Dear Parents,
Have you experienced loss or a situation that caused you a great deal of pain? Most of us have. Pain and loss are aspects of life that everyone encounters at some point in time. Whether a lost job or a lost friend or relationship, loss hurts and letting go is not easy! It can be ugly and painful; it can cause bitterness and depression; it can feel like we are being punished or disciplined. Proverbs 3:12 says "The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Please understand, I am not suggesting that every loss/hurt is an act of God's discipline. However, there are times when we need to make a choice about how we handle the loss/hurt. We could grow bitter, harvesting the hurt and pain from what happened; replaying the scene over and over in our hearts and minds. But the only thing that does is make us more miserable. Matthew 6:15 challenges us to change: "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not fogive your sins." When we surrender the hatred and bitterness in our heart, we can truly be free to live a new life. God never designed human shoulders to carry the weight of the world
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Ask your teen...
In what ways do you try to carry the weight of the world?
What worries do you need to let go of?
Who do you need to forgive?
Challenge your teen...
What will you change in the New Year in order to become the person you want to be?
Prayer...
Lord, please help us to let go of the anger we hold so tight and to walk closer with you each day of our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Have you experienced loss or a situation that caused you a great deal of pain? Most of us have. Pain and loss are aspects of life that everyone encounters at some point in time. Whether a lost job or a lost friend or relationship, loss hurts and letting go is not easy! It can be ugly and painful; it can cause bitterness and depression; it can feel like we are being punished or disciplined. Proverbs 3:12 says "The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Please understand, I am not suggesting that every loss/hurt is an act of God's discipline. However, there are times when we need to make a choice about how we handle the loss/hurt. We could grow bitter, harvesting the hurt and pain from what happened; replaying the scene over and over in our hearts and minds. But the only thing that does is make us more miserable. Matthew 6:15 challenges us to change: "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not fogive your sins." When we surrender the hatred and bitterness in our heart, we can truly be free to live a new life. God never designed human shoulders to carry the weight of the world
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Ask your teen...
In what ways do you try to carry the weight of the world?
What worries do you need to let go of?
Who do you need to forgive?
Challenge your teen...
What will you change in the New Year in order to become the person you want to be?
Prayer...
Lord, please help us to let go of the anger we hold so tight and to walk closer with you each day of our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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