Sometimes I see the pain of this world and question God's plan, power and provision.   I wonder, is it wrong to be angry at God?  Is it wrong to ask why?

​​All around us is a broken world - a world broken because of sin.  Physical and emotional pain, abuse, sickness, death, loneliness, poverty, oppression....the list of pain can go on and on.  We wonder if God is in control and WHY there is so much pain in our world.

​When we read Psalms, we can see the bold questions that the Psalmist asked.....
"Why, O Lord, do you stand off?  Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Ps. 10:1). 
​"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?" (Ps. 22:1) 

​​Reading the Psalms also reminds us that God can handle our questions.  He listens and can understand our doubt and anger. God hates poverty, suffering, oppression, etc....more than we do.   That's why he sent his son.  He loves the poor, the dirty, the broken.  He is here, the only one who can fulfill their needs.

​TO ENCOURAGE:
​Teens can often feel overwhelmed by their own or others' pain.  Like us, they can feel that God doesn't care or wonder why God allows such pain.   Encourage them to talk to God, to ask the questions and to seek answers.   Asking "why, God?" isn't a sign of weak faith, God is big enough to handle our questions.   When our hurt and confusion lead us to run into the arms of God, we find peace.   Even as we ask "why", we can remember that God sent his son to die for us and that God is redeeming the world, making all things new.

PRAYER
​"Lord, I know you feel our sadness.  Give us strength to follow you through dark times.  Help us to hold on to your promises and to live each day with joy, gratitude, and love.  Help us to live in ways that point others to you so that, one day, we can all be together.  Amen.

Fueling our bodies is important.   We must eat and drink to survive and we all know that it's better to choose healthy foods and pay attention to what we put into our bodies.  We need the proper fuel for our bodies to function well.

​It's also important to fuel our mind with God's word.   When we fuel up with scripture and prayer, we keep ourselves spiritually fit to "run with perseverance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12"1b NRSV).

CHALLENGES:
​In keeping with the theme of healthy foods, you and your youth may want to try planting a garden if you haven't before!   Container gardening is a great way to get started and start small.   Many containers are tall and deep enough to grow a few vegetables.  Discover how good food tastes when you grow it yourselves!

​Keep yourselves spiritually full and encourage your teen to do the same!   Read the Bible, pray, get involved in church, attend Bible studies.....all of these things add the right fuel for our minds!

​For you and your teen: Allow God to work in you and through you.  Ask yourselves if you are bearing fruit?  Or if you need some added fertilizer?  Choose to spend time with God, who will change you from the inside out, and surround yourselves with other people who will invest their time in caring for you so that you will bear fruit!  

 "My God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19)
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Addiction: When we think of addiction we generally think of drug and alcohol addiction, but in reality addictions come in many shapes and sizes: drugs, alcohol, coffee, soda, music, books, gambling, porn, chocolate, TV, being with others, being alone, acceptance, busy-ness, self-sufficiency, social media, etc... -- so many ways to get ensnared and to feel trapped and alone!

​Human beings are prone to excess, especially with things that make us feel good in the short term.   Such things can start out as beneficial; but can also take over our lives, holding us captive, and perhaps become more important to us than God.

​Youth are no exception to this.   They may feel powerless to stop the addiction they are facing - whatever it is - and often feel confused and alone.   Helping them to know that God is always with them and is with them in their struggles is an important step in helping them understand and control their addictions.

Things to try:
​Prayer.   If your youth feels that something in their life has taken the place of God, they can pray this prayer: God, I admit that I have made something of this would more important than you.  forgive me, and help me to recognize the sin of idolatry before it takes hold in my life again.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

​Practice Self Control:   Think jigsaw puzzles.  Just one more piece, and I'll go to bed...just one more - and it's two in the morning.   Add anything here....video games, checking facebook or snapchat, eating, swearing.....   To work against the addiction, you may want to suggest that your youth make a list of more constructive things to do.   List them by priority.  When they are tempted to start the addictive behavior, begin with the top priority on this list.  Check it off when complete; and move to the second.   Encourage them to start living purposefully, enjoy the satisfaction, and thank God for the achievement!
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