Life as a young person can often feel like walking a tightrope. Big questions about school, work, and the future can feel overwhelming: What’s next after high school? Is college the right step, and how will I afford it? Add to that the challenges of navigating friendships and relationships as life changes, sometimes rapidly. Then there’s the pressure of social media, where everyone’s perfect moments are on display, and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. 

The world tells you to hustle hard, achieve more, and chase success at all costs. But that path can quickly lead to exhaustion and anxiety. Thankfully, God offers a different way. He invites you to live fully, not by carrying the weight of the world, but by resting in His love and trusting His plan. 

Here are four key things to consider that can help you grow, become who God has called you to be, and live life well.

1. Identity: You Are a Child of God

At the core of who you are is this truth: You are a child of God. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (NIV). Your worth isn’t based on your achievements, popularity, or what others think — it’s already secure in God’s love for you. 

As God’s child, you don’t have to earn His love or work for acceptance. You can trust God’s plan, knowing He will take care of you. You also don’t have to fear failure or rejection because your identity isn’t tied to what you do — it’s anchored in who He says you are.

Life will change — your job, relationships, goals — but one thing remains the same: You belong to Jesus.

2. Priority: Seek God First

Life can pull you in different directions, leaving you wondering how you’re supposed to balance it all. Jesus knew this, which is why He said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). 

Seeking God first means making Him the foundation of your life. It’s about prioritizing time with Him — reading His Word, praying, and making choices that align with His truth. It means trusting His way, even when the world tells you to chase success, approval, or perfection. 

Instead of stressing about what’s next, seeking God is about relying on God. When you make Him your priority, everything else falls into its proper place. You’ll still have work to do, but you’ll move through life with greater peace, knowing God is leading the way.

3. Community: You Weren’t Meant to Do Life Alone

We live in a culture that celebrates independence, but God created us for community. We need others to offer wisdom and connections, encourage us, and recognize God’s work in our lives — especially when we can’t see it ourselves. 

Community isn’t just about receiving support, though — it’s also about giving it. God wants us to be a blessing to others as well. “Two are better than one” … “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV). 

Finding the right community takes time, but it’s worth it. Whether it’s through your church, a campus ministry, or a small group, surrounding yourself with people who strengthen your faith will help you grow and stay grounded.

4. Availability: Say Yes to God

It’s easy to wait for the perfect moment, plan, or version of yourself before stepping into what God is calling you to do. But God isn’t looking for perfection — He’s looking for a willing heart.

No matter where you are in life, you can walk in your calling by simply saying yes to Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV). 

Being available to God also means leaving room for Him to work. You won’t always have every detail figured out, and that’s okay. What matters most is having a heart that desires God and follows Him in faith.

Final Encouragement

The world says living your best life means doing more and achieving more, but Jesus offers a different path — one where you are deeply loved, secure in your identity, and free from the weight of striving.

When you root yourself in Christ, prioritize His kingdom, lean on a strong community, and make yourself available to His plans, you will find a life richer and more fulfilling than anything you could do on your own. God’s grace is sufficient, and what a blessing that He provides everything you need for the journey.

Your best life isn’t about perfection — it’s about walking with Him daily, trusting He is leading you exactly where you need to be.

This article was originally titled “The Right Path” in the Summer 2025 issue of Peer.