Get a Grip_Wk1

Purpose: To Instill Hope that helps teen cope with the challenges and twists life presents us. They hold hear about how they can trust God when the evidence seems to push them towards doubt and disbelief.

Psalm 40:1–3 NIV

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

INTRO:

Ever feel like you just can’t get a grip?

That your emotions are in charge or life just keep throwing curveballs your way?

Ecclesiastes 2:12–17 ESV

12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. 14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. 15 Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 16 For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! 17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Here Solomon’s mind is racing back and forth about life - is it worth it? It it right?

Good things happen to good and bad people; bad things happen to good and bad people so what does it mater how I live.

Vs 17 he even comes tot he point where he HATES his own life!

This isn’t uncommon, people think these things BUT it’s important WHERE WE LAND when these thoughts come to us.

Look at this...

Psalm 40:1–3 NIV

God has got our back when we feel like life situations are making us slip away!

How Do I Get A Grip on Life When It Feels Like I’m Slipping Away?

ONE// Remember Life Is More Than Right Now

Lazarus’ life seemed hopeless, until we see that God was faithful even beyond his time living on Earth!

Lk 16.19-

An eternal perspective is the biggest way to get out of a slump.

Luke 16:19–25 NLT

19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.

Remember that nothing get’s past God!

Galatians 6:7 NLT

7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

TWO// Remember God is Always Available

Sometimes our biggest problem is not the God isn’t here with us, but that we are so wrapped up in our problem that we don’t disconnect from IT to be AVAILABLE TO HIM!

We end up blaming God when we hose to ignore His help, when al we needed to do was look over

Psalm 73:11–17 NLT

11 “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” 12 Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. 13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? 14 I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. 15 If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. 16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! 17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

The Poet was really getting into a dark place… He was questioning God and if He was real and present UNTIL.....

UNTIL… He approached God and made HIMSELF available to God.

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

THREE// Remember God Can Turn A Problem into an Opportunity

jer 29.

Jeremiah 29:4–7 NLT

4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

The people felt like their situation was hopeless… they wanted God to take the problems away!

Here, God tells them that what they THOUGHT was a problem, will become a BLESSING to them if they trust in him.

The hardship was their opportunity!

> > > PRAYER TIMES:

Prayer Points:

School

Peer pressure, grades

Anxiety

Stress, depression, in need of hope?

Family Issues -

Family Issues

Relational Healing, Friends, School Relationships (GF/BF)

OR:

Three Questions:

Q: What are your highs and lows?

Q: What is stressing you out right now? What has God given you that brings you happiness right now?