Psalm 146.5-10
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.” God is our helper! What is man without God as helper? Helpless, hopeless, hapless. God also created for the man, Adam, a helper suitable for him. What is man without woman as helper? Helpless, hopeless, hapless. God be praised for the help he provides!
Job 30.16-31
For younger children read at least Psalm 146.5 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about sometimes we try to do things entirely on our own. That can be very good. We should grow to be independent. Most 40 year olds should not have mom still tying their shoes. But we should never outgrow out dependence on God’s help. We are blessed by his help, hopeless without it.
For older children you could discuss this note – “Job is excused though he was not troubled by past evil deeds [Job 2.3-10]. Therefore, troubles are not always punishments or signs of wrath. Indeed, terrified consciences should be taught that there are more important purposes for afflictions [2 Corinthians 12.9], so that they do not think God is rejecting them when they see nothing but God’s punishment and anger in troubles…So Paul says God’s strength ‘is made perfect in weakness’ [2 Corinthians 12.9] Because of God’s will, our bodies should be sacrifices, to declare our obedience, and not to pay for eternal death. God has another price for that: the death of His own Son.” Apology of the Augsburg Confession XIIB (VI) 61-63
John 9.1-23
For younger children read at least John 9.5 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how we get our life from him in the new birth of Baptism.
For older children you could discuss this – “Do not be blinded by popular notions about miracles or suffering. Trust your Lord. Look for His blessings in the midst of all circumstances, and seek opportunities to glorify ‘the works of God’ through Jesus, your Savior. Know that God works in your life right now whether you see 20/20 or are totally blind. Certainly pray for miracles. But also praise the Lord for working through more than miracles., for working through suffering, pain, loss, and even death.” The Lutheran Study Bible
Write it on the heart verses – Psalm 146.5 and John 9.5
Small Catechism for the week: The Third Petition Thy will be done on earth as in heaven. What does this mean? God’s good and gracious will certainly is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when he breaks and defeats every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh, which try to prevent us from keeping God’s name holy and letting his kingdom come. And God’s will is done when he strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and in the faith as long as we live. This is his good and gracious will.
Small Catechism question for the day: How is God’s will done in our lives? Romans 16.20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Only by grace is his will done.