For some, you may be signing your acceptance letter, getting ready for your first year of college. For others, this may be your last semester as an undergrad and you're getting ready to walk across the stage and accept your diploma. Wherever you may be in your chapter of life, we have all faced challenges, tried to learn time management skills, put aside many hours for studies and work, made new friends, and grew close to the old ones along the way. All of these things that I have listed are essential and necessary for the journey of life, but over time and a few mistakes later, I began to realize they are not the biggest priority.
When I began college, I quickly learned that I have to stand up for what I believe in, even when it seemed like everyone was going in the opposite direction. I am not ashamed to say I have a relationship with Christ, but living in a generation where being "wild" and "reckless" are the "cool" things to do, it was discouraging to try to remain positive.
In spite of everything, being a Christian is not very popular in today's time and in certain schools.
Because of this reason, it is so crucial to have a close relationship with God. You need to continue to pursue the things that have kept you so close to Him because your peers around you will test your faith.
As I head home for the summer and reflect back on the school year, I have found ways to keep my life in accordance with keeping God first. I must always remind myself that this isn't ultimately my plan, but His, even through the testing times. I had to find innovate ways to keep God number one in the depths of this wondrous life.
Even from my high school years, I have always kept a journal on me. It has helped me grow spiritually in my faith and also as a person. I have kept writing in my journal through college because it helps me reflect on my inner emotions as well as stay in-tune with God. Whether your preference is a custom leather journal, a spiral-ringed notebook, or the sticky note app on your phone, it makes it easy to write your thoughts down anywhere at any given time.
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. -- 2 Thessalonians 3:5
I use my journal to write down my thoughts and release them, I never truly know how I'm feeling until I reread my own thoughts down on paper. By writing them down, I can then put my attention else where that may need be. God shows His love and speaks through our circumstances and feelings, so being able to see the larger picture above everything else is priceless, but it can be difficult to do when we are stuck in homework assignments, work shifts, and social gatherings.
When writing, we have a tendency to become more engaged and pay closer attention to our words. It doesn't have to be intricate or fancy, let the words come from what is on your heart. Remember this is your special time to reflect on your life, but also share an intimate moment with the Father.
Plus, it's incredible to look back and see the written proof of the fingerprints of God working in your life and on your heart.
Another thing that has helped my faith grow from a seed into a fruitful garden was really understanding how to have "Jesus Time" and what that meant to me personally. God has created our days with very similar goals for all of us, but we all have different styles and outlooks as to how to live out those goals, that is why it is so important to find ways that work for you. How do you get to school each day? Bus? Walk? Drive? How do you set aside a date with God everyday? Praying? Reading? Fellowship with others throughout the day? We all have different styles as to how we can glorify God. By finding those talents early, it's easier to show God's love and become a disciple for Him throughout your every day life.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. -- Revelation 3:20
It can be difficult to first find ways to maintain your relationship with Christ due to class schedules, work hours, and social time, but think of all the time it took to become best friends with your closest friend. Being in a relationship times time, effort, and honesty. What is so astounding is that God always has open arms for His children to come and talk with Him and to replenish us in His word. Since He has blessed us with free will, it is up to us to either accept or decline His invitation.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. -- Romans 10:17
As you start to prepare for the busy days in the future, creating a routine for yourself, giving more attention to your top priorities, always remember that God is waiting for you to come to Him for strength and is always so proud of all of your accomplishments. He has such a great love for His children and always wants the best for you.
Your faith is so important, don't be afraid to stand up for your faith and be yourself. But, to keep your faith strong, you need to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself in God presence and His word. None of this would be possible without His grace and at the day of the day, your heart will remain in His peace.
