Day 8 - Satan Is A Liar

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 8 - Satan Is A Liar

Dear teenage self, 

Satan is a liar. He's out to get you because you're important to God. You're having nightmares, following dreams, listening to the wind, and looking at horoscopes for meaning, but you'll never find it there. Stop looking to astrology for all of the answers to your big questions. Start looking to Jesus.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. +

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) 

Whenever you're near a breakthrough, Satan attacks you harder. Focus your mind on Jesus during those moments and devour the Word of God as if your heart and mind are starving. Whenever you start to doubt the path that you're on, look to Jesus and see where He is already at work. That's where you want to be. 

Let's Pray

I come to You in Jesus' Holy name, Lord God in Heaven. I ask for Your guidance and comfort when I feel lost and anxious. I'm so sorry for looking elsewhere for answers. I was wrong. You are the One who holds my past, present, and future in Your competent hands. I don't need to know everything right now. I simply need to trust You. You are my King. You are on the throne. Thank You for giving me more faith to trust in You. Amen. 

I just want to keep reminding you - I made it to NYC! I lived boldly. I stepped out in fear. I pushed past all of my limits and kept going. Every time I thought I could not, I prayed for strength and I DID! 

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

 

 

 

Day 7 - The Music You're Listening to is Not Helping You

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 7 - The Music You're Listening to is Not Helping You

Dear teenage self, 

The music you're listening to is not helping you. It's making you sicker. I know it sounds ridiculous, but please consider that what you put into your body and mind affects your overall health? Just like eating too many fried and sugary foods can make your stomach feel ill, listening to angry music full of bitter lyrics will make your mind feel ill. It will steal your joy and affect your thought process negatively.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  

+Romans 12:2 (ESV) 

Try turning on the Christian radio, or listening to some happier music that focuses on the good things in life, such as love, friendship, overcoming obstacles, and the goodness of God. If you commit to doing this for even a week, I am certain you will agree that there is a vast difference in your attitude and your thought process. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, sometimes it's hard to turn off the music that all of my friends are listening to. I want to be like the other people around me and fit in. I want to understand what they're all talking about and join in the conversations, but I don't want to continue to feel this way. To feel better, I know I have to make some changes, especially in the music I listen to. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and make me sensitive to the convictions about music, TV, and movies that are harming me spiritually. I want to be well.  Thank You for bringing this to my attention. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

I just want to remind you - You do get better. You do get to fulfill your dream of going to NYC, and you do eventually listen to better music that makes you feel better. 

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.