While college is one of the most exciting times of our lives, it's easy to get overwhelmed or stressed on almost a daily basis. We pack our schedules full of classes, resume builders, and social events because we want to make sure we're not missing out on anything. When daily life becomes a little too much or you feel like you have too much on your plate, here are some great verses that serve as reminders of God's greater plan.
1. Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
When you're worn out from work or school, this verse reminds us to lay everything at the feet of God and he will take care of us. If we simply go to him, he will always be there to comfort us, and he won't let us push ourselves too far.
2. Psalm 61:2
"From the end of the Earth I will call unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
This verse is one of my all time favorites. There are so many days where I come home and I just don't know how I'm going to make time for everything I have to get done, or I'm so worried about a situation that's completely out of my control but I can't help but think about it. This verse reminds me that nothing is too big for the Lord, and that he is all knowing and all powerful. He is watching over us, and that's so comforting to realize in the midst of all of our stress.
3. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
There are so many times where I wish God could just come sit on my bed with me and tell me "Okay, so here's what you should do," but sadly it doesn't work that way. This verse serves as a reminder that although we don't understand why certain things play out the way they do, the Lord has a greater plan. One day we'll look back on these times that were so painful and realize why we had to go through them. Trusting in the Lord to make everything work together isn't always necessarily the easiest thing to do, but he knows so much more than we ever could, and he makes all things work together for our good.
4. Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
This is one of the most applicable verses I've found for college students. As students, it's easy to sit down and look at your calendar and panic because of all the deadlines thrown at you ("I have a quiz tomorrow and a paper due Thursday and a test on Friday.") This verse reminds us to take a step back, breathe, and focus on one day at a time. It helps to focus on the day you're living in, and find the little things throughout the day that bring you joy.
5. 1 Peter 5:6-7
" Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
It's so comforting to remember that we have a God who wants us to cast all of our anxieties on him. He is more than willing to take the burden off of us, as long as we are willing to hand them over to him and trust in him to take care of us. Humbling ourselves before God means realizing that we are not know-it-alls, and trusting him to guide us where we need to be.
6. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And 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 endure it."
In college, we are exposed to (arguably) the most temptation we will ever face. You're making your own decisions and are completely responsible for yourself for the first time, and with great freedom comes great responsibility. Whether temptation comes in the form of partying too much, too often, feeling the need to conform to fit in, or letting your devotion to God pale in comparison to your devotion to schoolwork and friendships, college is definitely a trying time. This verse reminds us that we will not be pushed farther than we can go, and that God is always right there waiting to help us stand again, whenever we decide to turn back to him.
7. James 4:13-15
"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"
The (main) point of college is to graduate with a degree that will help you find a job. So many students spend all 4 years stressing about what job will be awaiting them when they graduate that they're not fully able to enjoy college without fear of what waits for them afterwards. This verse puts all of that into perspective by reminding us that we are not the ones who know what our futures hold; God is. Why worry about something that's happening a year (or 2 or 3) from now when we don't even know what's going to be happening tomorrow? God will provide a plan for us and we need only trust in that.
