More Than Just Stories

Every generation of every culture is shaped by the stories they hear. And for children, the tales told to them shape their character. As G.K. Chesterton, a Christian author, wrote in the early 1900s: “The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon.”

How much more, then, will the true stories of the Bible give our children courage to face the dragons of their day?

In this week’s verse, we see David, a shepherd boy, preparing to fight a giant. What can the life of a shepherd in ancient times, or the re-telling of hand-to-hand combat wars teach our modern children? Everything—when their life story speaks of a God who never loses, never fails, never changes, and is never surprised, overwhelmed, or absent.

Your children aren’t facing an army of Philistines. But their lion may be the thought of walking into another new classroom after moving to a new home. Their bear may be facing another day with their parent away on a work trip. Their tiger may be thoughts of depression or self-harm. Bible stories are alive and relevant to their struggles today. When we apply what we learn from the stories, it helps us when we face similar circumstances.

The LORD has rescued me from the claws of lions and bears, and he will keep me safe from the hands of this Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:37 (CEV)

As families, it can be a challenge to keep your family plugged into church education programs. So, it is extra important to take the initiative to teach your kids God’s words. It doesn’t have to be complicated. And you don’t have to be a scholar before you start. You can start small!

Add Bible stories to your evening reading time. You can choose stories directly from the Bible you have, from children’s versions, or from devotional books. Check out the YouVersion Kids’ app for free videos and resources. Act out your favorite stories. Spend time imagining together how long the lion and bear claws were or how loud a battle cry of thousands of soldiers could be.

Ask the Lord to help you develop in your children a love for God’s Word. It promises to make them courageous like David, so they can slay the giants they face today.

Pray

Lord, please help me and my kids love your Word. Show us how it is alive and relevant to our days. Please strengthen our faith and courage as we face our giants. Amen.

Time to Talk

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What’s the hardest thing you are facing right now? Can you think of a Bible story that is kind of the same? What does it teach you about God?

Keep It Going

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Hebrews 4:12