How to Deal with Scary Events Around the World

You've probably heard about the war in Ukraine going on right now; it can be scary to hear about people being hurt and having to leave their homes. This isn't the last time you'll learn about terrible events around the world, so what's a good way to understand what's happening?

Instead of just listening to rumors from other kids or relying on what you’ve seen online, ask your parents about what you’ve heard. Tell them how you feel, especially if you’re scared or upset. Talk to your grownups more than once if you have more questions or still have more to say.

Writing in a journal or drawing pictures about what’s happening can help you feel better. You can also do something fun, like playing games together as a family or watching your favorite movie. Sticking to your regular routine can help you feel safe and normal too.

Most importantly as Christians, we can use Bible verses as prayers to God, especially when we don't know how to pray. Here's a few you can start with.

Psalm 23 has comforted many Christians through terrible tragedies:

A psalm of David.
¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 121 was sung by the nation of Israel through many terrible times in their history:

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

You can also read Psalm 5 (I especially like verses 11-12), and Psalm 46 (especially verse 9) to find even more comfort in God's Word.

New International Version (NIV)

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