Day 10 — Nothing to Be Ashamed Of

“Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.”

— Psalm 119:73 (BSB)

Today’s reading talks about some changes that a lot of boys wonder about but feel too embarrassed to ask about. That’s exactly why we’re going to talk about them. It might feel awkward, and that’s fine. Remember: God designed every part of you, and “Your hands have made me and fashioned me.”

Your private parts grow. During puberty, a boy’s private parts, his penis and testicles, grow bigger and change. This happens slowly over a few years. Every guy’s body is a little different, and every guy develops at his own pace. That’s normal. There’s no need to compare with anyone else.

Erections. Sometimes a boy’s penis gets stiff and sticks out for a little while. That’s called an erection. During puberty, this can start happening more often, sometimes for no reason at all, like when you wake up in the morning, or even in the middle of class. It can feel embarrassing, but it’s normal, it’s part of how God designed a man’s body, and it goes away by itself after a few minutes. Thinking about something else or changing position can help. Nobody is usually noticing as much as you think.

Wet dreams. Some boys wake up and find that a small amount of sticky, whitish fluid has come out of their penis while they were asleep. That’s called a wet dream (the grown-up word is a nocturnal emission). It’s normal and healthy. It’s not wetting the bed, it’s not a sickness, and it’s not something you did wrong. It’s just your body growing up. If it happens, you can simply wash up and put your pajamas and sheets in the laundry.

Why does God design a man’s body this way? It’s part of how He made men so that, one day when they’re grown, they could become fathers. Your dad or mom can tell you more about that part when you’re ready. It’s a great conversation to have with them.

Here are some important things to remember:

• Your private parts are private. They’re special and personal. No one should see or touch them except for things like a doctor checking your health with a parent there.
• None of this is shameful. God made your body, and He made it good.
• Don’t get your answers from other kids or the internet. A lot of what guys say to each other is wrong, and a lot of what’s online is harmful. Go to your parents.
• Ask your questions. Your dad or another trusted man has been through every one of these changes. He won’t laugh at you. He wants to help.

The second half of today’s verse is a prayer: “give me understanding to learn Your commandments.” The God who made your body also gives you wisdom to know how to honor Him with it.

Think about it: Why do you think God wants you to feel no shame about the way He designed your body?

Try this: Talk with your dad, or another man or parent you trust, about today’s reading. Ask him any question you’re still wondering about.

Dear God, thank You that Your hands made me and fashioned me. Help me not to feel ashamed of the way You designed my body. Give me courage to ask my parents my questions, and give me understanding to honor You with my body as I grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.