Inviting God In

Elizabeth Brooks

June 12

Key Verse: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7

As a teen, your life is filled with changes, challenges, and choices. You're at a stage where you're beginning to make decisions that shape who you are and who you will become. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the future. But remember, you're not alone on this journey. God is with you, and He wants to be involved in every aspect of your life.

Understanding God's Presence:
You might wonder, "If God already knows what's happening in my life, why do I need to talk to Him about it?" It's a good question! The simple answer is: relationship. God created us for a relationship with Him. Just as you share your thoughts and feelings with your friends to grow closer to them, God wants you to share your life with Him. Praying isn't about informing God; it's about inviting God into your life, your choices, and your challenges.

Shifting Perspective:
Inviting God into something means changing how we see our circumstances. Instead of viewing a problem as a giant obstacle, we can see it as an opportunity to trust God and to witness His power in our lives. When we invite God in, we're saying, "I can't do this on my own, but I believe You can help me through this." This perspective shift can make all the difference.

Practical Steps:

Start Your Day with God: Spend the first few minutes of your day in prayer. Ask God to be with you in everything you do.
Pray Before Decisions: Big or small, ask God for wisdom and guidance before making decisions.
Thankfulness: Each night, thank God for where you saw Him throughout your day. This will help you become more aware of His presence.

Remember, inviting God into your life doesn't mean that everything will be perfect. You'll still face challenges and make mistakes. But it does mean that you'll have an ever-present help and a guide. God loves you more than you can imagine, and He wants the best for you. So, take the step today to involve God in your life. Watch how your perspective changes, and see how much richer your life becomes when you walk with Him.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for always being there for me. Help me to remember to invite You into every part of my day. Give me the courage to share my thoughts and concerns with You, and help me to trust You more. Teach me to see my life from Your perspective. Amen.

Reflection:
Think of one area of your life that you haven't talked to God about. Why not start today by inviting Him into that situation?