I started college in the fall of 2015 and I did not anticipate all the experiences I would face. I did not expect to find such joy, my classes to be so hard, my friends to be so great, or my heart to be broken. There were times I felt defeated and cried, but times that my smile had never been so big. I was trying to figure out who I wanted to be, and I still am, but the biggest thing I didn’t expect was to become so overcome by God’s love.
I was raised in a home that taught me about God and his undying love for everyone. When I went to college,, I took these lessons with me. At a young age I thought I knew how God could heal and how he could do amazing things, but I really didn’t. Once I was settled into college and life away from home, I began to realize what the real world was and just how incredible God is. There were specific verses I could turn to in my Bible to help me through the hardest of days, and these are just a few.
1. For when I felt alone.
“Your God, the Lord himself, will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
2. For when I was struggling in school.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
3. For when I needed strength.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Psalm 28:7
4. For when I could not make a decision.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
5. For when I had my heart broken.
“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
6. For when I met life-long friends.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
7. For when I felt discouraged.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
8. For when I was scared of the future.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
9. For when I lost faith in people.
“Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14
10. For when I wanted to thank God for his love.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
11. For when I needed a pick me up.
“He that handles a matter wisely shall find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20
God gave me the gift of life and I intend to use it to all it is worth. He gave me the opportunity to be where I am and to see where I may be going. He gave me the gift of the Bible and His word to find peace, comfort, and exude happiness when I need it most. I thank God for everything He has given me up to this point and everything He plans to provide. I only hope that you too can find comfort in His words.
