Dear friends,

Yes, that dreaded week is here... finals week. We are all scrambling to get our grades up, finish those projects and be done with the semester! However, despite the stress that we're all experiencing, here are four Bible verses that can help you through finals week.

1. Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, nor dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (NIV).

In this book of the Bible, Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide has taken over for Moses after his death. God tells Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the land that God has given them.

When I read this verse, I know God has called us to do the same thing. Sure we may not be crossing the Jordan River, but we are about to cross the river of standardized tests and short essay questions. Finals week is stressful, but I believe that God has called us not to be afraid and to be courageous throughout this week. We are called to a higher purpose and a river of tests are not going to stop us.

2. Job 33: 4

"The spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life" (NIV).

In this chapter of Job, Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, tries to reason with Job after he went through many sufferings. Elihu is encouraging Job to have hope that the afflictions he is going through are working for good. He reminds Job of who God is: he is restorative, the light of life and just.

Friends, I want to remind you of who God is. He is love itself, he is kind and he loves you deeply. So throughout this week, while you're studying and getting ready for finals remember who God is, remember who you belong to and remember that he gives you life. He will sustain you and give you the strength to finish the semester with joy and prosperity.

3. John 11:35

"Jesus wept" (NIV).

This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible, but it has so much depth. Jesus receives the news that his friend Lazarus has died. Lazarus passed away four days earlier, but in the midst of mourning and sorrow, Jesus performs a miracle: he raises Lazarus from the dead!

If Jesus wept, it's okay if you do too. Again, finals week is stressful and it's completely okay to cry about your grades and all of the projects that are due. Sure, finals week is definitely not the same as raising someone from the dead, but I believe Jesus can help you raise your dead grades from the grave!

4. Psalm 94:10

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" (NIV).

Psalm 94 is a part of book IV in the collection of Psalm. It is an appeal to God to deal with those who commit injustices and oppression; however, it is also a declaration of who God is: he is the one who brings joy to our souls.

As finals week begins, may we never forget that God is our refuge and that he will bring us joy as we seek him. So friends, let us go out and conquer finals week with an attitude of resilience and not defeat! May we trust our Lord to bless us with joy!

Sincerely,

Miranda