Before I came to college, I was a huge church girl, and I promised myself that coming to college would not change that. Let’s just say that I was extremely wrong in so many ways. Coming to college was like walking into a whole new world, and it seemed as if I didn’t have time to please myself and God. With that being said, one had to go; unfortunately I decided to please myself. I went to parties on Saturday night, and didn’t get up for church on Sunday morning, and to be quite honest it didn’t bother me at all for a while. Then I realized something was missing from my life. I decided it was time to get myself together. It can be hard but not impossible. I’m going to give you my top five tips on how to keep your relationship with God while being in college.

1. Open Your Bible

Now this is easier said than done. I remember when I first tried to read my bible again, I constantly found myself going to sleep, or finding something else to do. I was reading because I knew it was the right thing to do, not because I wanted to. When I finally decided that I wanted my relationship with God to be strong again it became easier. I started off with a simple scripture every morning, and it is a very popular one. I see it in plenty of Instagram and Twitter bios all the time. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Start off with one scripture that you know will help you on your hardest days, and as time goes on you will find yourself reading and finding plenty of other scriptures that you love.

2. Listen to Gospel Music.

Over the years I have grown to love Gospel music. Every morning as I’m getting ready for class I play my gospel music playlist, and it really sets the atmosphere for the rest of the day. Gospel music is so versatile nowadays, it has grown into way more than the slow songs you hear your grandma listening to on Sunday mornings. One of my favorite artist is Sy-1, he raps and sings about the word of God in a way that makes this generation want to listen. Listening to gospel music and actually paying attention to the words can definitely strengthen your relationship with God.

3. Explore different churches.

If you’re like me and don’t really like the church on campus, then go explore more options! Trust me you are not the only one who is looking for a different church. I found a church buddy, and we explored different churches together. Now it just so happens that in Hampton, Virginia churches are like McDonalds, there is on every corner, so finding a new one wasn’t too difficult.

4. Pray.

The hardest thing about praying is remembering that we have to pray during the good times, and the bad times. A lot of times I find myself praying when times get bad, you know like when you’re at that party that you know you shouldn’t have gone to, and it starts getting shot up. What about when you have a huge test coming up that you know you didn’t study for? It is important to just stop and say “Thank you Jesus.” Thank Him for helping you pass that test, for saving your life at that party, and for giving you the strength to make it through another day.

5. Remember that Jesus loves you.

I was so hard on myself every time I messed up, and turned my back on God. I felt like I didn’t deserve His forgiveness, but the Bible says Jesus is married to the backslider. This simply means that it is OK for you to mess up, God always loves you. Now I’m not saying to keep making the same mistakes all of the time, but when you do mess up just repent, and God will forgive you. In order to repent after you ask God for forgiveness, you have to remember to change your ways for the better. When God forgives you, it is important to also forgive yourself. God is always there for you because His love is unconditional.