I grew up in the Catholic church, but it was when I went to a new church right before high school graduation that I realized how broken I was and how much I was going to need Christ going into my college career.
Boy, did I underestimate my need for Him. And I think many college students do the same thing.
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Christ calls us to rely on Him during each and every situation, good or bad. Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." That is a quote straight from Jesus' mouth, that's not just a disciple describing this. And Jesus always keeps true to His word. College students find themselves full of classes, homework, friends, work, sorority/fraternity events, and other clubs. Then you put finding time to eat and sleep somewhere in there, and that's already a packed schedule. Trying to throw Christ into the mix? Is that too time consuming,? We brush off Christ, thinking He will be there only when we need Him.
Well news flash ladies and gentlemen: We need Christ all of the time.
Yes, He knows that we need Him, but He wants us to call out to Him, so He knows that we know He's there. We praise Him during the good times, and ask for help and forgiveness during the bad times. But as Casting Crowns sings, it's important to also praise Christ in the storm. He only puts the trails and tribulations in our lives that we can handle. Everything happens for a purpose, according to His purpose for our lives.
Now as a college student, you may be wondering Okay I grew up in church, I've heard this a thousand times, what is it that you're saying that's any different? Nothing that I'm saying is necessary different than what you've heard before. But as a college student, I know that times get crazy. I do feel all alone sometimes, I do feel entirely overwhelmed to the point of no return to normal. And I do forget that Christ is watching over me.
Then I look at the tattoo on my wrist: Let Go[d] (Let Go and Let God)... Okay, it's not there yet, but hopefully by the time of this publish date, I will have the appointment scheduled. But that's why I want it so badly, in a place that can be tricky to cover up if need be. It will serve as my constant reminder that there's a power that has control over all thing controllable and uncontrollable in my life, and that's Christ.
So, as a busy college student, how can you incorporate Christ into your daily routine? