We witness a culture of teens in a great spiritual depression. Often adults turn to romantic relationships, screens, and work to cope with their feelings of emptiness instead of seeking fulfillment in the call that God has on their life. Students do the same with dating, sex, social media, rebellious behaviors and over involvement in school activities. Students in public, private, and homeschooling alike, can get sucked into the trap of 'busyness' that is robbing them of peace. I have communicated with three different youth pastors (we are teaching their youth groups this semester) who all said they feel convicted for their students and church families. They feel convicted about the busy schedules of their students. I was shocked to hear this on three different accounts, from three estranged pastors. Students are so busy making their parents, teachers, and coaches proud that they do not even have time to attend a youth group night once a week or attend church on Sunday morning. They don't have time for devotions, meditative prayer, fasting, or even an episode of The Chosen. I admitted that I was devastated by this news. The eternal report card has none of those scores on its sheet. Fellowship, discipleship, and genuine spiritual growth is the real way to impact your child to become a strong Christ Follower in whatever circumstances they are going through, now and in the future.
A group of Senior High School girls that I disciple every Wednesday, regularly just throw out the phrase "it's fine, it's just my depression kicking in, lol". After awkwardly smiling with them the first few meetings, I got the courage to speak up when God told me to. I said with full sincerity that they should understand how the enemy wants to give God’s children disabling identities to keep them in darkness. Do not follow the darkness. We are children of light and have an endless supply of courage and fear-killing strength when we abide in Christ Jesus. He has given us the Holy spirit to speak truth against such lies. It is like the child nursery rhyme "Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you hear, for the Father up above in looking down in love, Oh be careful little eyes what you see/hear". Depressing music, violent shows, smutty YouTube videos, adulterous movies, and destructive friends will ultimately make you think on such things. You need to be around goodness to overflow with goodness. Peace is found in genuine rest knowing that your worth is in Christ alone, not your own efforts to earn favor and love of those around you. I expected the teens to be shy after my little speech but instead I heard many of them openly admit that they "know" what I mean "but that it's hard when the world sucks you in".
Children need routine but if it is suffocating their ability to hear God’s voice then it needs to change. Our teens need weekly interaction with Christ filled people such as pastors, youth leaders, Christian friends, and Christian parents/guardians. I pray for spiritual revival in our Central Valley students. A revival that stops youth from focusing on darkness. And to start focusing on their God given purpose. Many students are numb to the reality of their mortal bodies because they are too busy to ponder the meaning of life. We want those moments of doubt to be filled with true encouragement from loving Christ followers in their weekly life.
Written by Jessica Jacobson; Community Education Manager (when written in 2023)