GUILT & ANXIETY

Dear Christian teens,

Do ever feel ashamed or guilty?

Sometimes you might feel as if you don't live up to what Christ has given to you.

Maybe you feel unworthy because He went through so much pain that you deserve.

But when did you ever think that this might be a sin?

Do you ever fear for your future?

Things might not be working out for you, or your heart is conflicted.

Some days you feel no hope.

But have you ever thought that this might be a sin?

When you're guilty of the fact that someone else went through pain for you, you're simply staying aware of Christ's love, right?

And when you're anxious, you're just sad, right?

Wrong.

Christians, please know that this is not from God.

These are pitiful sins.
Being anxious is only losing trust in God and taking things in your own hands to worry about.
Being shameful of who you are is only rejecting Christ's gift of peace and joy.

So, in our sorrows we tend to feel bad for ourselves and become anxious, or maybe even guilty.

But our Father never wanted for us to drown our sadness in anxiety and worry, or guilt and shame.

He called for us to rise up, take on the truth of His Word, and glorify His name.

He wants us to be joyful, and fight the enemy.
So don't let the devil get in your mind and whisper lies that you have no hope and you will never measure up to God's love.

Listen to these truths:
Hebrews 12:2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Philippians 4:6-7
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Christians! Lay aside what is weighing you down, look to Jesus, and run the race.
He has freed you of the shame...now receive the joy He's offered you!
Let go of your anxiety, give it to God, and tell Him all your thoughts and feelings.
His unending peace will bless you greatly.

Now rise above what is evil...honor our Savior in Heaven with joy and love!
For we are conquerors.
Ignore the lies, live in the truth.

sincerely,
                      Sophie

IT'S HIS TIMING

Dear Christian teens,

Sometimes our hearts ache at what isn't anymore.

Our God has blessed us with so much, but we still miss what we once had.

Not necessarily something of material value, 

but something of much greater satisfaction.

We still know we haven't completely lost everything, 

but the abundance of it all seems to slowly thin.

Then again, we know we're not to complain...for we are still blessed beyond measure.

But when things begin to change, and you don't know how to handle it, you can't help but feel loneliness and loss.

Then your anxiety and doubts start to creep in.

You have an unending, but distant feeling of sadness.

We're going to be okay, for we have God, our Father on our side.

He eases our pain and gives a still peace.

We simply have to know that we have an all-sufficient Friend.

Jesus. Forever Jesus.

He is like a balm and soothing medicine for the soul.

Just as the things we've felt we've lost...

Except ever more lasting.

Christians, there are times when our Father blesses us with wonderful things.

Sometimes spiritually, sometimes in our ministry, maybe even just through our family and friends.

But remember, there is a season for everything.

God has an extravagant plan...sometimes it requires seasons that are dry.

But know that He does this only to grow your heart. 

You're going to be okay.

You know why?

Because you have an all-powerful God as your Father and Friend.

He will ease your pain, and give you the most still peace.

sincerely,

                 Sophie