Editor’s note: Did you know that devotionals for kids are some of our most popular titles? Enjoy these two devotions from Max Lucado’s new devotional for kids, Calm Thoughts for Kids.
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No one is like the Lord our God, who rules from Heaven. — Psalm 113:5
Have you ever gotten trapped in a maze? It happened to me once. My family and I went to visit a castle. (Yes, an actual castle!) Next to the castle was a garden. In the garden, there was a maze made of thick, tall bushes that stretched way over my head. Our challenge was to get to the tower in the center of the maze. (This place was so cool!)
Somewhere in that maze, I got lost. Really lost. I couldn’t see anyone or anything except the huge green walls of the hedge. I was ready to give up when I heard a voice above me. My daughter Sara had made it to the top of the tower.
“You’re going the wrong way!” she shouted. “Back up and turn right.”
Do you know what I did? I listened. I backed up and turned right. Why? Because she could see everything from the top of that tower. She could see what I couldn’t see.
That’s the way it is with God. He can see what you can’t.
If you start to feel lost and don’t know which way to go, don’t give up. Ask God. Then listen. He’ll lead you exactly where you need to go.
Life can be a lot like a maze. You start one way, and — wham — you run into a wall of problems. You try another way, and — bam — you hit a dead end of trouble. Pretty soon, you might be so afraid of crashing into a wall that you give up.
You need Someone above the maze who can lead you through it. If you feel like you’re stuck in a maze of trouble and fear, ask God to show you the way.
Talk About It Together
How does God show you the right way to go?
God’s Promise to Me
I can trust God to lead me.
My Prayer
God, You know the way for me to go, and You will help me find it. Thank You! Amen.
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Talk to Jesus
Whoever wants to follow Me must say no to themselves. They must... follow Me. — Luke 9:23 NIRV
My friend and I went on a long bike ride. We’d been riding only a few minutes when I got tired. Another few minutes passed, and my legs hurt. I was panting like a dog on a hot day. I could barely push the pedals. I gave up and climbed off my bike. That’s when my friend spotted the problem. My brakes were stuck in the “on” position. No wonder I was struggling!
Our feelings can do that to us too. Some days you’re trying to focus on what needs done (and maybe have a little fun too). But feelings like fear and worry slow you down. Guilt or embarrassment over a past mistake makes it hard to keep going. Everything feels like a struggle. It’s like what those brakes did to my bicycle!
What can you do? Talk to Jesus!
Tell Him what’s worrying you, what’s making you afraid, and what’s dragging you down. Ask Him to show you the next good thing to do. And then ask Him to fill your day with reminders that He is with you.
Talking to Jesus will get those “brakes” unstuck so you can soar through your day!
What’s slowing you down today? Are you worried?
Are you upset about a mistake you made?
Or maybe you don’t know why you’re struggling; you’re just dragging through your day.
If your feelings are putting the brakes on your day, talk to Jesus. Tell Him everything. Then take some deep breaths and imagine God filling your heart with love and calm.
Talk About It Together
Is something making you feel stuck today? What is it, and how can you give it to God and get on with your day?
God’s Promise to Me
I can tell Jesus what’s going on. He will help me get unstuck and get on with my day.
My Prayer
Jesus, I’m struggling today. Everything feels hard, but I trust You to help me get going again. Amen.
Excerpted with permission from Calm Thoughts for Kids by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.
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Your Turn
Follow Jesus and talk to Him throughout your days! He’s right there waiting to help you, give you direction, and hear from you any time, any place! Share this devotion with a young friend. ~ Devotionals Daily