Now that the fall semester has wrapped up and everyone is, rightfully, collapsing on their beds with relief, some might be already worrying about the next semester. Sure, it's a month away, but it's looming, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a teensy bit worried about those 18 credits I signed up for.
Sometimes, I forget that someone bigger than I can even comprehend has promised me security and restfulness if I put my worries in Him. While I always need God's goodness, college only amplifies that need. In this season of life that brings stress and panic and that frazzled feeling we all know too well, we should remember some of the wonderful promises that God has already made to us.
1. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." -Matthew 11:28-29
When endless homework assignments and quizzes and tests keep you up at night, you seem to be running on empty. The stress weighs you down and quite literally sucks the life out of you. When we feel that we are at our lowest point, we must remember that we are promised rest if we lean on the one who gives us the strength to endure the stress in the first place. Jesus promises us that we do not have to go through the hardships of college alone.
2. "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid." -John 14:27
"Peace of mind and heart." Feeling frazzled? Remember to take comfort in this wonderful promise! Jesus promises to calm our hearts that seem to be overwhelmed with the worries that college brings upon us. We should not let that test on a Monday morning trouble our hearts so much that we forget that Jesus gives us peace of mind when we need it most.
3. "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." -Isaiah 40:29-31
"Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion."
Wow, it's almost like God knew what He was talking about...He knows that we struggle. He knows we stay up way too late just to try and get that 1% of extra credit. He knows we break down and cry when we don't feel like we can do it anymore. He knows we don't want to fail. Thankfully for us, He promises us that He is strong enough to carry us through these tribulations. When we lean on Him, we are able to regain the strength that God has instilled in us.
And while some may claim that this last one is overused (by the way, totally not possible), it is still one of the most powerful promises that every single person needs to remember.
4. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11
College tests us. It makes us work until we feel weak. We might even question our worth because of it sometimes. But God has a plan. Each of us has a wonderful plan that was made just for us. God wants us to stay hopeful in the crazy college world. Our futures are bright when we trust in His promises and remain faithful through the hard times. God knows we are more than capable. Stay strong.
