Although some people like to be scared, most of us would rather not be. Some may watch scary movies or take daring chances, but most of us would rather play it safe. The world is a scary enough place without any help from us.

The Bible says that fear is torment. (1 John 4:18) Being tormented is uncomfortable and sometimes actually harmful. Because of this, satan often uses fear as a weapon to keep people in bondage. He starts while we’re still young in the hope that he can keep us so bound up in our fears that we never accomplish the things God intends for us to do.

It’s our job as Christian parents and grandparents to help our kids have a holy fear (or honor) of God and to recognize where unholy fear (terror) comes from. On this subject the Bible is clear. God is not the one who gives us a spirit of fear. That being the case, it clearly comes from the enemy. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Knowing where fear comes from is half the battle. But we also need to teach our kids how to combat it. As with everything else, God’s Word is our ultimate authority and weapon against any of the enemy’s attacks. When we teach our kids what the Word says about a situation, we are giving them the tools they need to fight back against satan’s attack and win!

When my youngest daughter was a toddler in the potty-training stage, I passed her bathroom one day on my way to the laundry room. As I did, I glanced in to see her seated on “the throne” vigorously shaking her head from side to side, eyes squeezed tightly shut, saying, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a strong mind!”

What in the world? I almost stopped, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to go on and let her handle the situation. It wasn’t until later that the Lord revealed to me what was happening. When you’re a toddler, that porcelain throne can seem awfully big. As a little kid, I remember feeling as though I might be pulled in and flushed away. My daughter must have felt that way, too. And she was fighting that fear just the way I had taught her…with the Word!

Teaching our kids scriptures to say out loud is one way to help them prepare for those times when they are afraid. Another is to share stories of faith over fear. Reading these stories together gives us opportunities to discuss God’s love and protection for us. And by doing this we help our kids build a solid foundation of trust in God and confidence in His ability to take care of them. Kids who understand that God truly loves them and who trust Him are less likely to be tormented by fear.

There are any number of good books by Christian authors on this subject. Here are just a few:

It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change by Lysa TerKeurst

Little Seed and Little Fox are facing big changes and brand-new circumstances–and they don’t like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how scared or anxious they are about something new or unknown, God is always with them.

God’s Protection Covers Me by Amy Houts

This lively picture book follows a young boy around a farm as he observes different animals and compares their protective shelters to God’s protection. The rhyming text is accompanied by bold, playful illustrations that tell their own story of God’s protection as a rainstorm causes the boy to seek shelter of his own. A charming book for young children that demonstrates God’s constant care.

Fearlessly Madison by Penny Reeve

Madison is looking forward to a play day at Grandma’s house—that is, until she sees Ferdinand the new dog. That’s when Madison’s belly starts to tremble like raspberry jelly! She keeps a wary eye on Ferdinand as she and Grandpa build towers and head out to the shaky shed for paint. But as a thundery storm takes out the lights, where is Ferdinand? Where is Grandma? In this delightful new adventure, Madison learns that no matter what our circumstances might be, we need not be afraid; God is with us and he’s working in all things for our good.

The Oil Lamp by Dawn Stephens

In this third episode to “The Little Pot” and “The Tea Pot”, the potter forms a new vessel and names it, Oil Lamp. After Oil Lamp is created, it is too shy to stay on fire for the potter and continually hides under a bowl. As it becomes braver and braver, it must learn to shine in a way that will not burn the other vessels. Through the testimonies of Tea Pot and Little Pot, Oil Lamp realizes it can be brave enough to shine for its creator. This allegory will help children identify the light their potter ignites in each of them as they learn the importance of sharing their own life stories. They will discover how to overcome their own fears and shine the light within themselves.

I Will Not Be Afraid by Michelle Medlock Adams

Written in a lively rhyme, the topical book I Will Not Be Afraid addresses children’s fears-such as the dark, storms, and current events-and explains that God is in full control and turns all circumstances into good for those who love Him. I Will Not Be Afraid does not describe a God who whisks away all difficult, frightening, or bad things. Rather it portrays the all-powerful, loving God who is faithful and present. Children learn that while bad things still happen, God is always there to help them. They are encouraged to remember God’s Word and to pray when they are afraid. Bright and colorful artwork pairs with comforting words to assure and remind children that their God is strong and trustworthy.

Our God is Bigger than That! By Michelle Medlock Adams and Eva Marie Everson

Our God Is Bigger Than That! begins as the sun rises on the farm, and baby farm animals face their individual fears throughout the day. All discover a simple truth―God is much bigger than their fears. As the sun sets on the farm, the farmer’s little daughter heads to bed and realizes that God is much bigger than her fear of the dark, too.

For the middle graders in your family, you might consider:

Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls: A 90 Day Devotional OR
Anxiety Elephants for Tween Boys: A 90 Day Devotional by Caris Snider

Anxiety Elephants for Tweens guides pre-adolescent teens by equipping them with scripture, daily action steps, community, and power packed tools to overcome the tactics of their enemy. This 90-day devotional contains an introduction, checklist of anxiety symptoms, 90 days of devotionals with journaling pages, open-ended questions, scripture, and practical sidebars.

100 Days to Brave for Kids by Annie F. Downs

Kids can be brave, just like adults, especially as they embrace the plan God has for their lives. New York Times bestselling author Annie F. Downs presents honest wisdom and humor, giving kids the courage and confidence to deal with fears, anxiety, and difficult changes in life.

All titles are available from Amazon or directly from the publishers.

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Posted by Wendy Hinote Lanier, the author of Too Many Pigs in the Pool (Sleeping Bear Press) and the forthcoming The Dog That Gave My Brother Words (End Game Press) along with 48 other books for kids. To find out more, visit her website: https://wendyhinotelanier.com