Day 17 – Living Boldly: Five Teen Traps

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Five common traps many young adults face can hinder their growth and keep them from living the life God has for them. The good news is that recognizing these traps is the first step to avoiding them and finding freedom in Christ. I will share them with you in no particular order, though it would serve you well to order them according to how they apply to your life.

Rick’s 31-Day Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8).

Five Traps to Avoid

1. Fear: Fear often manifests as comparing yourself to others. The more insecure you are, the more likely you are to make unwise choices about friends or situations to try to manipulate their acceptance. God calls you to rest in His love; you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You become who God is creating you to be, not what you believe others want you to be.
2. Confusion: Sometimes, it can seem like God is distant, especially when life feels chaotic, unclear, or static. We old people struggle this way, too. We must remember that God is good, kind, and always attentive. He knows all the details of your life. Trust Him, even when you can’t perceive what He’s doing (Proverbs 3:5-6).
3. Experimentation: When you sense emptiness or discontentment, it’s tempting to go idol shopping by turning to people, places, or things for worldly pleasure. Experimentation often stems from anger, a low-grade frustration. When life isn’t going the way you want, you may look for satisfaction in things that never satisfy. Only Christ can fill the void in your heart (John 4:13-14).
4. Discouragement: Young adults are often nitpicked and micro-managed more than they are encouraged. If you’re not in an encouraging environment, you might latch onto anyone who gives you the approval you crave. Be careful not to let someone become your functional god. God’s approval of you is what truly matters (Galatians 1:10).
5. Despair: When fear, confusion, or discouragement pile up, you might succumb to the temptation of giving up on Christianity or giving in to the seductive allurements of the world. Even when surrounded by friends, you can sense a deep loneliness. Know that God sees you, knows you, and offers you hope (Psalm 34:18). You are perfect in Christ, and He loves you more than you can imagine.

Time to Reflect

1. Do any of these traps resonate with you? If so, take time to reflect on where you are and how these struggles might influence your choices. It’s not wrong to reach out for help—your church, family, or trusted friends can be a source of grace and support.
2. Who is a competent person in your life who can help you? This individual could be a pastor, a mentor, or a mature friend. Will you reach out to them today?
3. Don’t let fear, confusion, or discouragement keep you trapped. God offers freedom and hope in every situation. Ask Him for wisdom, and surround yourself with people who will encourage and guide you in truth.

Let’s live boldly, avoiding these traps and walking confidently in the life God has prepared for us.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).