With finals looming over students, it’s important to remember to stay motivated. And more importantly, to stay determined. It’s easy to say this but I know how difficult it is to live it, too. As a Christian, I am encouraged by my faith in these areas, but even if you are not a Christian, or religious at all, Christian teachings can provide helpful and/or inspirational advice. We all stress over the balance between studying and sanity, and sometimes it seems almost impossible. So, to help, here are 7 selections of Bible verses to keep you going in the semester’s closing weeks.

1. “The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as King forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace” Psalm 29: 10-11

The ability to trust in someone higher than your circumstances can reduce imminent stress considerably. A relationship where you can trust in someone to lend you strength provides you with a calming peace to tackle stressors in a level-headed and refreshed fashion.

2. “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” James 1: 2- 4

Every obstacle in your way, aka: exams, is actually an opportunity in disguise. Sometimes a challenge is what is needed to strengthen yourself mentally for future endeavors. Overcoming the next couple weeks will only make us stronger!

3. “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper” Proverbs 19: 8

Straightforward and to the point; this will all be worth it in the end.

4. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the Lord Almighty ever since the foundation was laid” Zechariah 8:9

Sometimes you just need tough love. You knew what you signed up for, and finals are inevitable. So, get ready to finish strong.

5. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1

I don’t know about you, but when I think about the effort it takes to create an entire world versus a handful of finals, I’d gladly take the finals.

6. “But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I won’t take it away from her.”” Luke 10: 41- 42

Don’t stress the small stuff. There is a lot to know, but in the end, it’s just a test, just a grade. In the grand scheme of things, are finals worth going crazy over? I can take some of the pressure off of myself by knowing that God is greater than a grade.

7. “Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15

Even if you don’t need or want approval, work hard. At the very least, you can be proud of yourself for finishing off the semester by making the effort. Taking the literally meaning of the verse’s end, you will know exactly how to answer those questions if you work at it.

As you can see, Bible verses can be helpful for all those victimized by finals season. These truths can be applied to our current struggle, regardless of your spiritual background. Motivation is motivation, and for me, knowing God believes I can get through the upcoming weeks, I can too. So, God bless, and good luck!