Biblical Answer

Teaching Children to Trust in God

As parents, we have a significant influence on our children's lives, and it is our responsibility to teach and train them to trust in God. According to Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." This proverb encourages us to value the influence we can have on our children and youth by noting that godly habits from an early age compound interest and provide for their future. We can teach our children that every part of their lives belongs to God, that they are stewards of every penny in their pockets, and that they are accountable to Him for their actions.

To model a heart of trust and teach our children about the importance of relying on God, we need to demonstrate a solidly Scriptural theology of suffering. We can teach them that God is sovereign and that He is always working for their good, even when they don't see it. We can share with them the promises of God's Word, which plants faith in them, and we can pray that their faith will grow. Children who have faith have distinctly different characteristics, such as a sense of peace, joy, and contentment, even in the midst of difficulties. As parents, we have the privilege and the real-life opportunities to teach our children to trust in God and to fear Him.

We can also pray for our children to have godly friends and role models in their lives. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." We can pray that God would bring people into their lives who will encourage and support them in their faith. Additionally, we can offer opportunities for our children to showcase their talents and gifts, while encouraging them along the way. As we do this, we can teach them that their skills and abilities are a gift from God, and that they should use them to glorify Him. By modeling a heart of trust and teaching our children to rely on God, we can help them develop a deep and abiding faith that will last a lifetime.