Teens Struggle to Belong

Teenager are desperate to belong somewhere. Anywhere. Unfortunately, this need often points them in the wrong direction. They start innocently enough, walking awkwardly along the fringe, trying to keep in step with a group of wayward peers. Weeks pass, and their awkwardness disappears. Within weeks, these teens are found standing in the way of sinners, counted as part of the crowd. Soon they’ll sit in the company of mockers, revered by other teens desperate to belong.

I spoke with the principal of a private Christian school, grades K4-12. She agonizes about the generation slipping through our fingers and the snowball-effect which will follow. She says, “Families desperately need grandparents to step in and get involved.”

We, as grandparents,need to stop watching from the sidelines. Instead, we need to be intentional building relationships with our grandchildren. We must affirm them of their value and create an environment where they know they’re loved and praying for them on a daily, if not more, basis.

The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).

A Grandparent’s Prayer

Dearest Lord Jesus,

We pray on behalf of our grandchildren. Let them set their minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, putting to death what is earthly in them: sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk. Pierce their conscience, so they cannot lie.

Let them put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience and bearing with one another. Show them how to forgive one another as you, Lord, have forgiven them. And above all, let them put on love for their family, friends and those less fortunate than themselves.

May they be prosperous and bear fruit.

In Christ Name,
Amen

(Praying Scripture for our grandchildren yields powerful results. The words of this prayer are from Colossians 3:2-14)