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How can parents find peace in the Word of God during uncertain global events?


Parents can find peace in the Word of God during uncertain global events by letting Scripture speak first and loudest—reading a promise, praying it out loud, and choosing to anchor the whole family’s emotions in Jesus instead of the headline cycle. When we live like peacemakers, it gets personal: it looks like a calmer voice in the kitchen, a gentler bedtime, and kids who learn, little by little, “We don’t have to panic—Jesus is here.” Good morning, church family. It is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. While many are wearing green and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today, we know that for many of you, the morning news has felt a little "gray." Between the buzzing of our phone notifications and the scrolling headlines, the world can feel like a very loud place.

If you’ve glanced at the news today, you’ve likely seen reports of rising tensions in the Middle East, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing friction between the U.S. and Iran. You might have seen the heartbreaking images of humanitarian needs in the border regions of Israel and Lebanon, or read about the continued financial and military struggles in Ukraine.

It’s easy to let these things settle in our chests as anxiety. But today, we want to take a collective deep breath. As a community, we choose to look past the secular "noise" and ground ourselves in the primary truth: the Word of God. We aren't ignoring the world, but we are viewing it through the lens of the Cross.

The Global Landscape: Looking Up, Not Just Around

Today’s headlines are heavy. There is no denying that. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the world, and any tension there ripples across the globe, affecting everything from gas prices to international diplomacy. Simultaneously, the humanitarian concerns in Lebanon and Israel remind us of the real human cost of conflict, families just like ours looking for safety and peace.

However, as followers of Christ, we aren't surprised by the turbulence. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus told us plainly: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come."

Notice that He didn't just give us a heads-up; He gave us a command: Do not be alarmed.

This isn't a call to be indifferent. It’s a call to be anchored. When we see the world shaking, we don’t have to shake with it. The Prince of Peace is not paced by the news cycle. He isn't surprised by geopolitical shifts. In John 14:27, He promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The world gives "peace" only when things are going well. Jesus gives peace right in the middle of the "wars and rumors." Today, we pray for the leaders of nations, for the protection of the innocent, and for the provision of those in Ukraine and the Middle East. But we do so from a place of rest, knowing who holds the future.

Olive branch on a mountain peak at sunrise, representing peace for nations from Boundless Online Church.

Family Interaction: Staying Anchored

A Bible Study for Parents and Kids

Sit down together today, maybe over a snack or after dinner, and talk about what it means to be "anchored."

Read Together: John 14:27 and Matthew 24:6.

The Discussion:

  1. The "Noise" Check: Ask your kids, "Have you heard anything lately that made you feel a little worried or confused?" (Listen without correcting their feelings).

  2. The Anchor Concept: If you were a boat in a big, wavy bathtub, what would happen if you didn't have a weight holding you down? You’d drift away!

  3. The Truth: Explain that God’s Word is like that heavy anchor. The "waves" are the scary news stories or the things we don't understand. The "anchor" is the promise that Jesus is with us and that He is the Prince of Peace.

The Prayer: "Lord, thank You that You aren't worried. When the world feels loud, help us to hear Your quiet voice. We pray for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. We pray for kids just like us who are in scary places. Thank You for being our Anchor. Amen."

Kids Story: The Anchor in the Storm

Once upon a time, in a bright blue harbor, lived a little boat named Hope. Hope was a sturdy little tugboat with a coat of red paint and a very important job. She helped bigger ships find their way.

One afternoon, the sky began to turn the color of an old bruise, purplish and dark. The wind started to whistle through the docks, and the waves began to jump up and down like they were throwing a tantrum.

The other boats in the harbor started to fret. "Oh no!" cried a shiny speedboat named Dash. "The waves are too big! We’re going to drift away into the dark sea!" "I'm scared!" honked a large ferry. "The wind is pushing me too hard!"

But Hope didn't honk, and she didn't cry. Hope did something very simple. She took her heavy, iron anchor and dropped it down, down, down into the deep, quiet water.

Clink. Splash. Thud.

The anchor hit the solid rock at the bottom of the harbor. The wind blew, Whoosh!: but Hope stayed put. The waves splashed over her bow: Splat!: but Hope didn't move.

Dash the speedboat looked over, surprised. "Hope, why aren't you drifting away? Aren't you scared of the storm?"

