How Long, O Lord? When Bibliotherapy Isn’t Enough

These are dark days.

I received an email this week expressing familiar anguish over the haunting reports of 21 followers of Christ who were martyred by ISIS. “I am so grieved by the reports I hear, and I’ve had a hard time explaining to my children (without freaking them out) why we need to pray. I did tell them one day that terrorists over there (after I sort of explained “terrorists”) were doing horrible things to Christian children and we needed to pray for our government AND the church over there…but I feel pretty inept to explain the urgency of prayer here for my own young children… Help! And if I’m thinking this, I bet I’m not the only one….”

When bad things happen (someone dies, moves away, etc.), people often ask, “what books can I give my children to help them understand what is going on?”

bibliotherapy

In times of crisis, your children don’t need bibliotherapy. They need the Bible.

While we at Redeemed Reader are working to develop a list of suitable resources on the persecuted church, martyrdom and Islam that parents can use, my present pain is too deep to wait. I want rest for my own soul and hope to give my children, especially my eight-year-old son who is capable of joining me in prayer.

When I am overwhelmed again with the news of persecuted and martyred Christians who are suffering at the hands of ISIS and Boko Haram, whether last year or last weekend, my heart cries out, “How long, O Lord?” And what shall I tell my children? Encouraged by this post, I am reminded that only Light shines in the darkness. That is the answer for our souls. So I gather my children around me and read Matthew 5:10-12, Revelation 6:9-11 and Acts 7:54-59; 9:1-5.

I am weeping by the last verse. This is the power of Truth that no neat printable booklist can improve upon. One of my favorite lines in C.S. Lewis’s Till We Have Faces is when Orual finally confesses, “You (Lord) are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the answer.

The gospel is the answer to our questions and our fears, and the reason why our brothers and sisters in the Middle East and Nigeria are willing to suffer, and why we must pray for them. There are books out there that may put things into simple language or give examples, but what matters most?

His Word and His example.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

FREE Bible Guide!

Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.

Megan Saben

Megan is Associate Editor for Redeemed Reader, and she loves nothing more than discovering Truth and Story in literature. She is the author of Something Better Coming, and is quite particular about which pottery mug is best suited to her favorite hot drinks throughout the day. Megan lives with her husband and five boys in Virginia.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!

Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.

7 Comments

  1. emily on February 21, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Thank you so much for this reminder to go to God’s word first, Megan. Like you, I wouldn’t say we don’t need other resources, but the Bible is critical–and should be first in our hearts, especially in times of crisis.

  2. Janie Cheaney on February 21, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    You’re so right, Megan. There is no other answer but Christ.

  3. Betsy on February 23, 2015 at 9:45 am

    Thanks, Megan!!

  4. Heather Coulter on February 24, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Beautiful and so true! Why do I ever forget to go to God’s word first?! I will be sharing this with my youngest instead of just talking about it with my olders.

  5. Meg on February 24, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    Thanks for the reminder and challenge to remember Him first. I am reminded by a quote that Spurgeon said, “There are no accidents, no mistakes, and everything is still on schedule.” Whom shall we fear?

  6. Redeemed Reader: a blog review | re:flect-I on March 13, 2015 at 7:21 am

    […] The first post offers insight in discussing persecution with your children in light of the recent martyrdom of 21 Christians in Egypt. Affirming the truth that in times of both persecution and plenty, God’s word must be what people of the cross cling to. […]

  7. […] The first post offers insight in discussing persecution with your children in light of the recent martyrdom of 21 Christians in Egypt: affirming the truth that in times of both persecution and plenty, God’s word must be what people of the cross cling to. […]

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.