On Sunday, September 30th during the kids’ time at worship, I (Matthew) told our young people that we all have bad days — including me!

Stuff happens. That’s life.

But God’s biblical truth can shift our thinking and help us live each day in a more confident way. That’s when I told them about a phrase that I’ve adopted recently: “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (When I said it in Hebrew I’m pretty sure people thought I was starting to lose it.) It’s from Judges 6:12, and I’ve been saying it to myself each day. It reminds me that God is with me, and that I’m a spiritual warrior for Christ.

It motivates me, encourages me, and changes my perspective and attitude.

That’s why I invited our young people to pick a line from the Bible to memorize and use each day. So this blog is to follow up with that and encourage you to help them choose one.

Here are some of the ideas I gave them on a slip of paper:

“Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)

“The LORD is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

“Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11)

“The greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

“The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2)

“be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10)

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1

“God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28)

“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10)

“Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

“He is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6)

“in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6)

“With God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27)

“The LORD is near to all who call on him” (Psalm 145:18)

“seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)

“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36)

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24)

There are others too, of course. But those will get you started.

So encourage your child to memorize one line of biblical truth and power to use throughout the day. It can — and will — help them improve their perspective.

(And I think parents and grandparents should do it too.)

Let me leave you with Hebrews 4:12…

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

— Westminster Church (@WestminsterPC) October 2, 2018