Whether you are an undergrad student, graduate student, or a working professional, there are moments when you may feel drained or discouraged and you may be in need of encouragement. Sometimes we get so caught up in the #Rise&Grind movement, we forget why we are doing what we are doing. There are 5 scriptures that I have committed to memory because it has helped me overcome hard times in my life.

• Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. Sometimes we can become so worried about our future that we begin to stress out. I find peace in knowing that The Lord has a plan for my life and that Jesus does not want me to be unsuccessful. He has proven this by having my life planned out for me already. Remember that although we cannot see the end, have peace in knowing that The Lord knows our end.
• Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”. There are times when I am so tired and so weak spiritually, academically and professionally, yet it helps to know that if I serve The Lord and depend on Him, He will renew my strength. This is powerful because renewal is like a fresh start. He will take away those things that are weighing us down so that we can continue doing what we are doing without growing weary or fainting.
• St. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. I find this verse so encouraging because it lets me know that my peace can only come from God. If I try to find it in anything else, it will not work. The verse goes on to acknowledge and validate my lived experience of having tribulation. Although I may be experiencing hard times, I have to remember that it shall pass because The Lord has already overcome everything that is of this world. I love this because no matter how bad it looks, the ending shall be the same: victory.
• 1 John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”. This verse is encouraging because it reminds me of who I am. Having the cares of this world can make one forget who they are. It gives me strength, self-esteem and confidence knowing that I am a child of God. I have many titles, but the greatest one is being a child of God. It is very encouraging to know that God is greater than anything that I am going through and with God dwelling in me, I am empowered.
• Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”. This verse is very encouraging to me because when I get too busy for my own good, I meditate on this verse to get centered. This verse reminds me what my life is all about. My life is about loving the Lord with everything in me. I find it encouraging knowing that I am striving for something bigger than myself, for something bigger than this world. I am striving to see Jesus face to face and to spend eternity with Him. I am also striving to please Jesus and to follow Him. Everything I do is done as though it is for God because it is a form of honoring Him with my life and showing gratitude for all He has blessed me with.

As you continue to rise and grind, make sure you take a moment to encourage yourself. For believers, find multiple verses to memorize so it can take root in your heart. There are also quotes that are worth memorizing as a reminder for when times are tough. Whatever you do, make sure you stay encouraged as you continue down the path to greatness.