As teenagers, we face numerous challenges and pressures in our daily lives. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost at times. But it’s important to remember that we have a loving and powerful God who is always by our side, ready to help and guide us. Today’s lesson focuses on Psalm 69:7-18, which highlights the importance of seeking God’s love, mercy, and support during difficult times. By understanding and applying these verses to our lives, we can grow our faith and find comfort and strength in God’s presence.
Bible Reading: Psalm 69:7-18 (NIV)
7 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. 8 I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; 9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. 10 When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; 11 when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. 12 Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.
13 But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. 14 Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. 15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.
16 Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. 17 Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. 18 Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.
Explanation and Application
- The Psalmist endures scorn and shame for God’s sake (v7-8), demonstrating his devotion and commitment to God even in the face of ridicule. As teenagers, we may also face ridicule or rejection for our faith, but we must stand strong and trust in the Lord.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever experienced ridicule or rejection because of your faith? How did you handle it?
- How can we find the strength to remain committed to God even when others mock us?
- The Psalmist is consumed with zeal for God’s house (v9), meaning he has a passionate love for God and His presence. This should be our heart’s desire as well – to be so in love with God that we are willing to do anything for Him.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to have zeal for God’s house? How can we develop a passionate love for God?
- Can you think of ways you can show your love for God in your daily life?
- The Psalmist turns to God in prayer during his time of need (v13-15), seeking God’s favor, love, and salvation. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in prayer when we face difficulties and trusting Him to rescue us.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is prayer important during difficult times? How does it help us grow in our faith?
- Share a time when you turned to God in prayer during a challenging situation. What was the outcome?
Youth Group Game: “Sink or Swim”
Materials Needed: Balloons, permanent markers
- Divide the group into two teams.
- Each team receives an equal number of balloons and permanent markers.
- On each balloon, write a challenge or difficulty that teenagers might face (e.g., peer pressure, self-doubt, bullying).
- Inflate the balloons and place them in the middle of the room.
- One person from each team takes turns choosing a balloon and sharing how they would turn to God for help in that situation.
- The other team members can offer additional ideas or encouragement.
- The game continues until all balloons have been chosen and discussed.
This game encourages open and honest conversations about the challenges we face as teenagers and helps us to remember to seek God’s help during those times.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. Help us to grow in our faith and trust in You during difficult times. Give us the strength to stand firm in our beliefs, even when others ridicule or reject us. May we always turn to You in prayer and seek Your presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.