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Jeremiah 29:11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
11 “ ‘For I know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope.

Biblical Guidance for Young People Planning Their Future

The Bible, rich with wisdom and guidance, offers foundational principles that can significantly aid young people in planning for their future. These principles not only provide direction for making wise decisions but also ensure that their plans align with God’s will and purpose for their lives.

Seek God’s Kingdom First

Prioritizing Spiritual Goals

Jesus instructed His followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that all other necessities would be provided (Matthew 6:33). Young people are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual life and relationship with God above worldly ambitions, trusting that God will guide and provide for their other needs.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

Trust in God’s Guidance

Acknowledging God in All Decisions

Proverbs 3:5-6 offers the timeless advice to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly and acknowledge Him in all decisions. By doing so, young people can be assured of God’s direction in their life’s path, making this principle crucial in planning for the future.

“Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Use Time Wisely

Understanding the Value of Time

Ephesians 5:15-16 advises believers to be careful in how they live, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Young individuals are guided to use their time wisely, pursuing activities that contribute to their growth, service to others, and the fulfillment of God’s will.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16

Embrace Godly Wisdom

Seeking Wisdom from Above

James 1:5 encourages those who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. Young people facing uncertainty about their future are reminded to seek divine wisdom, which is pure, peaceable, and full of good fruits (James 3:17).

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:5

Develop a Strong Work Ethic

Valuing Hard Work and Integrity

Colossians 3:23-24 teaches the importance of doing everything for the Lord rather than for human masters. This principle encourages young Christians to approach their education, jobs, and responsibilities with diligence and integrity, as part of their service to Christ.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24

Cultivate Contentment and Generosity

Learning to Be Content and Give

1 Timothy 6:6-10 warns against the desire to be rich and encourages contentment with godliness as great gain. In planning for the future, young people are taught the value of contentment and the importance of generosity, which reflects God’s character and promises eternal rewards.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-7

A Foundation for the Future

The Bible provides young people with inspired counsel for planning their future, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s will, trusting in His guidance, using time wisely, embracing wisdom, developing a strong work ethic, and cultivating contentment and generosity. By applying these biblical principles, young Christians can navigate the challenges of planning their future while staying aligned with God’s purpose for their lives.

Drawing Close to God as a Youth

For young believers, drawing close to God is a foundational aspect of their spiritual growth and development. The Bible offers several practical ways for youth to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, ensuring their faith is not only sustained but flourishes.

Engage in Regular Prayer

Communicating with God

Prayer is the lifeline of a believer’s relationship with God. It is through prayer that we communicate our thoughts, fears, desires, and gratitude to Him. Philippians 4:6 encourages believers not to be anxious about anything but in everything, through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to let their requests be made known to God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Study God’s Word

Nourishing the Soul with Scripture

The Bible is God’s revealed Word and is vital for knowing Him deeply. Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in His truth and ways. Regular reading, study, and meditation on Scripture help young people to understand God’s character, promises, and commands.

“Your [God’s] word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

Participate in Fellowship

Growing with Other Believers

Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. Fellowship with other believers provides support, accountability, and encouragement. For youth, being part of a Christian community helps to foster spiritual growth and keeps them grounded in their faith.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

Serve Others

Demonstrating God’s Love Through Service

Serving others is a tangible expression of God’s love and a means of drawing closer to Him. Galatians 5:13-14 encourages us to serve one another through love, as the entire law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Engaging in service projects, missions, or simple acts of kindness allows youth to experience God’s work firsthand.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13

Practice Obedience

Living According to God’s Commands

John 14:15 shows that obedience to God’s commands is a sign of our love for Him. For youth, making daily decisions that align with God’s will is a way to draw closer to Him and grow in spiritual maturity.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15

Seek Purity

Maintaining a Holy Lifestyle

2 Timothy 2:22 advises young people to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Living a life of purity in thought, word, and deed is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God.

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22

A Path to Drawing Closer to God

By engaging in these practices, youth can build a strong, vibrant relationship with God. Regular prayer, diligent study of Scripture, active participation in fellowship, selfless service to others, obedience to God’s commands, and the pursuit of purity are all ways in which young believers can draw closer to God, laying a solid foundation for a lifetime of faith and devotion.

Key Decisions Impacting a Young Person’s Future

Young people face numerous decisions that can significantly shape their future. The Bible, while not addressing every modern scenario, provides timeless wisdom and principles that can guide these choices, ensuring they align with God’s will and lead to a fulfilling and godly life.

Choice of Friends and Companions

Influence of Associations

The people one chooses to associate with can have a profound impact on one’s character and life direction. Proverbs 13:20 warns of the consequences of poor associations and highlights the benefits of walking with the wise.

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20

Educational and Career Pursuits

Prioritizing Godly Wisdom

Decisions regarding education and career paths are significant for young people. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages doing everything for the Lord, which implies seeking His guidance in these decisions and choosing paths that honor Him.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24

Financial Management

The Stewardship of Resources

How one manages finances is a critical decision that can affect future security, generosity, and freedom to serve God. Luke 16:11 teaches the importance of being faithful with worldly wealth as a prerequisite for being entrusted with true riches.

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” – Luke 16:11

Engagement in Spiritual Practices

Commitment to Growth in Faith

Deciding to invest time and energy in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and fellowship is vital for spiritual growth and maturity. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the importance of meditating on God’s Word for success and prosperity in one’s endeavors.

“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

Moral and Ethical Choices

Upholding Godly Standards

The choices young people make regarding their behavior, relationships, and ethics have lasting impacts. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 warns against sexual immorality and reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, calling for purity and honor in personal conduct.

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Conclusion: Foundation for Future Decisions

The decisions made by young people in areas such as friendships, education, finances, spiritual practices, and morality are foundational for their future. By seeking God’s wisdom and guidance through His Word and prayer, young individuals can make choices that honor God, benefit themselves and others, and set a course for a future that reflects God’s purpose for their lives.

For more articles like this, please see the section SOCIAL ISSUES: YOUTHS 12-25

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).