Plain and simple, college is hard. Not just intellectually hard from an academic standpoint, but mentally, physically, and emotionally hard. It involves a lot of stress, exhaustion, uncertainty, difficulty, and just chaos in all facets of life. When you are having a rough day, and it happens a lot, turn to the Bible for the kind of support you can’t get anywhere else. These verses have helped me get through my low days, and hopefully, they can pull you through yours, too.
1. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" – Jeremiah 29:11
He knows it all. So no matter how long today seems and how difficult your exam tomorrow is going to be, just know you will get through it. All of it. Today, tomorrow, next month, and next year, and you will become exactly who God intended you to be.
2. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6.
Life is hard sometimes, but no matter what is going on in the current moment God is by your side and making your path. You may not understand why God is putting this challenge in front of you, but He wouldn’t have put it there if He knew you couldn’t get through it. Keep going and looking up because you are on your way.
3. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Are you anxious about that exam next week? Or nervous about your interview this week? Or scared of graduating and going into the real world? That’s great, tell God. Talk to Him and share with Him the scary things going on in your life because even though He already knows, it will only help you to get those feelings out and know He is by your side.
4. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." - Titus 2: 7-8
It isn't easy in college to always be actively thinking about your faith, especially with so many distractions and temptation around all the time. However, it is part of our job to be a representative of God in all we do. I am not by any means saying that we can't make mistakes, because we all do (a lot), but rather just make an effort each day to spread God's love through our actions and words. By doing our best to be the best version of ourselves, we are not only more likely to be more happy with our own selves and our lives, but I'm sure He will be too!
5. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12
When you are struggling, talk to God and know He is listening. Know that there is hope and be thankful for it; it will get better and your time will come. Know that when you are struggling, it will pass; there will be a light at the end of your tunnel. And know that when you talk to God, He is listening; whether He answers or not. He knows you and is working in your life.
6. "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12
Somewhere along the line, you have been questioned, looked down upon, or doubted because you are young. Especially in today’s day and age, many in older generations think terribly of our age group and how we live our lives; prove them wrong. Be a beacon of Christ in all that you do. Spread love and happiness as God has called us to do simply because it is the right thing and the best way to show our love for God to the world.
7. "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22
Whether you are praying for support or guidance or healing, He knows and is doing the best thing for you, always. His solution may take a little longer or be a little or a lot different from what you had pictured, but nonetheless, it is always the right thing, because He knows. He knows you. He knows your life. And He knows exactly what you need to get you to be the best person you can be.
8. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
No matter what you are going through, follow your heart, be yourself, and believe. Believe that God is putting you through it and He will pull you through it. Believe He is by your side. Believe you are strong enough. Believe that you are enough. You can do it, all of it, regardless of how hard is it right now. He is with you and He is the reason you are where you are.
Each day, be a believer in yourself and a believer in God. I promise, you will get through this struggle and make it to the life He intended for you. College brings brand new experiences each day and sometimes (or a lot of the time) it can be overwhelming. When you are struggling with school, friends, family, stress or anything else in your life, don’t forget to turn to the big guy upstairs and His word for a little bit of help making sense of it all.
