Parents who are in pain over the choices and behaviors of their children often feel like they’re being tossed about in a storm at sea. Whether it’s a rebellious teen or a troubled adult, the hurt is the same. It’s deep and wide and consuming.

Mental illness, addiction, self-injury, same-sex attraction, suicide attempts, divorce – it doesn’t matter. Pain is pain. It’s overwhelming, especially if they’re older and there are grandchildren in the picture. That adds to the heartache and worry. It complicates everything.

What can you grab on to that will hold you steady in your raging storm? Where can you turn for what you need – stability, encouragement, comfort, wisdom, hope, and strength? The words I want to offer you are not my own. They’re from the true Anchor: The God of heaven and earth, the wisest One there is, the only One who can help. I read these Bible verses one morning and was impressed by how well they summarized our children’s plight and how much they helped me:

“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us, may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an ANCHOR for the soul, firm and secure…” (Hebrews 6:18-19a)

The best answer for our children’s pain and rebellion is not of this world—it’s a person. A supernatural one. His name is Jesus. Sound too simple? It is – but,I believe it’s true.

Mental illness? Jesus can help them (and you) accept their limitations, learn how to cope, and live successfully. He can repair their malfunctioning brain, help them hold down a job, and parent their children (if that’s the case).

Self-injury? Jesus can enable your child to love themselves enough to no longer need to hurt themselves.

Addiction? Jesus can heal their bodies and minds, and even remove cravings. He can empower them to live a holy, sober life.

Same-sex attraction? Jesus can heal the deep wounds and correct the faulty beliefs that created this distortion.

Ruined relationships? Jesus can restore, rebuild and reconcile parents, children, spouses, friends, and whole families.

Suicide attempts? Jesus can give hope, courage to press on, and a reason to live.

Perfectly. Beautifully. Completely.

A lost soul? Jesus is the Rock, Redeemer, and Savior of all mankind. He’s the expert Finder of spiritually missing persons. It was His purpose – the reason He entered our world, was tortured, bled out on a cross, and died.
He is the Anchor for every weary soul: Secure, steadfast, trustworthy. Attach yourself to Him. He’ll hold you steady in your storms. He alone provides refuge and healing for those who are connected to Him. He won’t let you be shipwrecked.

His love can remove the pain, rebellion, captivity and deception that keeps our sons and daughters from finding their true identity and freedom.

Jesus Christ alone heals broken hearts and souls – theirs and yours.

WE HAVE THIS HOPE AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL.

Amen.