Our children are being misled by information posted on social media. They mistakenly feel that everyone else is doing better than they are, that everyone else is happier than they are. It makes them feel isolated and alone like no one could possibly relate to the negative feelings or depression they're experiencing.
I also feel like instant messaging, texting, emailing, and posting are causing all of us, and especially young people, to avoid person-to-person verbal communication. I know with our busy lives it's faster to write than to call someone, but I also know a lot of people who hide behind the written methods to avoid possible negative conversations. If we don't hear the inflections in the person's voice, then the message isn't as painful (maybe, sometimes). It's just something I think about.
But, back to social media. The nature of it has us posting our happiest moments, our triumphs, accomplishments. Some people post when things aren't going well, but for the most part, it's only the best of us that gets shared.
People who are depressed and aware that their lives aren't full of those celebratory moments look at those posts and feel inadequate. Their self-esteem gets knocked down another notch. They get a little more depressed. Plus, there's online bullying and other negative forces at play.
I don't mean to focus on the negative, but it's what a lot of our teens are going through and we need to be reminded of that once in a while. They need to be reminded that they are loved and that God created them in His image, and that He will never leave them or forsake them.
As I sometimes go through personal struggles, this song is a reminder to be honest about how I'm feeling and to take everything to the Lord. He sees our pain. He knows we're broken. We need to take everything to Him in prayer.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information
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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power
#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere
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