Emotions / Hard Situations

When the Trip Goes Sideways

Proverbs 16:9

Psalm 10:2 for Kids: God Sees What Is Unfair

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 10:2 that God sees the unfair things that sit heavy in a child's heart and takes care of what they cannot.

Psalm 10:2

Psalm 9:19 for Kids: When a Problem Feels Too Big

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 9:19 that helps kids hand a too-big problem to God and let their shoulders relax.

Psalm 9:19

Psalm 9:13 for Kids: When Someone Is Unkind to You

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 9:13 that helps kids take the sting of an unkind day to God, who is gentle with hurting hearts.

Psalm 9:13

Psalm 9:12 for Kids: God Hears the Quiet Cries

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 9:12 that God hears the quiet tears no one else sees, so kids who hurt know they are noticed and cared for.

Psalm 9:12

Psalm 9:6 | God Outlasts Every Hard Thing

This episode uses a sandcastle and the tide to show a child that big troubles fade, while God and His love last forever.

Psalm 9:6

Psalm 9:5 | Wrong Things Do Not Last Forever

This episode gives a child the hopeful comfort that hurtful things do not go on forever, because God is making them end.

Psalm 9:5

Psalm 9:3 | Your Troubles Do Not Last

This episode helps a child see that troubles look big in the dark but lose their power when God, like a light in the room, is near.

Psalm 9:3

Missing Home: God Is in the Missing Too (Psalm 23:4 for Kids)

Homesickness in the middle of a summer trip is real, and God is right there in it. Through Psalm 23:4 and David the shepherd walking real valleys, kids learn that God is not just in the green pastures, He is in the valley too, plus three real moves to try when the missing hits.

Psalm 23:4

The Long Drive Patience Test: How God Grows Patience in Kids (James 1:4)

Patience grows in the stuck moments, not the easy ones. Through James 1:4 and the back seat at hour three of a long summer drive, kids learn that endurance gets built when you stick it out, plus three real moves to try the next time the car gets long.

James 1:4

Psalm 7:16 | You Can Let It Go Tonight

This episode gives a child a clear picture for releasing a heavy day, like setting a backpack on the floor and letting their shoulders relax.

Psalm 7:16

Psalm 7:14 | Wrong Things Do Not Win

This episode helps a child set down something unkind that happened today and trust God to handle how the story ends.

Psalm 7:14

Choosing Joy Over Chasing Happy: Why a Kid's Joy Does Not Depend on a Good Day

Joy is bigger than a good day. Through Philippians 4:4 and Paul writing those words from a prison cell, kids learn the difference between happy, which depends on the day going well, and joy, which comes from knowing Jesus is with them always. Three simple moves help them choose steady joy all summer.

Philippians 4:4

Psalm 7:1: A Bedtime Verse for Kids Who Need a Safe Place to Run

When kids go to bed feeling like the day was too much, this Psalm reframes God as a safe place they can always run to, welcoming, listening, caring.

Psalm 7:1

Psalm 6:7: A Calm Bedtime Verse for Kids Who Feel Worn Out

When kids feel worn out from a hard day, this Psalm walks them toward sleep by anchoring them in God's care, peace, and presence.

Psalm 6:7

Jesus Calms the Storm: He's Bigger Than the Storms Inside You

A 5-minute kids devotional on Mark 4 and the storm Jesus calmed. Helps kids name the noisy feelings inside them and gives three small ways to hand them over to Jesus.

Mark 4:39

Is It Bad to Be Mad at God When Life Feels Unfair?

A real kid question: is it bad to be mad at God when life feels unfair? The honest answer is no. Pastor Justin walks kids through King David's prayer in Psalm 13, where David literally asks God 'where are you?', and lands them in the truth that God is big enough for honest feelings, not just polite ones.

Psalm 13:1

You’re Never Alone

Elijah felt completely alone and discouraged, but God reminded him that he wasn’t the only one still following Him. This shows that even when we feel isolated for doing what’s right, God is with us and there are others who stand with us too.

1 Kings 19:10

The Unforgiving Servant, Episode 2: The Fellow Servant

Episode 2 of a 5-part series on the Unforgiving Servant. Same parable, different POV. Pastor Justin voices the fellow servant who owed a small debt, begged for time, and got grabbed and thrown in prison instead of the mercy he expected.

Matthew 18:28

You Do Not Have to Be Strong All by Yourself

Choosing the Right Thing When It’s Hard

In today’s episode, Pastor Justin talks about courage and obedience through the story of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22).

