John Rosemond, author and psychologist, describes the process as becoming ‘rooted securely in the world. [The child is assured] that he is where he belongs, with people who love him and who will take good and proper care of him under any and all circumstances.’
That’s what I believe will happen to your kids spiritually as they sit, watch, and listen to what God has done and said since before time began.
As they develop spiritual awareness:
- The first voice they hear will be His voice.
- Their roots will grow deep into His grace and goodness.
- The sound they’ll be most familiar with will be the beat of God’s immovable, unshakeable, unchangeable, unwavering, eternal heart.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
Holding them close to his heart. (Isaiah 40:11a)
In these lessons,
I want to make kids’ hearts thirsty.
I want them to want to know this Person.
I want them to be lonesome for Him.
I want them to long to be included in His family.
I want them to be absolutely sure of His heart.
Knowing how the story ends.
Knowing the price God paid for them.
Knowing He can always be unquestionably trusted.
Knowing the incredible things He has planned for their future!
No matter what our kids face—no matter what is ahead or beside or behind or above—they can say, with the young shepherd-king of old:
I am sure of this, Lord—
Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me every day of my life!
And I’m going to live with you forever! (Psalm 23:6)
If the God of the Universe is running after you, determined to love you and shower you with goodness, what’s there to be afraid of?
The sweet chorus of a song I grew up hearing echoes in my soul…
Safe am I
Safe am I
In the shelter of His arms.
