Trusting a Good Teacher

Bible Reading: Psalms 17:6-7; 18:1-2; Matthew 19:14

Twelve-year-old Scarlett was so excited about helping her mom in the twos’ and threes’ Sunday school class. Eagerly standing by the classroom door, Scarlett watched for the little ones to come.

Most of the children came in with smiles on their faces. However, not all of them had such an easy time. Missing her mom, little Maaza cried and cried long after her mother had gone into church, staying stiff as a log in Scarlett’s arms. After a while, Scarlett gently put the little girl down and offered her a toy. Now only sniffling, Maaza angrily turned away and refused to play for most of Sunday school.

A little later, Myles, a toddler Scarlett often played with, arrived. He cried and cried, but instead of going stiff in Scarlett’s arms, he wrapped his arms around her neck as she rocked him back and forth. After a few minutes, he was ready to play with his favorite toy truck, and soon after that he began to play with the other children.

“So, are you enjoying working in children’s church?” Scarlett’s mom asked her later that afternoon.

“Yes, I like it a lot,” Scarlett said. “The kids are so cute! I love playing with them and telling them about Jesus during Bible time.”

Mom smiled. “You know, as much as God uses us to teach children about Him, I’m amazed at how much they teach me about my relationship with God. Often I’m like how Maaza was today. When I’m sad, afraid, or confused, I turn away from God, much like how she hurried away from you. I forget that God shows His love for us by comforting us in our distress. Jesus saved us from our sins so that He could be with us every moment of every day. The Bible uses words like ‘shelter’ and ‘stronghold’ and ‘refuge’ to say that God cares for us and promises to be a safe place for us.”

“That means we should be more like Myles, shouldn’t we?” asked Scarlett.

Mom nodded. “He knew he could trust us as his teachers, and he clung to you and cried when he was scared about coming to Sunday school. Then he was able to enjoy all we had planned for him. If we trust God and come to Him when we’re sad or afraid, we can experience the peace He promises.”

-Aurora Scriver

How About You?

Do you ever have trouble trusting God when you feel sad or upset? Do you run away from Him when things get difficult or scary? Remember that God is faithful and promises to be with you through every difficulty you face. He wants to comfort you so you can experience His peace, rest, and joy. Go to Him when you feel sad or afraid, and He will be your safe place.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 36:7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Let God comfort you