During my freshman year, I can remember how there were days where I was so stressed out. From moving into a new dorm, struggling to find my place, and not to mention all of the 10-page papers that I had to write, I didn't know how to cope. I remembered that my grandfather (Grandad) had sent me a Good News Bible, written in a way that I would be able to understand it. Every time I was even remotely stressed, I began to read and take notes, and I was shocked at the sense of relief I felt when I returned back to work.
Here's my advice for incoming college freshman: it's going to be stressful, whether you're ready for college or not. So when you get stressed out and overwhelmed, pick up your Bible and read. Here are some verses to help you get started.
1. Proverbs 16:3
"Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out."
2. Luke 21:19
"Stand firm, and you will save yourselves."
3. Psalm 94:19
"Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad."
4. Romans 8:6
"To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace."
5. James 1:2-4
"My friends, considerer yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing so the you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
6. Romans 12:2
"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God--what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect."
7. John 14:27
"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid."
8. Romans 16:20
"And God, our source of peace, will soon crush Satan under your feet."
9. 1 Corinthians 3:11
"For God has already places Jesus Christ as the one ad only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid."
10. Psalm 118:5-6
"In my distress I called to the Lord; he answered me and set me free. The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid; what can anyone do to me?"
11. Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light."
12. Psalm 37:5
"Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you."
13. Philippians 4:6-7
"Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus."
14. Luke 21:34
"Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you..."
15. Romans 8:28
"We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those who he has called according to his purpose."
16. Luke 6:48
"Then Jesus said to the woman, 'Your sins are forgiven.'"
17. Revelation 14:13
"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord.'"
18. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
"Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed."
19. Psalm 119:143
"I am filled with trouble and anxiety, but your commandments bring me joy."
20. Psalm 55:22
"Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated."
21. Isaiah 40:31
"But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak."
22. 1 Corinthians 16:13
"Be alert, stand firm in your faith, be brave, be strong."
23. Psalm 16:8
"I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me."
24. Psalm 56:3-4
"I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?"
25. Psalm 108:13
"With God on our side, we will win; he will defeat our enemies."