Amidst all of the term papers, finals, daily assignments, life group meetings, Student Government Association elections, concerts, and Greek Life events, you may feel swarmed. That is, my classmates and I feel this way. In a world that commands believers to be shut out, our Redeemer calls us to love and be loved (Luke 6:31). I realize that some days it can be extremely difficult to remember that Jesus once dealt with pain and turmoil. However, you can bear the rich beautiful promise of God’s near arrival.
As I reflect on my own meditations on the Word and God’s work in my life, I’d like to share with you the major counts of truth I hold dear in stressful times such as these.
Whether you realize it or not, you matter.
God didn’t create you for you to believe that there is no purpose to life. God didn’t create you for you to doubt or fear. God didn’t create you to suffer. In life on Earth, there is consequence. In life on Earth, evil prevails. In life on Earth, darkness is the way. Consequently, you are not Jesus, but you are of Him (Hebrews 10:10).
You see, without a living, breathing, working, thriving God prevalent on this green Earth, there would not be a way to life. There would not be an answer to your suffering or confusion. There would not be life after death. You can trust in God to know that He is the way (John 14:6), that He will give all answers (Proverbs 3:5-6), and there will indeed be a life for you after death (John 14:3). He is the Counselor, He is the Righteous, and He is the Provider. In Him you can find advocacy, truth, love, peace, and wholeness.
I also advise you to utilize the community and resources that God has blessed you with.
It is incredibly easy to take your daily surroundings for granted—your warm bed, food that is available when you want it, clothing to wear when you want it, paper to write on, shoes to walk in, water to hydrate you, a roof over your head for warmth and protection, friends to confide in, a car to carry you from place to place, a phone or laptop to keep you “organized” and “connected," etc.
He calls us to be humble. Even in times of distress, I advise and encourage you to remember who you are and to whom you belong (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). You are more fortunate than you will be able to recognize. For God himself, as a human, did not wish to be served (Mark 10:45), which would puzzle the human as to how He can have the power of God in His blood and still face turmoil from His enemies. If the Son of Man can walk on Earth for 33 years, rally an army of followers and defeat death and its allies, you can make it through the day just fine.
We are all broken—but that’s okay, because Jesus is not.
Please realize that even though we are a broken, dirty people (Job 9:20), we can go to the One who is indeed not (1 Peter 1:9). There are times when all I want is to go to sleep and forget the happenings of the day. There are times that I cringe at a grade report, or a nasty text, or a rude customer at work. There are times when traffic is stacked up for miles, when sickness or sadness overcome me or my family, or money seems to be scarce. Isaiah 41:10 tells us that we shall not be afraid, for the Lord God is always with you. You can rest knowing that you sit in the palm of His hand, safe from harm or persecution.
Above all, realize that His grace is all you need in all areas of your life (2 Corinthians 12:9). I pray that in Him you may find refuge in His righteousness (Isaiah 40:31), that He will meet your needs according to His will in His timing (Philippians 4:19), and that in Him you may find everlasting peace (John 14:27).
In all times, know that you are loved and prayed for; friends, we are in this as a body of Christ.
Blessings,
A Fellow Christian
