We live in a near-constant state of panic for kids’ safety. Some schools have banned kids from playing tag, and all balls have to be made of foam. Others won’t let kids walk home from school until they are in middle school. It seems we no longer let our children play, take risks, or explore life without adequate adult supervision.

It’s almost as if we believe that to be a good parent you must always be in control, manage every situation for your children, and never allow them to feel pain or adversity. Really, though, this makes us slaves to fear, which means we have forgotten God’s promises. We forget that he knows the plans he has for our children, that he is the one who carries lambs in his arms, that he loves them more than we do.

True, God’s love isn’t some magic bubble; it doesn’t make children emergency-room-visit proof. They will get stitches, break bones, and get sick. They will have their hearts broken.

That’s when we remind ourselves that God’s love gives us the right to go to him with our fears—and leave them with him. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8).