The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. . Psalm 18:2

Perhaps you are feeling like you’re having a tough week. Yet before you get too downcast, keep reading.

Several years ago, a man named Frank Perkins of Los Angeles made an attempt on the world flagpole-sitting record. While he was on the pole, he caught the flu. Eventually, his sickness became so advanced that he was forced to come down eight hours short of the 400-day record. When he came down from his 399-day ordeal, this is what he discovered:

1. His sponsor had gone bust
2. His girlfriend had left him
3. His phone service was cancelled
4. His electricity was cut off

While most of us aren’t experiencing troubles of that caliber, all of us go through difficult and trying circumstances. Sometimes it can seem like the entire world has turned its back on us. Other times it feels as though God Himself has disappeared into the blinding pain of our burdens.

Are you suffering? Let me suggest an exercise that has been helpful to me. Right now, make a list of all the negative things in your life.

Now read Psalm 18:1-6. Here is David, the “man after God’s own heart”, who is making his own list of troubles. He was threatened by enemies (v.3), surrounded by “the pangs of death” and “the floods of ungodliness” (v.4). In other words: he was dreadfully disliked, desperately discouraged, and slightly suicidal.

What hope could there be in his situation? Perhaps he could buy his way out, or fight his way out? Maybe he could muster up some serious self-talk, or converse with close companions? Would the help come in the form of money, soldiers, powerful weapons, or people who would come to his aid?

I don’t think so, and neither did David. He knew and was totally resigned to the fact that his help could only come from an inexhaustible source–the Lord, whom David called “my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (v.2). The winds of trial were blowing hard, and David was barely hanging on. Yet he placed his trust in God- and he uses three descriptions:

1. My Rock: immovable, solid, secure
2. My Fortress: safe, impenetrable, protected
3. My Deliverer: rescue, freedom, escape

Like David, we can call on the Lord who is our protection. Because like all of us, David faced adversity. Let Psalm 18 remind us that when our problems are pitted against our Lord’s strength, it’s no contest. Troubles may be cutting your life to pieces, but remember that ‘rock breaks scissors’…

Are you in distress? Call on the Lord. He will always hear your voice.

Are your unsaved friends in distress? Pray to the Lord. Perhaps they will hear the gospel.

Questions:

1. What troubles are you trying to handle on your own?
2. Are you willing to give them over to God right now? Why or why not?
3. Do you have unsaved friends who are struggling and need to hear the saving news of the gospel?

Hey, i really need help! i’ve been looking everywhere and reading my bible, i’ve prayed, asked god, and if this doesn’t work i might attempt to ask my youth leader. But i really want to know how far a christian girl should go with a guy? i know we shouldn’t have sex, but where is the limit? Should i let him have my head against his chest, is it right to let him feel my bum? :S HELP! xxx

Dear Help,
You are right, the Bible doesn’t really give us any clear guidelines of what is right and wrong in this area. It says that our body is God’s temple and it also says to flee from temptation. I am so happy you are searching God’s word and praying about this because God will give you a sensitive conscience and you should ask Him for that. While it is not all about feeling, because many things unpleasing to God, “feel” good, if you have any doubts or you are wondering if something is not honoring to Him, then that is probably the Holy Spirit telling you to take caution. Do not go against what God is trying to tell you. If it feels wrong, then it probably is. Don’t try to talk yourself out of it by thinking, “well, a lot of other girls let their boyfriends do it, what is the big deal?” God wants more for you than that, and you should not be ashamed in any way to just say, “hey, you know, I’m not really comfortable with us doing that.” Guys really respect girls who stand up and say no, because most girls don’t and it is a real shame. If he doesn’t respect you drawing a line, then you don’t want to be with him anyway.

I am so proud of you. Keep searching and seeking after God’s heart and what He wants. As you continue to pray for His desires to be your desires, He will show you what he wants.  I would really encourage you to draw a line with “BIG” things though before you get into a situation. Write it down. Make a list and draw an actual line on a piece of paper. Will you let him kiss you? Will you french kiss? Will you make out? Will you let him touch you certain places? Decide now so you are ready to say, “Ya know, I decided I really don’t want to do that.” In the heat of the moment is not the time to try to think it through. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. There are no right answers and many people may disagree with you, but you need to trust God that He is with you in this, He wants the best for you, and you are doing the best you know how to follow what He wants and ultimately bring glory to Him with the choices you make with your body.

