Hidden: A Devotional for Teen GirlsSample

Day 3 – Guarding What's Sacred

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23

Devotional

Yesterday, I said that there are times when hidden things are actually beneficial to us. Not everything about our lives needs to be on display for the whole world. Unfortunately, you live in a time where every thought, idea, and moment is out there for the world to know about within seconds. Nothing is really sacred anymore. Yet, there is much about our intimate relationship with God that should be allowed to stay out of sight and valued sacredly.

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not talking about the shame, hurt, and wounds we discussed yesterday. Today, I'm talking about the treasures from Jesus that He's sharing with you - just you. These precious gifts are the words He speaks to you when you're praying, reading scripture, or listening to a sermon. These are the truths about who He says you are and who He is to you. Imagine this: You share something very personal with your best friend. Then, your friend goes to tell your school, friend group, and share it on social media. That would be devastating. Sometimes, without realizing it, we share the most intimate things that God is saying to our hearts before it has been fully formed in us.

Say this out loud - "God speaks to me. God's words to me are sacred."

“Sacred” means set apart, treasured, and treated with deep respect. All around us, valuable and precious things are kept safe. If diamonds are locked up in glass cases with alarms and cameras, how much more should the meaningful things God is saying to you be protected? You are way more valuable than any diamond.

Journal Question

- Take a moment to get still. You might find it helpful to put your phone down to remove distractions. Now ask the Lord, "What do you want to say to me, today?" It may come as a thought, a picture in your mind, or it may come as a feeling in your heart. Don't reason it away. Keep the conversation going with God as you continue to practice hearing what God is saying to you. (Note: God speaks to us about who we are more often than telling us what to do. Guard the truths that are being spoken to you because the thief would like to come in and snatch it away from you.)