Daniel 6:22

Jesus Understands Our Sad Days

In today’s episode, Pastor Justin talks about sadness and big feelings through the story of Jesus and Lazarus in John 11:35.

John 11:35

Quick to Listen

In today’s Monday episode, Pastor Justin explores James 1:19 and why being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry matters so much.

James 1:19

Doing the Right Thing When It’s Hard

What does Jesus say when you do the right thing and it still feels hard?

Matthew 5:10

Jesus Is Here | Christmas Day Devotional for Kids Carpooling with Jesus Kids Devotional

I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re celebrating the best news the world has ever heard: Jesus is here.

Luke 2:15

Emmanuel God With Us | Christmas Eve Devotional for Kids Carpooling with Jesus Kids Devotional

It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re talking about the moment love arrived.

Matthew 1:23

Born in a Manger | God’s Love for Everyone

Luke 2:6–7 (CSB) tells us that when Jesus was born, He wasn’t placed in a palace or a fancy bed.

Luke 2:6–7

Joy Will Have Your HaBakkuk | Advent Devotional for Kids Carpooling with Jesus Kids Devotional

I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here as we continue our Advent journey toward Christmas.

Habakkuk 3:17–18

Let Peace Win Today

Colossians 3:15

Scared of Losing a Pet? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids who lost a pet or are scared of losing one. Pastor Justin walks them through John 11:35 (the shortest verse in the Bible: 'Jesus wept'), names that Jesus took time to feel sadness with his friends, and lands them in the truth that grief over a pet matters to God because what matters to your kid matters to him.

John 11:35

What Should I Do If I'm Being Bullied?

An honest answer to the question kids most often ask about bullying. Why it's not your fault, what to do today, and the reminder that you're never out of options.

Luke 23:34

How to Handle Anger Like Jesus

In today’s Carpooling with Jesus episode, Pastor Justin dives into Proverbs 29:11 to talk about what it means to stay calm and choose wisdom when you’re feeling frustrated, upset, or ready to explode.

Proverbs 29:11

When You Mess Up, Don't Give Up

📖 Proverbs 24:16 — “Though a righteous person falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.” We all mess up sometimes.

Proverbs 24:16

How to Stay Calm When You're Angry

🚗 Whether you’re annoyed at your sibling from breakfast or thinking about that one kid at school who pushes your buttons, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 15:1

Thankful in Everything: Even on Hard Days

It’s easy to be thankful when you get a gift, win a prize, or hear your favorite dinner is on the table.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Jealousy vs Joy: What Jesus Says When You Want What Others Have

Ever feel jealous when someone else gets the spotlight, scores the winning goal, or gets the bigger dessert?

James 3:16-17

When You Feel Left Out: God Never Leaves You

6: “He will not leave you or abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

What to Do When You're Mad: Gentle Words and Self-Control

Whether you’re clenching your teeth after a tough start or fuming over a sibling squabble, today’s Carpooling with Jesus is here to help you cool down and choose peace.

Proverbs 15:1

Where Were You, Jesus? Mary and Martha on Grief and Faith

🎧 Carpooling with Jesus – A daily podcast for kids and families Today we’re talking about a hard but honest moment in the Bible—when Mary and Martha both said to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” (John 11:21, 32 CSB) It was more than a statement.

John 11:35

When Anger Takes the Wheel: What Samson Got Wrong

shows exactly what happens when we let anger take control.

Judges 15:15

Jesus in the Garden and What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

It’s the week leading up to Easter, and today we’re stepping into one of the most emotional and powerful moments in Jesus’ life—the night He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:39

When You Feel Alone: The Elijah Story Kids Need to Hear

🚗 Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus—the short, fun, faith-filled podcast for kids and families!

1 Kings 19:10

When Life Feels Unfair: Joseph in Prison

Whether you’re heading to practice, sitting around the table, or getting ready for bed, I’m so glad you’re here.

Genesis 39:21

When Life Feels Unfair: Trusting God Like Joseph

Whether you’re heading to school, off to practice, or just hanging out at home, I’m so glad you’re here.

Genesis 37:23-24

Blessed Are the Persecuted: Standing Strong for What's Right

oday, we wrap up the Be Attitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount with a powerful lesson from Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Have you ever been left out or made fun of for doing the right thing?

Matthew 5:10

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn: Finding Comfort in Jesus

In today’s episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin explores the second Beatitude from Matthew 5:4: ”Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mourning is when we feel deep sadness, but Jesus promises that God will comfort us in those moments.

Matthew 5:4