Hope smiled, her red paint gleaming even in the rain. "The storm is very loud, Dash. But my anchor is deeper than the waves. I’m not staying still because I’m strong; I’m staying still because my anchor is hooked into something that never moves."

By morning, the sun was out, and the water was as flat as a pancake. Hope was right where she started, safe and sound, because she knew that as long as her anchor was deep, the storm was just a lot of noise.

A red tugboat named Hope anchored deeply in the sea, illustrating spiritual peace for kids. FA Memphis.

The Chronicles of Hope – Chapter 13: The Well of Stillness

The dust of the Great Desert still clung to Silas’s boots as he reached the summit of the Whispering Ridge. Behind him lay the canyons of Confusion, where the echoes of a thousand different voices had tried to lead him off the path.

Before him, tucked into a circle of ancient white stones, lay the Well of Stillness.

It didn't look like much. It was just a simple stone rim filled with water. But as Silas approached, he realized something strange. The sun was high in the sky, hot and bright. Yet, when he looked into the water of the well, he didn't see his own reflection. He saw the stars.

The water was so clear and so deep that it reflected the heavens even in the middle of the day. Silas knelt, his heart racing from the long journey. He had heard the rumors of the armies gathering in the East. He had felt the tremors of the earth that the elders said were signs of the Great Shift.

He dipped his wooden cup into the water. As soon as the cool liquid touched his lips, the noise in his head: the worries about the journey, the fear of the dark: simply vanished. It was as if the water carried the very breath of the Creator.

"Even in the daylight," a voice whispered from the shadows of the stones.

Silas turned to see the Keeper, an old man with eyes that looked like they had seen the beginning of time.

"The stars are always there, Silas," the Keeper said gently. "The sun just makes them hard to see. And the Peace of the Well is always here. The world just makes it hard to hear. Drink deep. The path ahead is long, but the Well goes deeper than the world."

Silas drank again, and for the first time in weeks, he felt truly brave.

Raising Christian Kids: Tips for Navigating "Scary News"

In an age of 24/7 information, our children often absorb more than we realize. Here are a few ways to lead them with a peacemaker’s heart:

  1. Filter the Flow: Be mindful of news broadcasts playing in the background. While we want to be informed, children lack the cognitive framework to process global conflict without feeling personal peril.

  2. Be the "Calm Thermostat": Children look to their parents to see how they should react. If you are anxious, they will be too. When news breaks, take a moment to pray privately before discussing it with them.

  3. Use Concrete Metaphors: Like the story of Hope the boat, use physical objects (anchors, rocks, lanterns) to explain spiritual truths. It gives them a "mental handle" to hold onto when they feel afraid.

  4. Emphasize God’s Sovereignty: Always remind them that nothing catches God by surprise. He is the King of kings, and He is ultimately in control of the nations.

Silas at the Well of Stillness reflecting stars, a scene from the Chronicles of Hope. First Assembly Memphis.

Hands-On Faith: The Peace Anchor Craft

This is a simple, low-cost activity to help your kids remember that Jesus is their anchor.

Materials:

  • One paper plate

  • Blue yarn or string

  • Crayons or markers

  • Scissors and a hole punch

Instructions:

  1. The Anchor: Cut an anchor shape out of the center of the paper plate (or draw one on cardstock and cut it out).

  2. The Waves: Color the remaining rim of the paper plate blue like the ocean.

  3. The Connection: Punch a hole at the top of the anchor and a hole at the top of the plate rim.

  4. The Binding: Tie the anchor to the plate with the blue yarn.

  5. The Verse: Write "Hebrews 6:19" or "Jesus is my Anchor" on the anchor itself.

Spiritual Connection: As you tie the yarn, tell your child: "Just like this string keeps the anchor attached to the boat, our prayers and God’s Word keep us attached to Jesus. No matter how much the 'ocean' shakes, we stay connected to Him!"

Children's paper plate anchor craft on a wooden table, representing being anchored in Jesus. FA Memphis.

As we move through this Tuesday, let's keep our eyes on the Cross. The news may change, but the Good News never does.

Peace be with you.

Stay anchored with us at Boundless Online Church and First Assembly Memphis.

Boundless Online Church An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis (FA Memphis) Website: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org FA Memphis: www.famemphis.org Contact: info@boundlessonlinechurch.org

Copyright of FA Memphis Do not reuse, copy or distribute without FA Memphis written permission.

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