When Your Spirit Gets Too Weak...

You know why teenagers commit suicide? You know why teenagers smoke, do drugs, etc.? It’s because they see no hope. They think that this is just life, and this is as good as it gets. They feel hopeless, because nothing is going their way. They feel worthless, because nobody seems to care for them. They isolate themselves from the world because they are afraid of rejection. All teenagers want is to fit in. I’m a teenager, and thankfully I don’t have these feelings. Well okay, not all the time is what I mean. I mean I am human… I want to fit in. I don’t want to be the oddball or the weirdo… I understand the feeling. But yet at the same time I realize that there is something so much better. There is so much more to life that is beyond what I see right now. So what if nobody likes me and I’m not the Homecoming Queen? So what that nobody notices me and I’m not the star of the dance team, school play, band, etc.? Sure, it can hurt, sure being noticed is awesome, but you know whose opinion matters to me the most? God’s. I know that sounds real churchy of me, but I’m speaking the truth. Well hey, okay, to be honest, it doesn’t matter the most to me all the time. Many times I’ve cared more about my acceptance with my peers than with Christ. Sometimes, I forget that the only opinion that matters is God’s. Sometimes, I get wound up in what other people think. But ultimately I know, that it’s not about me. One thing I’ve learned is to be content in Christ. Even if I’m having a bad day or even if my clothes are so last season, what matters is if I’m abiding in Christ. Only then can I bear fruit (John 15). And sometimes, when a new situation, like my recent move, arises, I can’t possibly see what good could come out of it. But God can. In Jeremiah 29:11 he promises us that everything that happens is for our good. He can take any situation for His good and His plan. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11) I can’t see past today, but God can. And He has a hold on me for the rest of my life. And you know the best news of all? This isn’t as good as it gets! If you’re a Christian, there’s more for you! This is not your home and this is not your life! This world is temporary. Your true life will begin when your life on this world ends. That’s what all Christians should be living for. Heaven is not a reason to commit suicide! No way at all! While we are on this earth, we have a purpose- to try to lead other people to Christ, so they can have their sins forgiven and be in heaven with us! So don’t figure that since life stinks here you’re better off in heaven, because you are here for a reason! God created you for an amazing purpose and plan! If you’re depressed, for whatever reason, ask God to help you. Ask him to reveal Himself to you in a mighty way. Be honest with him. Tell him, you aren’t satisfied with what you have. That’s a great starting point! God gives more water to those who are thirsty. If you seek after God, he will fulfill you. It may not happen instantly, but I guarantee you that he will. He will give you a peace that is beyond what any man could give you. You may think that a person, a thing, anything but God, can fill up the hole in your soul. Maybe you seek popularity, acceptance, material possessions, or drugs, to fill up the hole inside of you that’s eating you up. But there is only one thing that can fill up the gap in your heart, and it’s Christ Jesus. He understands what you’re going through, because he’s been there too! Remember, he came to earth and died for you! He was in Heaven, the most awesome place, but He humbled himself as a human, and died a tragic death. He did it all for you, because He loves you. He wants to be with you. He craves and desires and thirsts for a relationship with you. Don’t run away from him; embrace him. Think of the prodigal son. If you have lived your life chasing after temporary things, it’s time for you to get out of the pigsty, and into the arms of your father. He is waiting for you. And when you come back to him, He will smother you with kisses, He will celebrate your welcome. You may be thinking, “It’s all nice and such how you’re talking about how much God loves me and wants me, but God doesn’t sit next to me in biology class. I need friends. I can’t go shopping in the mall with God.” It’s true that companionship is important. In fact, God commands fellowship with other believers in His Word. Get involved in your church, your school Bible Club, talk to people. There are people around you that will be your friends, but you may need to make the first move. Just a little while ago, I made a major move from Texas to Tennessee. I know what it’s like to start all over. I still don’t have just bucket loads of friends, but I’ve met people at churches I’ve visited, my classes, and from school play tryouts. I’m thinking about joining a couple of clubs. God has revealed some Christians in my drama class that I love talking to. But before you worry about how many friends you have on earth, get yourself right with God. Then, surround yourself with good Christians who will lift you up and encourage you. And if you can’t find them right away, or if you ever move away and are lonely for a while, it’s okay. Just draw nearer to God, tell him your desires, and He will intercede for you, and He will send you the people in your life that you need to meet. It is not hopeless: God has a mighty plan for you. You are not worthless: Because God treasures you. Isolation from the world: It will not help you. Don’t be afraid to show yourself. Don’t burrow into yourself. You need other people, and the only way they can help you is if you are genuine with yourself and with them. True friends will love you, despite you. Loneliness: It is just a temporary thing. You may think you will never have friends, but maybe God is just waiting for you to ask for them. Show your true colors to others: This is important because that’s the only way to have true friends. Don’t worry about trying to impress people. God created you uniquely, and you are honoring and obeying God when you are true to yourself. Above all else, honor God: The only person that you need to be looking to is God. All others will fail you, but God will be there to lift you up in your time of need. He is always there for you, and He always has your back. He knows what’s best for you; let him in the driver’s seat.

Verse to Live By

Getting Around

Home
Back to Devotions
My Newsletter
Mission Statement
Purity Devotion