God and Youth

We have a tendency in society to value youth in terms of physique, strength, energy level and perceived freedoms, all of which are hard to maintain as we get older. Sometimes we consider youth as our hope for the future. But God sees youth from a different perspective.

There is a special relationship that exists between God and youth. Ecclesiastes 12:1 tells us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. In Psalm 25:7, David asks God to forget the sins of his youth. Those who have followed God from youth want to proclaim His goodness over the course of a lifetime (Psalm 71:17, 18). And Paul recognizes the work of God in youth when he urges Timothy to not let anyone look down on him because of his youth (1 Timothy 4:12).

God understands the value and vulnerability of the young. When the disciples ask who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus calls a little child to Him and tells us to humble ourselves as little children. He blesses the children and warns about causing them to stumble (Matthew 18:4, 6; Mark 10:16). God cares for His children (Isaiah 40:11) and describes the peace of His kingdom in terms of the leadership of a little child (Isaiah 11:6).

Youth can be considered anyone who is younger than you. I recently got a chance to see how God works in youth. I needed help with something—maybe reassurance is a better word—but didn’t know exactly what to say. So, I reached out to various people for a response. Three people who I’ve watched grow from birth into warm, loving, capable adults, came forth and offered me not just their thoughtful opinions, but the reassurance that I needed. I couldn’t believe it. I was so grateful. My first response was youth. They demonstrated for me the strength and humility needed for me to receive an encouraging message from God, and they did it within seconds of my request.

From youth to old age, we can make a choice (Psalm 90:10, 12; Proverbs 16:31; 20:29). We can see youth from God’s perspective—one of trust, humility, vulnerability, strength, and peace in Him.

Let’s Commit

Take steps to improve your relationship with:

  • God – Isaiah 40:28-31
  • Others – John 6:9-12
  • Self – 2 Timothy 2:22, 23