Let's face it — finals stress complete alters any college student. We skip meals to study longer or binge on candy and coffee to stay awake all night, skip classes to sleep in because we're so fatigued, sleep in instead of complete morning workouts, and sometimes fail to turn in some easy assignments because our to-do lists never end.
Stress overwhelms people and prevents them from thinking clearly, but clarity of thought is necessary for great finals scores. In addition, the American Psychological Association states that chronic stress can cause bad habits like overeating to form or even lead to medical issues like heart disease. Overall, it depletes energy and tires the human body, making it difficult to complete assignments and study for many different finals. Try reading these Bible verse before you begin your day, study session, or exams.
1. Psalm 139: 13-15
God knows what you struggle with, even if it's just remembering when the Maccabean revolt occurred for your New Testament exam. He wants you to succeed,cares about you, and will help you remember those small little details if you ask.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
2. Matthew 6:34
Each day has its own anxiety, to take one day at a time. Worry about your tests or projects for each particular day during finals week and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Don't fret about the next day's finals — yes, studying may help, but taking a break also allows your mind to rest and recover before it has to recall even more information the next day.
New International Version (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
3. Philippians 4:6-7
This verse describes how God's peace transcends anything else. It is a feeling we cannot fully comprehend because it's something that's outside of this world. Society seeks peace from other people, food, and material things, but true peace only comes from God. He will comfort anyone who asks, but like any earthly parent, he wants us to come to him instead of forcing his love upon him, so we must seek his peace ourselves.
New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4. Matthew 11:28-30
Read through this verse if finals prep saps all your energy. Any Christian probably hears this verse at least once a month during a Sunday service, but it reminds us that God provides rest when burdens become difficult to bear. Despite out best efforts, we're only one individual and cannot possibly handle everything ourselves. Someone wise once told me that God smiles at our hard work, even if we only earn a B, because he knows we at least tried our best. He doesn't measure success the same way humans do and it is important for our souls to find rest in him instead of only focusing on temporary things like grades. Studying massive amounts of information can wear even the most energetic people out, but we can find rest in God when we feel weary.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
5. Psalm 127:2
Any workaholic should read this verse. I often justify my work obsession by saying that I hope to glorify God in all I do. However, God created the Sabbath day because he knows humans are finite and wants them to rest. It is okay to work hard, but when it is not okay when it makes us anxious and causes us to lose sleep or stay up late to finish extra assignments. Go to bed at a decent hour — those two late-night cramming hours will only add stress and take valuable sleep time away. College students often think they're invincible against their body's physical needs, but mental strength cannot compete with lack of sleep, nutrition, or sanity. A well-rested body produces better work, even if it means less study time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
6. Psalm 5:3
Yes, the Lord cares about school just as much as ministry or service. He cares about all aspects of your life and values education. In this psalm, David explains how he calls out to the Lord each morning and waits for his response. God listens to our requests and will answer prayers according to his will. Students can start each day of finals week with prayer and devotional time. They can pray that God will help them recall those answers that never stick, that he will help them focus, that he will provide peace, and that they will have strength to endure a tough exam week.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice;
at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.
