As a new school year approaches it brings a string of emotions, thoughts, and obstacles along with it. They are like strings attached to the end of the "new school year" car. You know that once the car passes, all of the strings will get tangled up and run together. We all know the feeling. You cannot be truly excited about the upcoming weekend, because you are stressed about the test next weekend. What if our perspective of the school year shaped our approach to it? As Christians we have the God of the universe on our side, fighting for us.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." — John 16:33

We have no reason to be anxious about school or any obstacle that is thrown our way. We can find rest and comfort in the promise that the world has already been conquered. Our peace is in heaven, our salvation is secure. Even the worst thing that this world throws at us will not destroy us. It will not compare to the joy that is coming.

"Go Therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19

Instead of treating school as a chore, view it as a mission field. Be intentional. Go and sit beside a new person and reach out to them. We have been placed on our campus to be a light for the lost. To be the hands and feet of Jesus to the girl sitting in our English class. Our mission field is eating lunch alone, or passing us daily in the quad. Remembering our purpose allows us to realize that our efforts are not in vain. At the end of the day it isn't about your GPA, but about how Jesus showed through our lives.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4: 6-7

When anxious thoughts come we can present them to God. He scoops them up and wraps our heart and mind in peace.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you." — 2 Corinthians 4:8-12