GUEST COMMENTARY
By Cheyenne Yap
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Being a teenager is one of the hardest phases someone can go through. Living up to the expectations of society, the pressure can get intense. Sometimes we want to give up on everything. I have felt this pressure throughout my life, but it all went away when I discovered Jesus.
Going into high school, it is normal for a teenager to try something new. My something new was trying out for the volleyball team. I wanted to make the team so bad and, after the tryouts, I did. However, throughout the season I was miserable. I always worried about what other people thought of me. I caught myself overthinking every little situation. I felt the pressure beating me down and I didn’t want to keep on feeling this way.
Then, during a game, I injured my knee and tore my ACL. It took me months to heal, but throughout the process I discovered Jesus. Instead of going to volleyball practice, I had time to go to church and Bible study. Jesus calls us to be disciples in the most mysterious ways. Being connected with God throughout high school, it seemed like nothing could beat me down. I felt unstoppable because I knew at the end of the day, God was on my side and he’s always watching over and protecting me.
As a high schooler, I wanted someone to give me advice and guidance on how to connect with Jesus more in this chaotic world. Although I had guidance from many adults, I taught myself along the way as well.
Here are a few lessons I learned on how to stay connected with God as a teenager.
Pray. Pray. Pray. Prayer is the solution to every heartbreak, every obstacle, and every hardship in life. God is waiting for you to talk to him. Prayer will help you stay connected with God wherever you are. 1 Chronicles 16:11 says “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
When exploring relationships in high school, don’t lose your connection with God. Always know your values and what you stand for. Your friends (or boyfriend/girlfriend) can make you or break you. Don’t fall for the type of people that are trying to lead you into temptation. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.”
Going to Mass every Sunday will give you the long-lasting strength you need to go through the week. Consuming the body and blood of Jesus will give you the motivation to follow God’s will. We might have a hard time getting up on Sunday mornings, but it’s always good to show how much we love God. Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Going to confession at least once a month will make you feel so much better. Growing up, we will make a lot of mistakes. But if God knows you are truly sorry, then you can live your life without worrying about the past. Romans 10:9-10 says: “If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.”
Get involved with your local parish youth group. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is always a good thing. Having the support and encouragement of your peers makes attending church fun.
On your ride to school, say the rosary. The rosary is a powerful weapon against the temptations of the world. St. Francis de Sales says, “The greatest method of praying is to pray the rosary.”
Always be willing to try new ministries in the church. Experiencing God’s work in every aspect of his church is always a blessing. 1 Samuel 12:24 says “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart, consider what great things he has done for you.”
While being a teenager can be difficult, these things will help you stay on track. Always put God first in every circumstance and you will see that life will be much easier. Trust in him and he will make everything work in your life for the better. God bless you as you go through your middle and high school journey!
Cheyenne Yap is a parishioner of St. Rita Church in Haiku, Maui. She graduated this year from Kamehameha Schools Maui and will attend Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, as a Benedictine Scholar.