Who knows your secrets? Who knows the real you? Your best friend? Maybe. Your mom? Possibly. But the real answer is your locker or your closet! You leave notes, pictures, books and a multitude of other stuff in it. If your locker could talk, what would it say about you? Find out by taking this quiz! Circle the answer that’s most true for you.

1. What’s on the inside of your locker/closet door?
a. Photos of my friends
b. My study schedule
c. A poster of an African safari
d. An expired lunch coupon
e. A mirror

2. The one thing that will always be in your locker/closet is
a. a bag of practical joke items to liven up English class.
b. last week’s homework.
c. a makeup kit.
d. an address book and cell phone.
e. extra school supplies.

3. If you open your locker/closet door and step back, what will happen?
a. My spare shoes will make their escape. You can never have too many shoes!
b. Things resembling a science project-gone-bad will land in a heap in the hallway. Don’t want to guess what they used to be.
c. My skateboard will fall out and roll down the hallway. It’s the fastest way to get home after school.
d. People will stand in awe, admiring my amazing organizational skills.
e. Everything I’ve borrowed from friends all year will come tumbling out. Maybe they can claim their own stuff so I don’t have to figure out whose it is.

4. How are your books organized?
a. By color
b. By class order
c. In my back pack for the ride home
d. However they land
e. In the fab organizer I ordered from the back of my teen mag

5. What kind of notes are in your locker/closet?
a. Tips from beauty magazines
b. Directions to class
c. Plans to build your my own hang glider
d. Alphabetized class notes
e. Notes my friends passed to me in class

6. What fun book is in your locker/closet waiting to be read?
a. Eat My Martian Dust
b. The Tattooed Rats
c. Revenge of the Samurai
d. Looking Good from the Inside Out
e. Checklist for Life for Teens

7. The article of clothing hanging in your locker/closet is a
a. designer dress I plan to wear for homecoming.
b. khaki cargo jacket for after-school adventure.
c. colorful crochet blouse I plan to change into before going shopping.
d. my brother’s oversized jersey I borrowed last month.
e. well-matched extra outfit in case of emergencies.

Check Your Answers

Count up which number shows up the most (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5).

1. a-4, b-2, c-5, d-1, e-3
2. a-5, b-1, c-3, d-4, e-2
3. a- 3, b-1, c-5, d-2, e-4
4. a-4, b-2, c-5, d-1, e-3
5. a- 3, b-1, c-5, d-2, e-4
6. a-1, b-4, c-5, d-3, e-2
7. a-3, b-5. c-4, d-1, e-2

Number you scored the most _____

Here’s what your locker/closet would say about you:
1s: You’re marching to your own beat. You don’t get into fads or copy anyone’s style. You do your own thing, even if it’s not conventional. You might want to clean the unidentifiable items out of your locker and strive for a little more organization, but don’t worry about being different. God created you in a unique and awesome way (Psalm 139:14).

2s: You’re efficient and organized. You know right where you keep your homework and books, and like a Scout, you’re always prepared. You have extra everything for emergencies. Try lightening up a little. Add a splash of color to your locker (and your life) because Jesus came so you could have life to the fullest (John 10:10). Don’t miss out on it!

3s: You’re a glamour girl. You like the latest fads, and even your locker is stylish. People look to you as a trendsetter and you love getting the attention. That’s great, just make sure that beauty comes from within (1 Peter 3:3-4), because the Bible says outward beauty is temporary and honoring the Lord is more important (Proverbs 31:30).

4s: You’re fun and friendly. Your locker’s full of notes, pictures and memorabilia from good times spent with your buds. Your look is casual and comfy. No one will mistake you for a trendsetter, but you’re happy with yourself as you are. Don’t forget: no matter how many friends you have, Jesus is the best (Proverbs 18:24).

5s: You tend to walk on the wild side. No one accuses you of being conventional. mags No cutesy posters in your locker, either. Life is meant for living, and you plan to do it on your own terms. You’re the leader when it comes to adventure. Just remember that walking with God is an adventure all its own (Jeremiah 29:11). Claim that!