Philippians 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a man called Paul. Paul loved Jesus very much. But Paul was in prison. It was dark there. And cold. And a bit scary.
You would think: now Paul is sad. But no! Paul was happy. Really happy. Do you know why? Because Jesus was with him. Even in that dark prison.
Paul had a piece of paper. And a pen. He wanted to write a letter. A letter to his friends far away. Those friends were sometimes worried. Sometimes a bit sad too.
Paul wrote: "Dear friends, be happy! Be happy in Jesus. I will say it again: be happy!"
And Paul wrote something else. Something very important. He wrote: "Are you worried? Then tell it to God. Just talk to Him. God listens. Always."
What Does This Mean?
Sometimes you feel afraid. Maybe of the dark. Or of a big dog. Or when Mama leaves.
Paul says: you may tell God everything. Really everything. God is not too busy. God is not too big. God bends down close. Very close. And He listens.
And then something happens. Something wonderful. God gives you peace. Peace is like a warm blanket. Around your heart. Then you feel: it is going to be okay. God is with me.
The Common Thread
Paul could be so happy because of Jesus. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus came to the earth. Jesus loves you. Very, very much.
Jesus is like a good Shepherd. He watches over you. By day. And by night. When you sleep, Jesus is there. When you wake up, Jesus is there. Even in a dark prison, Jesus is there.
That is why Paul could sing. Even with chains on his hands.
For You
Paul wrote one more thing. Listen carefully. Paul said: "Think about beautiful things. About good things. About things that make you happy."
So think about a butterfly. Or about the sun on your face. About a hug from Daddy. About the taste of an apple. About your soft bed.
All those things come from God. God made them. For you.
And when you are scared? Then whisper it. Just whisper: "God, I am scared." God hears you. Even when no one else hears. God always hears.
Paul was in prison. But his heart was free. Because Jesus was there. Your heart can be free too. Every day.
Talk About It
What makes you really happy? Can you name three things?
What do you want to tell God today? Something happy, or something scary?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for Jesus. Thank You that You always listen. When I am scared, I may come to You. When I am happy, I may come too. Please give me Your peace. Like a warm blanket around my heart.
Amen.
Questions about Philippians 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Philippians 4 about?
What does Philippians 4 say?
What does Philippians 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Philippians 4?
Why is Philippians 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice Paul says he learned the secret of being filled too, not only of being hungry. We assume plenty needs no training. But a full table can quiet your prayers faster than an empty one. "I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound." Whichever season you are in right now, it is a classroom. What is it teaching you about where your contentment actually lives?
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Notice where the thanks goes. Not after the answer arrives, but inside the asking, while your hands are still empty. Paul wrote this from a prison cell. What are you waiting on that you could start thanking Him for now?
Paul had just received a gift from people who had little, and his first concern was not his own empty stomach. "Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account." He was happier about what the giving did in them than what it did for him. Who do you give to like that? Not to be thanked, but because something grows in them when they learn to open their hands.
Count the affection in one sentence: "my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown... my beloved." Paul says beloved twice, as if once wasn't enough. Then, wrapped inside all that warmth, the command: "stand firm in the Lord."
He knew you don't hold your ground because someone shouted at you. You hold it because someone loves you that much.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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