It's the middle of November, and most of us are busy working on final papers and projects. It's a stressful time as classes begin to speed up and the clock is ticking on those looming deadlines. Here are some Bible verses to encourage you, my fellow college student, as you aim to finish out the semester strong.
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:31-34(ESV)
Throughout my years as a college student, and especially as a senior, it's been easy for me to worry and think to myself "What if I fail this class? What if I fail this class and it goes on my transcript and I never get a job?"Jesus said to not worry about those things because God will provide for you, so seek His righteousness first. I'll be the first to admit it's easy to skip out on church or Bible reading when I'm busy or stressed, and I struggle with keeping it the #1 priority in my life.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23(ESV)
It can be easy at times to worry only about your grade in a certain class, or to brush off your work if you have a "pushover professor" and forget the real reason it's important to work hard for your education. The real reason it's important to work hard fos to equip yourself for what God has called you to in the future. Right now, God has placed you trade school, college or university and is calling you to be a student, so be the best student you can be. He is your real professor. He is your real boss.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7(ESV)
You may have heard the saying "If it's not worth praying about, it's not worth worrying about." If there is something weighing on your mind, even if it's something as normal as a paper or test, pray to God about it instead of worrying about it.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28(ESV)
This verse is self explanatory. Jesus promises to give us rest if we come to him when we are stressed and heavy-laden.