This past weekend, I visited a sister-friend who gave birth to a baby boy three weeks ago. She shared her fears about raising a child in this cold/evil world. I had the same fear/concern in July, so I could relate. I was afraid the devil was going to hurt my child. Fear gripped my soul in July while thinking of the rate of child abuse, racism and all the evil going on in the world.

We discussed the fact that our generation is faced with raising children in a more complex society compared to generations before us. School rules and government policies regarding what to teach children and how to raise kids have become more immoral. Parents are losing control of the ability to influence the future and choices of their children. The evil of child molestation, bullying, kidnap, child-trafficking, among many other problems have become more prominent.

At the end of our discussion, we were comforted by the fact that we serve a good God who cares and loves our children more than we do. We now hold on to the knowledge and confidence that we can trust God to protect our children. We can also ask Him to give us the wisdom to navigate complex parenting situations.

We have found new purpose in knowing God wants us to raise children like the biblical Daniel and Joseph. Those young men worshiped the living God and were distinguished for good in nations where their God wasn’t known. We understand that God has given us these children as a weapon against the enemy and this erases our fears, worries, and anxiety. Our children are victors and light-bearers in this dark world.

Instead of meditating on what the devil can do to harm our children, we should meditate on God’s Word concerning our children. This will always drive out fear. It is working for me.

Psalm 127 New International Version (NIV)

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are children born in one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their opponents in court.