5 Lessons I Would’ve Loved to Teach My Younger Self

I’ve weathered through my share of difficult circumstances. By the time I write this, for example, I’m hurling into the seventh anniversary of my dad’s death. That earth-shattering occasion was so unexpected, life ceased to operate normally for the primary few weeks. I couldn’t go to church. Reading my Bible beyond a single verse proved futile. I had so many questions for God, including why did he die so unexpectedly? Why didn’t You prepare me ahead of time? Could I’ve done something to forestall this tragedy? Why? How? How come? I can’t get into the small print here, so that you’ll need to read in regards to the Lord’s answer in my upcoming book, Grieving Wholeheartedly.

The point is, God has been faithful to me (and my family) despite this and each other difficult ordeal I’ve encountered. So, in case you take nothing else from this text, please emphasize the last, and most vital, lesson: nurture your relationship with this good God in any respect costs. The sooner you learn to practice this move, the higher off your older self will probably be. That’s because “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will probably be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Don’t dismiss the word saved at the tip of that verse as pertaining only to going to heaven, as in “yeah, I do know I’m saved because I’ve received Jesus as Savior, and so, I’m going to heaven once I die.” The Greek word translated saved is sozo, which suggests “to avoid wasting, heal, preserve, rescue.” 

The more you depend on God for every part—provision, direction, healing, soul mate, social life, profession, conflict resolution, absolutely every part—the more you’ll experience what David wrote about God. “Taste and see that the LORD is nice; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Regardless of your age, I invite you to make a habit of quoting Moses’ words in your prayers. 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Amen.

Photo Credit: Image created using DALL.E 2024 AI technology and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial team.

Dr. Audrey Davidheiser is a licensed psychologist in California, certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, and IFSI-approved clinical consultant. After founding a counseling center for the Los Angeles Dream Center, she now provides IFS therapy for trauma survivors, including those with religious trauma, and assists in IFS trainings. She has been a daily author for Crosswalk.com and columnist for iBelieve.com. Her book on how IFS helps the grieving process, Grieving Wholeheartedly, will probably be published by InterVarsity Press in July 2025.