I’m a big believer in memorizing scripture. The God-breathed messages come in handy when demons invade. Which they do. Daily.
After all, Satan’s full-time job is to invade our lives and make us believe his evil lies. If he can shake our confidence in God’s goodness, he wins.
Satan targets teens because they have open minds and hearts. Life experiences haven’t yet jaded them. They’re willing to listen to and follow a demon’s subtle suggestions. If they’re not careful, they succumb to Satan’s lies, finding themselves anxious, depressed, or insecure.
I’ve watched many teens cycle through a pattern of listening to the wrong people, making unwise decisions, and becoming entangled in webs of hopelessness. Some withdrew into themselves, rarely speaking. Others, seeking acceptance and love, allowed their bodies to be used. And several even practiced self-harm.
My heart has been broken many times, yearning to speak the truth but unable to intervene. And so, in my little way, I’d like to help by providing a list of scriptures teens can repeat when they’re feeling disconnected and alone.
I have two “Go To” Bible verses that I’ve memorized and use regularly. When my self-confidence needs bolstering, I whisper Philippians 4:13 to myself, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” And then I find I have the inner strength to complete my project.
When I’m worried, which has been a lot during this year-and-a-half on the COVID roller coaster, I remind myself of God’s promise in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes I have to say this twice before my heart rate slows.
Do you have any “Go To” verses?