There appears to be more loneliness present in modern adolescence than in previous years. One of the most common complaints heard from teens today is that no one cares and no one listens to them.
Since adolescence is a transition time in life from childhood to adulthood, it has been compared to walking a tightrope. Writing in “Marriage And Family: A Christian Journal,” Chapman R. Clark says, “While there may be several people offering to assist an adolescent on the journey, no one else can be on the tightrope with him or her, because the process itself is by definition a journey young persons must navigate by themselves.”
Achieving independence and establishing a personal identity have been regarded as major tasks in adolescent development. However, learning to live as an interdependent person with a healthy identity may be the missing link. A personal relationship with Christ gives anyone a basic identity and an ability to live with others.
Teens typically build their own subculture, which is often characterized by loneliness, doubt, distrust and need. Most teens in this subculture perceive that adults cannot be trusted or that adults will hurt them. In fact, many teens feel that most of the adults in their lives have not been looking out for them.
Adolescents need Christ, and they need to see Christ in adults. They struggle with feelings of insecurity and awkwardness. They are not adults yet, but neither are they children. The sense of belonging that is found in Christ and the modeling for secure living that should be seen in adult Christians are important for adolescents in their journey.
By having a real and growing relationship with Christ, plus being connected to adult Christians who live their Christian faith genuinely, adolescents can find security, a sense of belonging, and confidence as they navigate the sometimes turbulent seas of adolescence.