Be Encouraged: How to Protect Your Children Spiritually During Times of War
By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe
War unsettles everything—routines, safety, and a child’s sense of the world. As Christian parents and caregivers, we can’t shield our children from every hardship, but we can anchor them in God’s presence, truth, and peace. Scripture calls us to shape the spiritual atmosphere of our homes, especially in crisis. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7, NKJV).
Begin with Your Own Peace
Children borrow their peace from the adults around them. Before you speak to them, breathe and pray. Invite the Holy Spirit to settle your heart. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You” (Isaiah 26:3).
Your calm, even if imperfect, becomes a living lesson that God is near.
Tell the Truth with Hope
Be honest at a level your child can understand. Avoid graphic detail, but don’t pretend nothing is happening. Pair truth with hope: “Yes, things are hard right now, but God is with us, and we will pray and help one another.” Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:27). Teach your children that courage is not the absence of fear but trusting God in the middle of it.
Pray Together—Often and Out Loud
Make short, frequent prayers a rhythm: at waking, mealtimes, sirens, bedtime. Let your children hear their name and needs before God: “Lord Jesus, cover our family with Your protection. Give us peace and wisdom today.” Encourage them to pray in their own words. “Be anxious for nothing… in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6–7).
Read and Recite Scripture as a Family
Choose a few verses and say them daily until they live in your children’s hearts:
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Psalm 56:3: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
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Psalm 91:1–2: A promise of protection and refuge.
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Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you…”
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Psalm 23: The Lord is our Shepherd.
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2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear…”
Write these on cards or tape them near beds and doorways. “Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6).
Practice the Armor of God, Child-Friendly
Teach Ephesians 6:10–18 in simple language and motions:
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Belt of Truth: “We tell the truth and believe God’s Word.”
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Breastplate of Righteousness: “We choose what pleases Jesus.”
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Shoes of Peace: “We carry peace wherever we go.”
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Shield of Faith: “We trust God when we’re scared.”
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Helmet of Salvation: “Jesus saves and keeps our minds safe.”
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Sword of the Spirit: “We speak Scripture out loud.”
Turn this into a brief morning “suiting up” routine. It gives children a sense of agency under God’s care.
Guard Their Inputs
Limit traumatic images and unfiltered news. Brief them yourself when needed. Replace constant updates with worship music, Bible stories, and quiet activities. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NKJV wording parallel). Curate what enters their minds.
Keep Small Routines, Create New Ones
Routine restores security. Protect key anchors: shared meals, bedtime blessings, a short family devotion. If you are displaced, create portable rituals: a travel prayer, a favorite Psalm, a small “peace bag” with a Bible, notebook, crayons, and a comforting item.
Name Feelings, Normalize Tears
Give children simple language for emotions: scared, sad, angry, confused. Model lament and hope: “It’s okay to cry. God cares about our tears.” Pray Psalms of lament together (e.g., Psalm 13) and end with gratitude for one thing each day.
Serve Together in Small Ways
Even in crisis, let children participate in kindness: sharing bread, writing a note, praying for a neighbor. Serving reorients hearts from fear to love. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Build a Support Net
Identify safe adults and families who share your faith. Arrange prayer check-ins (in person or by phone). Ask your church for family devotion guides, children’s Bibles, and trauma-informed pastoral care. “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
A Three-Step Bedtime Peace Plan
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Breathe and Pray: Three slow breaths; pray Psalm 4:8—“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
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Scripture & Song: Recite one verse; sing a simple chorus (e.g., “Jesus Loves Me” or a Psalm-based refrain).
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Blessing: Lay a hand on your child’s head: “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24–26).
Sample Family Prayer
Father, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Cover our home under the shadow of Your wings. Calm our hearts and guide our steps. Protect the children of our family and our neighbors. Give us wisdom, courage, and kindness today. We trust You, Jesus—our Prince of Peace. Amen. (See Psalm 46:1; Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 9:6.)
When Trauma Surfaces
Nightmares, regressions, jumpiness, or withdrawal can be normal stress responses. Stay patient and present. Continue Scripture, prayer, and routines. Seek help from a trusted pastor or Christian counselor when possible. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Be Encouraged and Hold Fast to Hope
War tests families, but Christ holds families together. Keep reminding your children: God is with us; God hears us; God will guide us. As you keep His Word on your lips and in your home, the peace of Christ will guard your hearts and minds. “My peace I give to you… Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:27).
Please feel free to drop us a line, using the Prayer Request Contact form and we will pray for you.
The Invitation
I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?
Trust God to help you with that first step.
Be encouraged.
Be bold.
Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.
It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.
About the writer:
Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.
