No matter where we live, what’s happening in the world can feel heavy. War, natural disasters, school violence—our kids hear about these things, too, even if we try to shield them. Maybe they overhear adult conversations or scroll past distressing images on social media. While they may not understand the full scope of what’s happening, they do feel the weight of it.
How do we help children navigate the uncertainty of world events in a way that strengthens their faith rather than feeds their fear? How do we create space for their emotions while pointing them to the unchanging character of God?
Here are five key ways to help children process difficult events through a biblical lens—so they grow in faith, resilience, and trust in God’s goodness, even when the world feels uncertain.
1. Anchor Their Hearts in God’s Character
When hard things happen, our first instinct is often to try to explain them. But what children need most is not a perfect answer—they need a firm foundation.
Instead of focusing only on the details of an event, focus on what is always true about God. Ask: Who is God, even in this?
- God is unchanging – He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
- God is powerful – He holds the world in His hands (Psalm 147:4–5).
- God is compassionate – He sees our pain and cares deeply (Psalm 34:18).
Talking about God’s character reminds children that God is steadfast even when life feels uncertain.
Try This:
Make a “God Is…” list together as a family. Each day, add a new truth about God’s character. Keep it visible—on the fridge, in a journal, or on sticky notes by the bed—so kids have a tangible reminder of who God is.
2. Remind Them of God’s Bigger Story
It’s easy for children (and adults) to feel like the world is spinning out of control, but history isn’t random. God is always at work making Himself known, using both the good and the hard to bring about His purposes.
Remind kids that war, suffering, or unexpected events don’t derail God’s plan. He is still moving His story forward, even when we can’t see how. It is often the difficult things we wouldn’t choose, like Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery (Genesis 50:20) or the persecution of the early church (Acts 8:1–4), that God redeems and uses for good, including drawing entire families and peoples to Himself.
Try This:
Look at a world map together and pray for the people affected by a crisis. Then, intentionally look for where God is working—missionaries, relief workers, acts of kindness. Teach kids to see beyond the headlines to the ways God is moving.
3. Create Space for Big Emotions
A child’s first response to hearing hard news isn’t theological—it’s emotional. Anxiety, fear, sadness, or even anger are natural. Instead of rushing to “fix” these feelings, acknowledge them. Create a safe space for children to express their emotions freely and remind them that God welcomes their honest hearts.
Jesus modeled this beautifully. When the disciples were afraid in a storm, He didn’t immediately explain why it was happening—He assured them of His presence (Matthew 14:27).
Try This:
Instead of using words, let kids express their emotions through art. They can use colors, shapes, or pictures to represent their feelings. Then, talk about their drawing and how they can bring those emotions to God.
4. Teach Kids to Reflect on God’s Past Faithfulness
When life feels uncertain, remembering how God has been faithful in the past builds confidence for the present. Children don’t have years of experience seeing God provide and work in hard times. That’s why it’s essential to help them develop a habit of looking back—both at Scripture, history, and their own lives—to see evidence of God’s care.
The Bible contains countless stories of God’s provision, rescue, and faithfulness. Missionary biographies show how God has shown up in the most challenging circumstances. Likewise, personal and family stories of answered prayers reinforce that He is always at work, even when circumstances are unclear.
Try This:
At the dinner table, ask: What’s one way we’ve recently seen God provide or answer a prayer? Keep a family journal to look back on during hard times.
5. Give Kids a Way to Respond
When kids see suffering, their natural response is often to do something. While we may not have control over world events, we can always participate in God’s work by responding with compassion, prayer, and action.
Encouraging children to respond meaningfully strengthens their faith and teaches them that God works through His people to bring hope and healing. Rather than shielding kids from complex realities, we can guide them to see how God invites us to be a part of His redemptive work—whether through prayer, generosity, acts of kindness, or simply bearing witness to His love.
Try This:
Encourage kids to pick one action step—praying for a country in crisis, donating to a relief fund, or writing a note of encouragement. Let them see that even small actions can be a part of God’s bigger work.
As we help our kids process world events, let’s remind them that no matter what happens, God is not surprised. He is still in control, still working, and still bringing His purposes to pass. Anchor them in what is unchanging. Because when they know who God is and what He is doing in the world, they can face uncertainty with confidence, knowing that His plans are good and His love never fails.
