College can be a stressful and difficult time for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are a nervous incoming freshman, or a last year senior with Senioritis. Each of us have many difficult things to deal with during our time in school. It's reassuring to know that we are not alone in our times of anxiety, disappointment and friendship issues. One way I try to stay positive and strong-minded is to read the Bible and research verses that can relate to my current situation. When I am feeling down, I remind myself that God is good, and He can get anyone through anything that gets in the way. I have put together my version of a list for 11 topics college students may deal with, and a verse that can help guide everyone through each struggle.
1. Anxiety:
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3
College can be very hectic. You will come across assignments that are very easy for you, then there will be assignments that are extremely challenging. Trust that the Lord will guide you, and He will help you succeed in what's meant to be.
2. Beauty:
"[God] has made everything beautiful in its time." -Ecclesiastes 3:11
The "Freshman 15"...the horror. Whether you experience gaining weight during college or have other beauty issues, remember that you are beautiful! God made you exactly how you are supposed to be. If and when you are ready to make changes, it'll happen. Don't put yourself down for the little 'imperfections' you think you may have.
3. Conflict:
"Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." -1 Peter 3:8-9
It can be so easy to want to get back at someone who has done you wrong. It does no good to fight fire with fire. There may be times when you disagree with a professor, boss, or other student. It is best to try and get along and find better ways to resolve the conflict you may have. Addressing conflict can be nerve racking sometimes, but the Lord will guide you through it.
4. Creativity:
"Each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." -1 Corinthians 7:7
College is the perfect time to be creative. It's great to find people who have similar interests and are involved in the same things as you are. Even if you are not the best at one particular thing, keep in mind that God has given each person their own special gift. You should be proud of the gift that you have been given, and never put yourself down because you cannot do something someone else can do.
5. Depression:
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." -Psalm 55:22
When you are feeling down, God will be there to pick you up. I went through a phase of depression a few years ago. I discovered that there is nothing like the power of prayer. God is with you at all times, and it's amazing how strong His presence is in some of the worst times of your life.
6. Disappointment:
"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." -Psalm 62:8
There will be times when you work really hard on an assignment, to only discover you didn't receive the grade you were hoping for. This will happen tons of times. God will get you through any disappointment you may have, and you can be prepared to work even harder next time. We learn and become stronger from the disappointment we experience.
7. Friendship:
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18:24
In college, you may lose some high school friends while gaining new college friends. It's OK that people go their separate ways. Many believe that it is better to have a small group, than a huge group of friends that are not actually there for you when you need them. Thank the Lord for putting those few friends in your life that have stayed and plan to stay all this time.
8. Loving Others:
"Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:2
It can be hard to get along with everyone. It seems nearly impossible to not run into some type of conflict with people. It's important that we remain loving and accepting, keeping an open mind. Holding grudges and hating someone never makes anything better.
9. Frustration:
"God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." -1 Corinthians 10:13
I get frustrated a million times a day at school. It's important to take a step back, realizing God would not put you in a situation that you cannot handle. There is so much more to come, and He needs you to trust in Him. The frustration will all be worth it in the end.
10. Guidance:
"'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you,' says the Lord." -Psalm 32:8
No matter what type of curve ball you are thrown during college, God is there to guide you. He is there to catch you when you fall. You can read the Bible for guidance, look up verses, join a Bible study group and many other things. No matter what, God is there.
11. God's Presence:
"Jesus said, 'Surely I am with you always to the very end of age.'" -Matthew 28:20
I believe this last one speaks for itself and can easily sum up all of the other points/verses. Even if you are not currently a college student, these verses can serve well with anything that may be going on in your life.