When talking about my faith, I am known to regard it as being similar to a romantic relationship. After all, it is by far the most intimate one you can have. As I wrote in another article, just as with any romantic relationship, your relationship with God will often be faced with times of passionate love and occasional "low points." This isn't to say the love isn't there anymore. Quite the contrary! In fact, there is such an honest commitment and desire to love one another wholeheartedly, that all you want is to reach those states of passionate love again.
Unfortunately, many college students are faced with a series of "low points." College years are regarded by many as some of the most religiously trying years of your life. Between busy schedules, demanding classes, lack of sleep, and the hope to still be social, college students often feel as though there isn't enough time in a day to breathe. It's no wonder maintaining a healthy, enduring love with God often gets put on the back burner. However, when you feel this way this is typically when you need God the most. He is your support in this relationship, right?
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I for one, will be the first to admit I am not perfect. I am not even deserving of a love as great as His. But I will never stop trying to earn His love, for there is no love on earth like the love He has for me.
College is anything but easy. But it is all the more rewarding with my biggest fan by my side. If you ever find yourself in these spiritual pits, know that you are not alone. To get back to where you want to be in your relationship with God, here are 6 ways you can weave your faith back in for a sustainable college-faith lifestyle.
1. Check out the faith sharing groups on campus.
Denominational or not, most college campuses do have these great little gatherings for students interested in discussing their faith with others. These can be amazing support systems when you are going through pits and wonderful circles for your peaks too!
2. Pencil in mass/open Church time.
This may make it seem like setting aside time for your faith is a chore. But if you're like me, sometimes you just need to make sure you block off this time. If it's on my calendar, I know I can't push it off or replace it with another activity. This is great too since this time with God will allow yourself to take a step back from everything that seems "so important" at the moment and simply be. Take in the world around you, realign your goals and beliefs, and give thanks for all we seem to take for granted with each new day.
3. Keep a prayer journal.
Personally, I treat my prayer journal as my "letters to God." This is a safe space where I can express what has been on my mind (good or bad) and casually talk with God. I'll also pick out a verse or two that really resonates with me at the time. These verses typically stick with me and will then help guide me through my day.
4. Read a daily dose devotional.
I'm an old fashioned, "print everything" kind of girl, so I love physical copies of devotionals. However, I have also used email subscriptions and apps in the past. If you're more of a tech-aficionado, you might find those more enjoyable. For me, the best part about devotionals is the fact that each day you are reminded to make time for God. Some days the message might really align with what you are in need of, other days it might not. Regardless, you have set aside time to stop and be with the Lord. This is invaluable when you feel as though your days seem to go by in a blink of an eye.
5. Coffee for two.
We all know colleges run off of blood, sweat, and tears ... and coffee. So why not make your morning Cup of Joe a coffee date with the Man Upstairs? This is a great time to reflect on yesterday, think about the day ahead, and feel God's enveloping love. Communication is important in any relationship, but it is of the utmost importance in this one.
6. Walk the walk and talk the talk.
Ahh ending on my personal favorite. My days are crazy and my nights are long, but I know I can always count on having my walks to and from class. This is my favorite time to pray to God. No, it's not grand, but neither are my prayers. Instead, these are some of the greatest times of my day, when I am not distracted by anything else, to say a quick little prayer so He knows how overwhelmingly grateful I am to have Him in my life.
Maintaining a relationship with God in college is not impossible. It is not easy either, but that's because it is worth it.
