Devotional: Lift Up the Next Generation

Devotional: Lift Up the Next Generation

This morning, as Olivia and I headed out the door with the girls, one of them gazed up at the Christmas lights we’d hung outside the house (shoutout to Pastor Clay, who braved the roof with me to get them up). She looked up at those lights, then looked at me with her big, determined eyes and said, “Can I touch one?”

Y’all. These lights are high. Like, way-up-on-the-house high. But there are also some along the gutter. Still pretty high – I couldn’t even reach without a ladder. And there she was, standing all of 2.5 feet tall, thinking she was about to just… reach up and grab it. Naturally, I hit her with the classic parent line: “Baby, you can’t reach it.”

But as we kept walking, I felt a nudge in my heart. I stopped, turned back, and realized something.

She could reach the light—just not on her own. I had what she needed to get there. So, I picked her up, lifted her high above my head, and y’all, she touched that light with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. Yes, I made sure it was off first. But still, her joy lit up brighter than those Christmas lights.

And in that moment, I realized this is what it looks like to lift up the next generation.

Reaching the Next Generation

There are heights our kids—and the generation coming after us—are meant to reach. Dreams they’re called to touch. But they can’t get there without us. And sometimes, we can’t even get there or reach it, but they can when we pause long enough to lift them up to the Lord.

Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” It’s not just a suggestion, so what are some ways this could look like?

Speak Life Over Them

Encourage them with God’s truth, not holding back on sharing the goodness of God. Make God the focal point. Tell them who God says they are—loved, chosen, and purposed. This can be as simple as affirming their gifts, reminding them of God’s promises, or praying scripture over their lives. Words have power, and we can use ours to build them up in faith (Proverbs 18:21).

Mentorship and Discipleship

Be intentional about spending time with them. Whether it’s a Bible study, casual conversations, or simply showing up in their lives, you can help guide them in understanding God’s Word and walking it out. Mentorship isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present.

Lift The Next Generation Up in Prayer

Pray for their salvation, protection, wisdom, and boldness to walk in their calling. Pray for God to reveal His purpose for their lives and for their hearts to stay tender to His voice (Ephesians 6:18).

It’s For Them All

So here’s the thing: it’s not only for our biological kids. It’s the kids in our church. The young adults in our community. The ones who cross our paths that God whispers, “This one. Pour into them.”

In the rush of life, can we pause long enough to lift a young person up to God?

To believe that what seems impossible for them and us is possible when we trust God? Because when we lift the next generation to God, and they light up with the light of Jesus, the whole world shines a little brighter.

Ashford B. Sonii, Jr.
CCBC | NextGen Pastor

If you enjoyed this post on Lifiting Up the Next Generation, you might also enjoy the others I’ve shared in the Faith category. 

About Ashford

Ashford Sonii is a husband, a proud father of twin girls, and a writer. His work often speaks to NextGen and new and expectant dads.

Rooted in God’s Word and shaped by his family’s journey with Christ, Ashford is passionate about equipping young people and families to thrive in today’s world.

His insights have been featured on the YouVersion Bible App, LifeWay, FamilyLife, Manhood Journey, Austin Family Magazine, and the Salem Web Network. Together with his wife, Olivia, he co-founded YoungHearts Ministries, a platform dedicated to showing how the gospel of Jesus transforms and strengthens family life in practical, everyday ways.