“For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.” Psalm 71:5-6
That is the funny thing about pre-teens and teens. They seem so confident and cocky. They act as if they are invincable, and yet they are so vulnerable to peer presuures. Truly a age of dichotomy.
David, as a youth, faced a giant named Goliath and defeated him. He knew his confidence came from God and God alone. In the Psalms he calls God his refuge, his rock and his strength. Kids today face many Goliaths in their lives. Walking down the halls of their schools where God is banned is just one. The popular music today seems so angry, the voices yelling to be heard, the beat strong and in your face. They have a world of information at their fingertips, yet many do not have a clue about the One who came to save it, and them.
As parents, grandparents and as the elders, we cannot shirk our repsonsibility to reach out to our youth – however we can. Even if all you can do is pray, pray fervently that these kids will realze they need to rely on Jesus, to let their confidence stem from Him. If they are going to respect themselves and others , they must know in their hearts from whence they came and learn to turn to Him everytime the giants come over the next hill. In fact, don’t we as well?
Heavenly Lord, You created us, your children and love us dearly. You are our strength and our comfort, no matter what giants we face in our world. Pour out your Spirit on the youth. Call them to Your side and give them peace in the midst of chaos and decisions. And strenghten their parents and grandparents in faith so they may be an example. Guide all your children to know you and rely on you more and more each day. For in You alone are our confidence, our strength and Our Redeemer. Amen
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18
