My Journal and Diary
2018
August
Friday, August 31st, 2018
The Best Parent
This section of Psalm 119 asks, "How can young people keep their way pure?" and then offers some suggestions.
It's awesome that the writer has even asked this question! Obviously, teens have struggled with purity for thousands of years!
I say that, and then wince a bit: perhaps it's disingenuous to say youth struggle with "impure behaviour," because – let's be honest – we all do! But is it more difficult for teenagers to handle peer pressure? They're at a time in their life when personal integrity may lose out when friends ask them to try a drink, a cigarette, or even something more illicit.
I believe it is largely because parents are often emotionally absent from their children. I've read that rebellion in teenagers starts because they just want to find someone that loves them. They look in the wrong places, and sometimes join up with friends, adopting behaviours that they think will satisfy their longing for love, purpose, and meaning. Unfortunately, these behaviours ultimately result in them feeling detached and alone.
If you're a teen reading this, and you long for love and understanding; if you wish your parents would "get" you and listen to you, then do not despair.
Truly, there is a God who listens to your every word, and who knows everything about you. He is always ready to hear from you, and he won't interrupt! Delight in him! Meditate on his words, and fix your eyes on his ways.
Amen