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Help for parents · Ages 8 to 12

Bible verses for a child who is scared at night

Bedtime is when a lot of worries come out: the dark, a noise, a test tomorrow, something heard on the news. These are short verses you can read together with the lights low. Pick one, read it slowly, and let your child keep it.

Bible verses, New Living Translation

Five verses to read together

  1. “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”
    Psalm 56:3 (NLT)
  2. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
    Psalm 4:8 (NLT)
  3. “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.”
    Psalm 121:3 to 4 (NLT)
  4. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
    Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
  5. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
    1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

For the parent

How to talk about it tonight

Our free lesson Asleep in the Boat gives a child three steps to keep: “Name it. Bring it to Jesus. Trust him.” At bedtime, the lesson suggests asking, “Is there anything in your boat tonight?” Let your child name one worry, and name one of your own. Then pray together in your own words. If it helps, start the way the lesson does: “Jesus, I’m scared about ____. Thank you that you are with me and you care. Help me trust you. Amen.” The lesson’s last question is a gentle one: “What is one thing you are afraid of right now, big or small?” Your child can keep the answer to themselves, or pass.

This is a conversation, not a treatmentMany children have fears and worries from time to time. If your child’s worry is constant, or keeps them from school, home or play, talk with their doctor.

A free lesson · Ages 8 to 12

Read the whole story together

Asleep in the Boat

For a child who is afraid, at bedtime or any time: Jesus asleep in a boat during a storm (Mark 4:35 to 41). About 15 minutes, including questions. Read it online, free.

★ Open the free lesson: Asleep in the Boat

On the same theme in the members’ library: The Reading, Out Loud and Name It, Bring It to Jesus.

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More Bible verses for kids: telling the truth · feeling left out · all free lessons

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.