It’s a Scary World For Our Teens, and Us Too
Today, we are seeing a rise in violence and harm towards our children, pre-teens and teens. Whether it is gun violence, physical/sexual assault, or self-inflicted harm, the younger generation is broken and hurting like never before.
In our country, there is an increased devaluation of human life. The sex-trade and human trafficking has crossed borders not only into our country but also in every state. Immoral and worldly propaganda has filled their minds that right is wrong and wrong is right. Protecting our children has become a major priority among parents. A teen in crisis raises that bar of protection because they are more vulnerable due to their shaky foundation.
With so much uncertainty in this volatile world, our teens are also fearful. We may believe their outrageous and risky behavior is coming from a tough interior, but this is not true. They feel hopeless. They think they are worthless. Their future seems bleak to them. They feel alone. In their minds, they don’t believe anyone loves them or cares about them. They too, also see the world changing with not much to look forward to.
So, they do the unthinkable. They try drugs, they give away their bodies to every person who says to them, “I love you.” They drink away their sorrows and hurts. They make very bad choices and decisions based upon how they are feeling each moment, even ones that lead to death.
The world has lied to them. The world has sold them untruths through deceptive words and vying on their vulnerability through the fears and burdens they carry. This is also true of parents. They too, feel hopeless and faithless. Their walk with God is trembling and shaky. They are also fearful of what is happening to their child and don’t have the control to stop it.
But here lies the problem. We as parents have given up. We have allowed satan to convince us that our teen’s problems are beyond any kind of hope or restoration. He has also put into our heads that it is too impossible for God to heal them. What lies has he deceived you with?
I don’t know about you, but I got tired of being shamed by satan that I couldn’t help my child, accepting darts of guilt that it was all my fault, or that my child was too far gone to rescue.
But here is the TRUTH! God is able when we are not. His power is MIGHTY and can overcome ANY obstacle, big or small. God doesn’t need our help. He does desire us to pray for our teens and to seek Him during our difficult times, but in the end, He knows what is best for our child. Yes, this world is scary and at times very hopeless, but God is HOPE. God is also faithful to pursue our child and bring him or her back home to us and Him.
Although we may tire and become weary, God never does. God neither sleeps nor slumbers. Thank goodness, because I’ve been very tired and weary of the battle. How about you?
So what is the answer?
PRAY! Pray without ceasing, but let God guide the way.
MEDITATE ON THE WORD! It is the ONLY thing that will give you strength, encouragement and hope!
SEEK SUPPORT! You need support – from family, friends, the Church. If you don’t have any, seek out a specialized support group or site that truly understands, such as Hurting Moms or Hope For Hurting Parents
I leave you with encouraging scriptures from the Word of God. You are not alone hurting parent. There is hope. A lot of hope!
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes
with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help
you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
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.
Phil 4:6-7 NIV
