To put it simply, college is just plain hard. Everything that comes with it is just a new challenge, a new worry, and a new thing to add to the list. Life in general, is insane, and adding on books upon books and endless to-do lists makes this chapter in life absolutely chaotic. But, this crazy, cool guy I know named Jesus has it all taken care of. Here are six ways in which He speaks this abundant truth of comfort in the Holy Word:
1. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Although things may seem impossible at times, and times are extremely trying, especially in college, remember who your creator is. He has overcome the world. And what’s super cool is that with His help, you can overcome absolutely anything. So, keep your chin up, greatness truly does prevail eventually.
2. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
College is this crazy whirlwind of going, going, and going. You may be heavily burdened in your school-work, your relationships, or situations you may currently be in. Whatever it is that weighs on your heart can be handed over to Him. You may rest easily in knowing He loves you and will take care of you if you simply trust in Him and His work.
3. “I am the Lord. I change not.” Malachi 3:6
Two words: change sucks. No matter how many times we endure change and change our mindsets and attempt to reside in the mode of “positivity,” it’s so frustrating that nothing in this life seems to stay constant. But, the very thing we can rely on is Jesus. His love and grace will always, always, always stay constant. Absolutely, positively, no matter what this crazy life throws at us He will be there. He is our peace.
4. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3
With an abundance of trials and hardships pouring out of the pores of these college campuses, it can actually be scary. Not only that, thinking about a future can be absolutely terrifying. Like the other problematic college occurrences, this too has a solution. Trusting in Jesus will not only ease those fears, but it will inevitably solve the problems it’s rooted from.
5. “As far as east is from west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 I
If you know me, you know I have the guiltiest of consciences, even if I have no reason to feel guilty. And, especially in college where things can become very much about “trial and error,” mistakes are easily made. Even though that does not resonate well in my heart, I very well know Jesus continually wipes my slate clean no matter how unworthy I feel. This verse proves it. As vast as this universe is, and as vast as the stretch from east to west would be, that’s how vast His grace covers. He knows of our imperfections because he created us. He wipes away all sin, shame, and pain.
6. “Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold.” Proverbs 11:27
With all of this, show to others the light set forth in our hearts. If we have something beautiful, why wouldn't we share it? Show people love, and encourage them. We love because HE first loved us. Find the beauty in others, and cherish that. Decide what you really value in this time on earth, and embrace that. Your struggles may be blessings in disguise. You can show someone how to overcome the same trials you endure/are enduring. How you treat others is huge. Create positivity in your own life during this time in college and after you leave your textbooks behind.
The single thing all of this goes back to is our Heavenly Father. Every. Single. Time. He crafted each and every one of us with His very own two hands. How special is that? We clearly have such a divine purpose in this world, and all He wants is for us to achieve that. With His help, we can overcome these trials and tribulation to achieve what is set forth for us. A reminder from these verses provides encouragement to continue on through what troubles us and weighs us down.
We can do this college thing, and we will do this college thing.
