You Are Seen: Encouragement for Teens Who Struggle With Stress and AnxietySample

Day 2: God Knows How Valuable You Are

God Knows Your Name and Loves You Always
Have you ever been to a concert and felt lost in the crowd of thousands of people? Your favorite band is playing, and you were convinced you were their number one fan, but as you look around, you begin to feel like their 100,000th biggest fan. Sometimes it can feel the same way with God. It seems impos­sible for God to notice us—that we’re just one of the crowds—but that’s not how God works. Believe it or not, God is your biggest fan!

When I make a reservation at a restaurant, the host puts my name on their guest list and when my family arrives, we are led to our table. They hold space for us. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are known and welcomed into the family of God. God is “holding space for you” and wants you with Him in heaven. Luke 10:20 says, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (NIV). God has a one-of-a-kind book, with your name written in it!

Having your name put on a list is a sign that you belong. When you make a reservation at a restaurant, your name goes on a list, so when you arrive, there will be a space for you. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are known and welcomed into the family of God. God is “holding space for you” and wants you with Him in heaven. Whenever you begin to think that nothing in life is worth being happy about, consider this: We get to enjoy eter­nity in paradise with Jesus who loves us unconditionally. That’s something to rejoice about for sure!

You will mess up sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you are a lost cause or that God will love you less. His love is complete! It does not change when our actions are wrong or sinful. People may walk away or tell you they don’t care about you. But not God! God says, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT). His love for you remains, and it’s this love that quiets our anxiety. You don’t need to feel invisible, alone, or forgotten because God not only knows who you are, but He wants you and loves you—for all eternity.

Reflect:

When you feel alone and isolated, who is one person you can call – someone who helps you feel included?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for understanding me and truly knowing who I am. Others don’t see me the way You do, and sometimes it hurts. Please comfort me and help me to find peace in the fact that You will be with me even when I am looked down on. Help me today to have a positive mindset and know that I am seen. In Jesus’s name, amen.