As I have started college and have been hitting the books pretty hard the past 2 weeks, God has not failed to remind me DAILY that He is in control of every situation. Things may come and go in and out of my life, but He has a plan for my good and for His glory.

In the hustle and bustle of school work, extracurriculars, and everything else that life throws at me, I get overwhelmed very easily. Some days it would seem easier to stay in bed all day long. Some days I feel like giving up. Some days I feel like I just won't be able to handle it all. But then God comes to me like a flood, showing me His love for me, and I have a peace that passes all understanding. Making time to have a quiet time and spend time with my Heavenly Father everyday, before I start my day, makes everything better. One verse that truly speaks to my heart is Psalms 61:2 “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Christ is our strong fortress. He knows every chapter of our life from beginning to end. Sometimes we just need to slow down and ask for wisdom to see things through His eyes and from His perspective. Trust is a vital part of the Christian Faith, and we can put our full hope and trust in Jesus.

Other times, the future feels uncertain, and I worry that things won't work out the way they should. However, God continually shows me that His plans are far better than my own. I'm the type of person who has to have a plan and likes to have control. My whole week is detailed in my planner. I feel secure with a plan in place. The fear comes in when I don't know what that plan is. I don't always know where God is leading me, but I find true freedom when I let go of my plans and release all my worries and put them in the hands of the One who holds the world. It says in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” I'm reminded of the children's song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." He's got the flowers and the trees. He's got you and me. He's got the whole world in His hands. We have no reason to worry, God has control and His plans are far better than our own.

So, I hope me pouring out my heart and personal struggles help some of you this week to walk by faith a little more. The freedom and peace found in Christ changes us from the inside out. We need to live our lives without worry or fear and bask in His glory and grace. Let the words of this old hymn resonate in your mind this week:

1

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word;

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,

Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust Him more.

2

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood;

Just in simple faith to plunge me,

’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.

3

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just from sin and self to cease;

Just from Jesus simply taking

Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.

4

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;

And I know that Thou art with me,

Wilt be with me to the end.