Change can be challenging for everyone, but it can feel especially overwhelming for children. As parents, we experience transitions alongside them, navigating not only their questions and emotions but also our own. Whether it’s a move, a new school, or a significant life event, it’s wise to consider how to provide stability and reassurance when so much feels uncertain.
In the midst of change, God’s love and presence remain constant. While the journey ahead is unknown, your child is never alone. You also can help your children face change with courage and faith when you point them to the unchanging truths of Scripture and as you model trust in God’s care.
God’s Help for Seasons of Change in Your Children’s Lives—Psalm 139
God’s care for his people is intimate. Comforting truths from Psalm 139 provide essential guidance as we support our children.
God Sees Us Perfectly
“You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know my thoughts before I think them.”Psalm 139:2
God’s knowledge of us isn’t distant or detached but compassionate and complete. He sees our children’s thoughts, emotions, and even the fears they can’t fully articulate. When our child is faced a big change, he or she may be full of questions. Listen patiently and reassure him that God’s love does not change.
When your children feel overwhelmed by change, remind them, “God sees you perfectly because he loves you. He knows your thoughts, your feelings, and your fears. He wants you to talk to him about them. You can trust that God sees you and will care for you, even when life is uncertain.”
God Surrounds Us with His Presence
“You are all around me—in front and in back.
You have put your hand on me.”Psalm 139:5
God’s presence envelops your children. He offers protection, guidance, and comfort, even in the hardest moments. You can reassure your child, “God’s love follows you wherever you go and whatever you do.” Remind him that God would be there, too, guiding and holding him close.
Tell your children, “God is always with you, no matter where you go. His love surrounds you. He will never let you go. You are safe and loved, even when life changes. Jesus gave up his life so you can always have God with you. Jesus promises he will always be with you.” (See Matthew 28:20.)
God Shapes Our Stories
“All the days planned for me were written
in your book before I was one day old.”Psalm 139:16
God’s involvement in our children’s lives is purposeful. Even life’s biggest changes are not surprises to God but part of his plan to shape and bless our children. For example, although your child dreads leaving his home and friends, he will discover new blessings in the new situation. Change is hard and not without pain, but God used it for his growth and good.
Comfort your children by saying, “You might not know what’s ahead, but you can trust that God guides your story. Jesus promises to always care for you and provide what you need.” (See John 10:11.)
Understand Your Children’s Experience of Change
Children process change differently than adults. They rely on predictability to feel secure, and often struggle to understand or express their emotions, making transitions even harder. It’s not uncommon for them to experience anxiety, sadness, and behavior changes. Children also will have many questions. They might ask, “Why did God make us move to a different city?” Their questions reflect their desire for security and reassurance, so seek to reassure them. You might say “I’m not exactly sure, but I am sure that Jesus is with us wherever we go, and I’m here with you, too. We’ll make this change together.”
Practical Ways to Encourage Your Children
- Be present and reassuring: Stay close, help them find words for their worries, listen to them, and encourage them that God’s love doesn’t change.
- Maintain family rhythms: Consistent routines provide stability amid change. Whether it’s bedtime prayers, family meals, or favorite activities, routines remind your children that some things remain the same.
- Involve them: Allow your children to make small decisions about the change, like decorating their new room, choosing a new backpack for school, or planning ways to stay in touch with old friends.
- Talk about their emotions: Encourage your children to name their feelings, whether it’s fear, sadness, or excitement. Let them know it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during times of transition.
- Pray together: Help your children bring their worries to God. Prayers like, “Please help me make new friends,” or “Thank you for being with me wherever I go,” can be deeply reassuring.
- Celebrate God’s faithfulness: To build trust in God, recall times when God cared for your family.
- Verbalize your dependence on God: Let your children see that you trust God’s guidance and care in your life.
Trusting Jesus’s guidance and care in your life allows you to point your children to the God who sees, surrounds, and shapes them. This truth is most fully revealed in Jesus who left his perfect home to enter our world. He understands what it means to experience change, loss, and uncertainty. Jesus knows what it’s like to say goodbye, face the unknown, and trust God with big changes. He understands what we’re feeling and promises to be with us, always.
Excerpted adapted from A Big Change Happened © 2025 by Darby A. Strickland. Used with permission of New Growth Press. May not be reproduced without prior written permission.
A Big Change Happened
Wallace Whale loves his home in the warm blue sea near the green island where he and Mama sing, eat, sleep, and play. But one day, Mama tells him about a big change—they’re leaving for a long journey North! Wallace is worried and has so many questions: What will the North be like? Will he be okay? As they swim into the unknown, Mama gently reminds Wallace: Wherever you go, whatever you do, God’s love follows you.
