Day 12 — Feelings on a Roller Coaster

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

— Psalm 16:8 (BSB)

Remember Week 1, when we talked about big feelings and moody days? Here’s one reason feelings can get bigger during puberty: hormones.

Hormones are chemical messengers in your body. They’re part of how God designed puberty to happen. They tell your body when to grow, when to develop, and when to start your period. But hormones can also affect your feelings.

That’s why, during puberty, many girls notice:

• They cry more easily.
• They get irritated or grumpy faster.
• Their moods change quickly.
• They feel more sensitive about what others think.
• They feel more emotional around the time of their period.

If that sounds like you, you’re not going crazy, and you’re not a bad person. Your body is growing, and your feelings are along for the ride. It’s a bit like being on a roller coaster: up, down, around, sometimes all in one day.

But here’s the good news from today’s verse: “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Your feelings might go up and down. But God doesn’t. He stays the same. When you keep your eyes on Him, you have something steady to hold on to, even when your feelings are all over the place.

Here are some things that help on roller-coaster days:

• Remember it will pass. Hard feelings don’t last forever.
• Get enough sleep. Tired bodies have bigger feelings.
• Tell your family, “I’m having an emotional day,” so they understand.
• Be gentle with yourself, and with the people around you.
• Pour out your heart to God, like we learned in Week 1.
• Talk to your mom or a trusted woman. She’s been through it too.

One more very important thing. Your body is yours, and it belongs to God. No one, not a stranger and not someone you know, should ever touch your private parts, ask you to touch theirs, or ask you for pictures of your body. If anyone ever does, or tells you to keep a secret about it, tell a trusted adult right away. It’s never your fault, and telling is always right.

This week, you’ve learned that your body is God’s design, and about growing, changing shape, your chest and body hair, your period, taking care of your body, and your changing feelings. You’re growing up, and God is with you every step.

A true story: You met Ida Scudder in Book 2. She was the young woman who became a doctor after three women died in one night because there was no woman doctor to help them. Ida spent her life caring for women’s bodies and health. She built a hospital and a medical school so that girls and women in India could get the care they needed, from women doctors who understood. Ida knew that a woman’s body matters to God, and that caring for it is good and holy work. You can read her whole story in Brave for God.

Think about it: Have you noticed your feelings going up and down more? What helps you stay steady?

Try this: Have a conversation with your mom or a woman you trust about this whole week. Ask her anything you’re still wondering about.

Dear God, when my feelings are like a roller coaster, help me set my eyes on You. Thank You that You don’t change, and that with You I will not be shaken. Thank You for designing my growing body. Keep me safe, and help me always tell a trusted grown-up if anything doesn’t feel right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.