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Of course we do not claim to speak for God. However, by application, we can weave the truths of Scripture into what a letter from God might look like if written to the parent of a teen son who is struggling in his relationship with God.
We encourage you to read this and then study for yourself the scriptures mentioned and let God speak to and encourage your heart. |
As parents, we need to do all we can to remove stumbling blocks and barriers to good communication with our children, seeking to help restore them to obedience in listening to us as parents. Although the final responsibility is on our teens to listen, we certainly must make sure we are not failing in some areas ourselves and creating barriers to their listening.
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These Scripture verses from 2 Timothy and 2 Peter focus on the importance of the Bible to encourage us, correct us, equip us for every good work (like parenting), and more. We have compiled a list of Bible verses that we feel will be of specific help to parents of struggling teens. We have added some notes of explanation and advice that we hope you’ll also find helpful.
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When is it time to look outside of your home for help with your struggling teen? This is a question that we often deal with. Do you sometimes feel like your son is beyond hope? Do you feel like you’re alone in raising your teenager and he will hear nothing of what you have to say or teach him? Here is a list of some key things to watch for in your teen and to know when it is time to send him somewhere outside of the home. It is hard to ask for help as a parent but also necessary at a point.
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Perhaps you have a son who is lost and running away from God. Please know that God is working to draw him back. Your prayers are not in vain. Your tears are not lost. God himself loves that boy and is at work. As you are led to pray, God’s Spirit is working too. He loves deeply. Continue to hope for the day your boy comes home and you along with God run to meet him.
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The Bible reminds parents and specifically dads not to provoke their children. Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." What does it mean here when it says not to provoke your child to anger? The phrase "do not provoke your children to anger" basically means not to do things that cause them to be irritated, frustrated or even enraged. We (especially dads) have to be constantly aware of our actions and our child's reaction to make sure this is not occurring. It is important to remember that anger and frustration can show itself differently in our children based on their personalities. Some may actually become enraged and yell, cuss or even fight. Others of a more introverted temperament may become withdrawn, discouraged and defeated, feeling like they can never measure up to our expectations.
We came across a great article by Pastor John MacArthur highlighting 8 ways that parents may be irritating children and not even realize it. Here are the 8 ways from Dr. MacArthur. |
We see often see in Scripture the saints of God in times of suffering. Adam and Eve suffered the murder of their son by his own brother. Job suffered the loss of almost all he had. The faithful Christians in Revelation suffered and even in Heaven seem to question why they were not being avenged for their suffering. Hebrews 11 has a whole list of suffering saints. We are faced with the question of why God’s children suffer if an all-powerful God loves and cares for them. Though that seeming dilemma is not the point of this article, a few quick notes may lead you to further help and study.
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Take some time to spend with your teen but don't just watch a movie or play a video game, TALK. Grab some coffee at Starbucks, go fishing, take a drive, go shopping or just take them out for their favorite meal.
Here are some conversation starters to help deepen the communication and make the time more meaningful. |
Depending on a child's personality type, they may act in different ways when faced with problems and challenges. Some act out in anger and aggression while others begin to shy away from family and friends, become very depressed and reclusive. Those who act in anger seem to get noticed first. An effort is made to help. Those who become quiet and discouraged often go unnoticed for longer periods of time. Here are 9 Biblical ways to help defeat depression.. We hope you'll read them all, but at least scroll through the list below and allow God to use some of them to help you help your teen. You are not alone in your struggle.
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