College is a time in life highlighted with an overflow of emotions and struggles. Don't get me wrong, college is also a wonderful, exciting, adventurous time in life that I will miss very much when it is over. But between the deadlines, heartbreaks, changes, and uncertainties, college can quickly turn into a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. The thing is that, as Christians, we are called to live a life of purpose and joy. And you would think we would live every day with joyful, grateful hearts considering the God we love and serve is the Savior of the world! So what is the disconnect? How do we overcome the struggles of the college years? How do we change our mindset as Christian college students from "Oh my gosh I'm so stressed out/I have so much anxiety," to, "God, thank you for another day/I can't wait to see what adventures He has for me today?"
Here are 10 verses to read when:
1. When you need some perspective:
Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways," says the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
2. When you don't know what to do:
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
3. When you feel alone:
Psalm 133: 1-2, 6-7
Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
4. When you feel like life is just too much:
Psalm 118: 6, 17
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
5. When you are burdened:
Job 5: 8-9
But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.
6. When you think God is unfair:
Job 2: 10b
Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?
7. When you start doing life your own way:
Deuteronomy 6: 12
Be careful that you do not forget the Lord.
8. When you are afraid:
Exodus 14: 13-14
Moses answered the people: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today….the Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
9. When you are tempted to boast or be insincere:
Matthew 6:1
Be careful not to do your “acts of righteousness” before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven.
10. When you are sarcastic/belittling/negative too much:
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Christians, get in the Word! Be encouraged! Take your faith to a deeper level! The difference that time spent in God's Word will make in your life is unreal. Let's live our college years to the fullest as we follow Christ's plan for our lives!
