I recently read an article in ParentLife magazine (September 2009 p. 45) by Dr. Linda Mintle. She replied to a reader’s question “My husband recently lost his job and money is tight. I know I have been more irritable because of the financial stress we feel. Do kids pick up on this? If so, how do we talk to them about what is happening?”
Dr. Mintle reassured the reader that it normal for a parent to feel the stress of financial pain. She also shared that going through this is a good opportunity to help our kids understand how God provides for our needs. She stated that first a parent should deal with their anxiety first. She quoted the scriptures, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Matthew 6:34 (NIV) and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6.
She goes on to instruct the parent on some ways to explain the financial situationa nd what family changes everyone is going to have to make. She stresses that in this teachable moment, the parent can help the child to know that God promises to be with us and we should thank Him for everything we do still have. She also adds that this is time to be creative about family fun with things that don’t cost too much or any money.
We as parents must sometimes be reminded that what we sing and read in church or in our daily devotions is not just interesting facts, but God’s Holy Word. It is how God speaks to us and through us. Another verse that the writer did not reference is “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19. God does promise to meet our needs. So when we have financial troubles, relational trials, etc, we can rest in God’s promises. But we cannot rest in promises that we are not aware of. This is why as Christians, and christian parents, we must spend time alone in God’s word. This allows for God to fill us spiritually and emotionally so that we can then fill our children and others we come in contact with. Lord, I pray that you will continue to fill our parents and grow them into the men and women of God you have called them to be. Then empower them to fill their children and grow them into fully devoted followers of Christ!
Please read this and many other wonderful articles in September’s ParentLife (FBBC members, make sure you pick one up in either your child’s SS class or in the hallway by the information desk.) For more information on Dr. Linda Mintle, go to her website – www.drlindahelps.com
