This blog is my manuscript from last week's virtual meeting with our students. It is a question and answer format that features questions raised by students and parents along with biblical answers.
If you would like to watch the video version of this three part blog you can find it in two parts on Youtube:
Video Part 1: https://youtu.be/kVAWK3goWks
Video Part 2: https://youtu.be/S32rD1j_vSM
How do I deal with loneliness, especially when I cannot have interaction with people I enjoy being with?
Introduction: This is a really good question. Indeed, it is unnatural and unhealthy for us to be removed from fellowship. This is why one of the most severe punishments for a prisoner is solitary confinement as it takes away one of the most basic human needs.
So far we have heard that God is in control of the virus so it begs the question, why would God cause a crisis that would leave me suffering the loss of something that is good like human interaction? The short answer is this, God uses hardships and trials to give us something even better, himself. It is true that we have needs to connect with people, our greatest need is to connect with Jesus, which is still possible even in solitary confinement.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Acts 16:24-25 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Hebrews 2:18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
John 16:7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us
Summary: This is a time to really learn how to hear the voice of God and experience the presence of Christ. Even though God may have taken away a good thing from you, he has not removed the best thing, the thing you were created for: fellowship with him. Parents, encourage your kids to talk to God about everything that is burdening them. Let them know that pouring their heart out to God is something he asks us to do and in it we experience him as a refuge. God is a God who listens to us with compassion, he never takes information that we share and exploit us with it or he wouldn't be a refuge for his people. In sharing with God we are safe because he listens to our concerns and provides counsel and compassion. This doesn't mean, however, that we can approach God in sin. If we do sin we should be quick to repent in the confidence that we will find forgiveness.
How do I find motivation and avoid depression when there is nothing to look forward to?
Introduction: What happens when God takes everything away from us?
Psalm 39:11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Colossians 3:15-17 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Romans 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Summary: When every earthly thing is taken away from us there are still good things to be thankful for. Second, we must learn the discipline of looking to the return of Christ. Parents, help your kids to understand that anticipation and expectation is an enormous part of the Christian life. In a sense, our entire existence is marked by anticipation. Ever since we were created and placed in the garden of Eden mankind has been anticipating the day when they would see God face to face. Sin has only accentuated our longing for the return of Christ. To live in this world is to anticipate the return of Christ, much like to live in lockdown is to anticipate the enjoyment of the good things we can do when life returns to normal. Help your son or daughter to understand that the do have something to look forward to and in so doing it is good practice in looking forward to the future when Jesus will return.
I encourage you to give your son or daughter some homework to accomplish that will help them to combat their lack of motivation. First, have them practice thanksgiving to God by making a list of all of the things they can be thankful for. Encourage them to look at the list regularly and actively give thanks to God for the things they have placed on there. Second, have them make a list of things they are anticipating for when life goes back to normal. Help them to build anticipation for the day when life will go back to normal and help them to connect that to the way they should feel about the hope they have in the return of Christ.
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