The incoming college freshman has a lot on their mind. The anxiety of starting a new portion of your life, sometimes in a completely new place. And one thing that I was told in church as I approached leaving for college was that this was the time where my faith would be tested, but also where I would make it my own. In new experiences and challenges, it is easy to have doubts about what we have previously believed. In these times, God tells us to look towards His word.
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
College brings new knowledge and experience, and with this often comes fear. But God tells us here to remember to fear Him, because this is what brings new knowledge. So do not be afraid to fear the Lord while going into this new era of your life.
Joshua 1:9"…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."
Although it's normal to feel anxious or scared, God tells us that there is no need to be frightened. No matter if you are going to school 5 minutes away or across the country, God is with us wherever we go, so there's no need to fear what is coming.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
With new independence, there are also new paths that your life can take. And while we sometimes think that we know what is best, God tells us to trust Him and where He takes us, not our own plans for our life.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men
College is also hard work, and I know that I personally procrastinate those big assignments and dread studying for exams. But this verse always motivates me to keep working. At times it seems daunting and useless, but God tells us that in whatever work we do, do it to glorify Him.
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
At any point in life, we are all faced with temptation. But with more independence, college is a time where you face new things and new temptations more. But God tells us that instead of fearing these temptations, to remember that He is always faithful and with us so that we can endure these temptations.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Although we should do our work to glorify God, it is important to remember not to overwork yourself in college, and remember to set aside a time of rest. Some people like to set aside a certain hour of the day to pray or meditate, but it's important to find rest in God.
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"
Finally, something so simple but easy to forget. In all of our joys and our struggles, remember to rejoice in the Lord. For what he has gives us and gotten us through, rejoice! College is some of the best times, so don't forget to cherish every moment and rejoice!!
