Kids Bible Devotional for October 1, 2024
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Focus Verse
Proverbs 13:12 Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. (CSB)
Jump Start
“The best journey takes you home."
One of the most popular Christmas songs is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Recorded and released by Bing Crosby in 1943, it was originally written to honor World War II soldiers stationed overseas who wanted to return home for Christmas, “if only in their dreams.”
There is something about home that gives most of us a sense of hope, comfort, and belonging. That’s why when we are away from home for extended periods of time, we become homesick.
When expectations are delayed, such as a need to be near those we love but can’t, we can experience disappointment. After waiting so long, we can lose hope. This can make us heart sick. That’s why hope is so important. And when our hopes are finally realized, it’s like we are brought back to life.
Today's Devotion
Anna sat silently at the kitchen table, picking at her eggs. Her mother took notice. “Why aren’t you eating?” Mom asked.
Anna grimaced. “I’m not really hungry. I don’t feel so good.”
Her mother felt her forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever. Is it because today is ‘Bring Your Dad to School’ Day?”
Anna shrugged, corralling a stray piece of scrambled egg. “Maybe. It’s just no fun. For the last two years, I’ve seen my friends bring their dads, but I can’t because mine is stationed in some foreign country far away.”
“Tell you what,” her mother said, taking Anna’s plate. “You go to school today, and tonight we’ll go someplace nice for dinner. How’s that sound?”
“I guess.” She peered out the window. “Well, there’s the bus.” She grabbed her backpack and headed out the door. When she arrived at school moments later, she tried to ignore the kids walking in with their dads. This only made her sadder.
Mrs. Grayson, her homeroom teacher, greeted her at the entrance. “Anna, we’re all meeting first thing in the auditorium.”
Anna begrudgingly followed her teacher into the auditorium. When Mrs. Grayson opened the door, Anna was surprised to see her mother there. Anna’s gaze quickly fell on a man dressed in a camouflage uniform who emerged from beside her mother.
She lifted her eyes and stared in disbelief into a familiar face. Her heart fluttered. Could it be?
The man dropped to his knee and opened his arms. “Hey, Anna Banana. I’m home,” her father announced.
Anna flung her backpack onto the floor and raced into his embrace. Tears welled up in Anna’s eyes as the auditorium erupted into a cacophony of claps and shouts.
Her mother whispered in her ear. “Aren’t you glad you came to school? This assembly is all for you to properly help you welcome your dad home.”
Wrap Up
The writer of Hebrews says that hope is the anchor of the soul. When life tosses us to and fro with disappointments and aggravations, our hope in Jesus keeps us grounded.
There are times when God makes us wait. These times can try our faith. When these times come, hold onto this verse – Psalms 31:24, “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.”
Don’t lose hope and don’t despair. Keep the faith. God will give you the strength you need to endure life’s delays.
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