I’ll be the first to admit that it’s incredibly difficult to make potentially life-changing decisions. Despite the rest that summer typically offers, in my experience, the stress of the upcoming school year can be overwhelming. The only respite from these inundating thoughts and emotions is to turn to the Bible. Keep these verses in mind while you’re planning for the fall semester.

When you’re discouraged

Psalm 42:11 (NRSV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God."

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV): "but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

James 1:2-3 (NRSV): "My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance…"

Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NRSV): "Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."

When you can’t decide what to do

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Proverbs 13:20 (NRSV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm."

1 Peter 5:7 (NRSV): "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."

Proverbs 21:3 (NRSV): "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

Benediction

I'm always so encouraged when the benediction is given at the end of a church service. The word "benediction" means “the utterance or bestowing of a blessing” (Oxford English Dictionary).

As you go about your day, week, month, and the rest of the year, may these words resonate within you: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace," (Numbers 6:24-26, NRSV).