Hope for children and youth

Today’s world is increasingly complex, and for young people, it can be a treacherous place.

The profound reinvention of many societies, including Canadian society, continues to wash away the Christian values and ethics that once guided many governments and institutions.

The impact on children and young adults is devastating.

A research document released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2024¹ examines the state of young people’s mental health and the possible causes for this global crisis which is characterized by increased stress, growing anxiety, deepening hopelessness, and lack of resilience.

Here is an overview of some key findings. According to research one in six people between the ages of 10 and 19 are experiencing mental health challenges. Some of the causes listed include social changes such as poverty, abuse, or violence. The report also states that increasing stress among children and adolescents can be linked to adversity, pressure to conform with peers, and exploration of identity.

Another section of the report bluntly states that emotional disorders are common among adolescents, including anxiety and depression. Further we read that globally “suicide is the third leading cause of death in people between the ages of 15 and 29”, and that digital and other media can be contributors.

Researchers examined a wide range of topics including home life, physical health, and the use of social media. Changing moral values and a culture of entertainment and distraction appear to play a significant role in the growing despair sweeping over this generation.

Children, adolescents and young adults are in trouble, and they need our help.

As I read the report my mind drifted to the Word of God, my own experience of this life-giving Word and what I’ve seen in other Christians. Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10)

Only in God do we find solid help for our fragile souls; only in him do we find living hope.

Hardship, suffering, even violence and poverty may still come, but walking with God develops resilience.

The dissatisfaction and despair that plagues so many young people today would be extraordinarily relieved if they knew God’s immeasurable love for them. They would discover that contentment and a meaningful life come from walking in God’s ways. It’s the life for which everyone is created.

Children and youth need us to care for them. Many professionals are doing their part to help. Their role is largely about prevention, detection and treatment. But what can we do?

We can pray for them faithfully. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Let’s pray for the Christians in schools, colleges, and universities, from students to faculty, that with the help of God they would be witnesses of his love and grace; that with the Lord’s help they will be able to speak gently and compellingly about the hope they have in Christ.
2. Let’s cover all children, adolescents and young adults with prayer, asking the Lord to protect them from social pressures, destructive influence and violence. Let’s ask the Lord to send them good friends to be companions on their journey. Let’s pray that they will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved, by God’s grace.
3. Let’s pray for the professionals who apply their skills and expertise to help children and youth deal positively with mental health issues. Let’s pray that these dedicated workers will be receptive to God’s wisdom and guidance and come to know the Lord of hope themselves.
4. Let’s pray for the church to be awakened to urgency and necessity of exposing young people, from childhood and up, to the Word of God and teach them how to trust him and walk in his ways.

Children and young people need our prayer support for strength and wisdom as they face the pressures of their unique context. Let’s ask the Lord to help them find their way and find their place in this world.

Above all, they need to have opportunities to come in contact with the life-giving Gospel of Christ. Let’s pray for those opportunities to come, that many may encounter the Lord and experience his love and grace.

Let’s take this vulnerable generation into our hearts and lay them often at the feet of Christ.