There is no doubt that college life is busy, so many things change when you finish high school and move onto bigger things like college. For me, once I moved onto college I knew it would not be easy in anyway, but I did not know how hard it could be to keep a relationship with God while going to college. There are many priorities when you are in college, such as keeping your grades up, balancing a social life, etc. What many people might not realize is that one of the most important priorities in this time of our lives is a good relationship with God. It was a big change going from being surrounded by people of faith who are constantly reminding you of what really matters in life, to a huge college campus with nothing but a small idea of where to start your faith. I have come to a realization that balancing college life and a well-rounded relationship with God is never going to be easy.

Since being in college, I have joined a religious based group and met a lot of great people. We would worship on Tuesday nights and have a private group bible study on Thursdays. You might think that being a part of a religious organization in college makes it a lot easier to balance a relationship with God, but I have realized that it does not make it easier. Organizations like this help you surround yourself with faith and love and those who are sharing the same love for God that you are. A lot of times no one thinks about if they have a test to study for and they can’t make it to worship one night or one bible study. It isn’t only the group organizations that build a relationship with God, it is your choice whether or not you are going to follow God. A religious group or club is not going to determine how good of a relationship you have with God, it takes an open mind and a loving heart to understand that you are not in control of your life.

You might wonder if having several friends who also follow God is a good thing, but it is also healthy to have other friendships who may not see things exactly the way you do. No matter how much faith you have in God, acting on that faith takes a lot more than just showing up to church or bible study. College can be one of the hardest times to do that, but in the end it will be worth it.

I have gotten into the habit of praying every night before I go to bed and every morning before going to class. Praying relieves stress and worry in ways no one may be able to understand. Think about how many times per day that you worry about something. If you have the opportunity, let God know your worries and fears. In those moments when you can’t relax or focus, take a minute to pray even if there are several things on your mind, God listens to you anyway. That is the beauty of faith.

There are people in my life I have met that are not religious, I do not push it on anyone, however trying to encourage someone to follow God could be enlightening. Don’t think about other people by how often they may show up to church, we are all on different roads and we all have different stories, but still God loves us.

When you feel like you are struggling, know that others are too. God is always here for you. You may not understand everything that is thrown at you in life, but trust that God has a plan for it all. He takes out and puts in people that he thinks should be in your life and only wants to help you. So, when you feel like you’re struggling during college, take a few minutes to pray, God is always here for you to lean on.

It may feel like the end of the world in some points of your life, no matter where your faith is, God is always there to lead you in the right direction. If you are struggling in college this year remember all of the great things that God can do and believe that he has a plan for your own life. Believe that he will guide you where he wants to take you and help you pursue your faith further. He will always take care of you.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”