“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you . . . I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” -Isaiah 41:9-10
How can you know God loves you? Pose that question to any good Christian and she’ll whip out John 3:16 and hand it to you with a flourish. “‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but… Read More »How to Really, Truly Know God Loves You
Let’s start today’s post on mental health for Christian teens with a quick mental health checkup: What three adjectives would you use to describe how you feel about your life right now? When I consider my life, I feel . . . [Angry, anxious, frustrated, scared, lonely, depressed, stressed, apathetic,… Read More »Mental Health For Christian Teens: Cultivate Joy Outside Yourself
Do you ever wish you could be more aware of Jesus’ presence? Or maybe you struggle with recognizing his presence in your life at all? Christians are always looking for Jesus as though he were a child who wandered away. In truth, he’s been here the whole time. You don’t… Read More »How to be More Aware of Jesus’ Presence
Many years ago, a bizarre incident happened in my hometown: A little boy went missing. I wasn’t there, but I imagine the parents searched high and low, calling his name with growing urgency and perhaps enlisting the help of neighbors and relatives. Eventually, law enforcement was contacted and the search… Read More »Seeking Jesus: Where is He Now?
“It feels like God is watching from his throne far away.” “I’m sure God cared about those guys in the Bible, but I’m not sure he cares about me.” “God doesn’t have time for me.” “Me and God aren’t very close.” If you’ve ever thought or said any of the… Read More »9 Bible Passages for When God Seems Distant and Aloof
Valentine’s Day—a holiday typically adored by swoony couples and loathed by singles everywhere. Where do you land on that spectrum? I didn’t date in high school. It was more a matter of circumstance than a conscious choice. In my circle of close friends—which included boys and girls in near equal… Read More »True Love on Valentine’s Day, No Matter Your Relationship Status
Are you afraid of silence? Earlier this week, I urged you to Turn Down the Volume to Hear God’s Voice—a challenge to take control of your electronic habits before they crowd out the only voice you need to hear. Did you give it a try, or at least a thought? … Read More »Why Christian Teens Need Not Be Afraid of Silence
Fog is a fascinating phenomenon. In the Driftless Region of Wisconsin—an area known for high bluffs and steep valleys—fog can drastically alter perspective. You wake up to a bright, sunny morning on top of the hill, then drive to the edge and find the valley completely filled with thick, white… Read More »Seek the Lord and He Will Be Found By You