Teenagers face many challenges, especially now that they have easy access to the internet, which is why they need a lot of motivation and a firm foundation in the Lord.
As a theologian who has studied the Bible extensively, I know how much Psalms can impact growth in one’s life. So, when one parent in our online forum asked me which verses she could read to her teen son, I immediately recommended a couple from Psalm.
I also thought of compiling the verses in this article for anyone who might be wondering the same.
6 Best Psalms to Read for Teens
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
In these verses, David praises the Lord and appreciates how wonderfully He created him. You can read these verses to your teen when they doubt their ability to achieve greatness or lack body positivity.
It helps them go through puberty knowing God created them in His likeness.
Psalm 1:1-6
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
David emphasizes the fate of the wicked and the righteous in these verses. He reveals that the righteous are blessed, and God watches over them.
You can use these verses to help your teenagers choose the path of Christ and not be swayed by vain temptations.
Psalm 24:1-4
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”
In these verses, David acknowledges God as the owner of the earth and everything in it. He says the only one who can ascend the Lord’s mountain has a pure heart.
You can use these verses to encourage your teenagers to follow God’s word to achieve success beyond worldly things.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
In this verse, David acknowledges God as the light on his path. You can read this verse to your teenagers to motivate them to turn to God–through prayer and reading the Bible–for answers.
It will help them decide right when you are not around to help them.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
In this verse, David reveals that to stay pure is to live according to God’s word. You can share this message with your teenagers to motivate them to keep reading God’s word.
Psalm 25:1-18
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”
In these verses, David is praying to God and asking for His grace. He proclaims his trust in the Lord and the ways God has freed him from distress.
You can read these to your teenagers to help them live through tough times by believing God will help them, as he did David.
How to use the book of Psalms to encourage teenagers
Some theologians believe that taking teenagers through Psalms allows them to understand that they can turn to God with every emotion and question.
It motivates them to approach God with all their worries and concerns. When they see all the times David addressed God with doubt, like in Psalm 13:1-2, they are encouraged to be open to God about their emotions.
How to use the Psalms to inspire the youth
Theologians believe that encouraging the youth to consistently read the Psalms and apply the teachings in their lives will inspire them to go through life’s challenges.
They believe the youth can be inspired by the life of David, seeing the challenges he faced when he was young and how God helped him through.
David says in Psalms 23:1 that he shall not want because he has the Lord, and so should the youth.
Can you use these Psalms to inspire anyone else?
Yes, you can. Theologians believe the Psalms can be used to inspire corporate worship in the church. Since Psalms are a collection of songs, they trust that reciting or singing them increases the familiarity of the message with the congregation.
In turn, the words become a prayer for the individuals. An example is Psalms 51, where David prays for purification and forgiveness.
As a theologian, I have always been curious to learn more about the Christian Faith. That is why I pursued a Certificate in Christian Studies, Certificate in Christian Foundations and a Masters in Theology. I also have an immersive experience in editing for numerous websites. I have worked as an editor for over a decade and am currently the editor-in-chief at Christian Faith Guide. I enjoy working as an editor and feel privileged to share my expertise and help spread God’s word. You can read more about me on the about us page.
Related posts:
7 Best Psalms to Read for a Broken Heart (Psalms Prayers for the Brokenhearted)
5 Best Psalms to read when you are suffering (Psalms prayers to comfort the suffering)
What is the best Psalms to read in the morning? (7 best Psalms to read in the morning for a good day)
7 Psalms to read during the Holy Week (Psalms verses to read during the Holy Week)