14
November 2015 SR
Contrary to popular belief, being a teenager is hard. It brings the struggles
of high school, extracurricular activities, piles of homework, college
searches, part-time job applications, trying to fit in, learning how to main-
tain relationships, and so much more. It’s easy to be consumed with these
things. It seems like you’re being swallowed up by due dates, demands
from coaches, and requests from parents. We take it all on thinking we’re
some kind of superhuman and before we know it, we snap. Something tiny
suddenly seems like the end of the world and this perfectly balanced system
comes crashing down. Trust me, we’ve all been there.
I know this feeling as well as anybody, and most of the time I’m too stub-
born to ask for help. While I’m being absorbed by these worldly things, I
often forget to look to God. When you have a
constant checklist of things that need to be done,
it’s easy to push God to the side, thinking,
“Do I
really
need to have a set prayer time today?”
or “It wouldn’t hurt anything if I skipped Bible study this week, would it?”
These statements couldn’t be more wrong. God doesn’t want us to be so
wrapped up in the things of this world that we shut Him out. In fact, He
wants to help us. And if I’m being completely honest, we can’t do it without
Him.
The Bible is full of scripture that tells us to give everything to God rather
than be in a constant state of stress. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden
on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be
moved.” We see something similar to this in 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.”
So as the school year progresses and you find yourself being overtaken by
standardized tests, college essays, sports, volunteer hours, homework, and
whatever else you may be involved with, remember, you’re not alone. Turn
to
God rather than turning
from
Him, and He will help you tackle whatever
comes your way.
THE BEACON
Gabi Osborn
Boulder SDB Church, CO
SR
Let's Thank God
