So Many Voices: Why Every Teen Needs Time With God

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Matthew 14: 22-23

At school, we hear so many voices… Friends. Enemies. Teachers you like. Teachers you don’t. The girl you like. That guy on the football team you don’t.

Then you go home and hear more voices… Mom. Dad. Brother. Sister.

AHHHHH!!!  WHEN DO ALL THE VOICES GO AWAY???

The Quiet Time

Jesus was a popular guy (sometimes unpopular too). When he needed to recharge and get away from all the voices, he would find a cool, isolated spot where he could spend time with God. No matter how crazy life was (and it definitely got crazy!), Jesus always made time to pray.

Every teenager needs his or her own unique time everyday to pray and listen to God. It’s refreshing.

The stress that teens feel from school is huge… and growing. Countless teens struggle with emotional health challenges including anxiety and depression. In fact, 20% of adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Teens are fighting everyday to make right choices that will determine the kind of character they build. Should I try out for the basketball team? What if I don’t make it? Which group should I hang out with during lunch? Should I start drinking? How about sex? These choices are real and aren’t going away anytime soon.

The Answer

If you’re a teen, here are two things that will change your life if you try them everyday:

1. Listen to God’s Voice
2. Find Your Own Voice

Listening to God’s voice means reading the Bible to find out how God sees you and how Jesus made decisions.

• Read Ephesians to learn about internal strength.
• Read Galatians to learn about confidence in God.
• Read Acts to hear a story of a group of friends who changed the world.
• Read Luke to find out how Jesus made friends.

How do you find your voice? The answer is prayer.

Pray about what you felt at school yesterday. Pray about the girl you like. Pray about the kind of friendships you want to have. Pray about the kind of person God wants you to become. Pray about the stress. Pray for your family. Pray with the unique voice that God’s given you. Pray to get all those other voices out of your head.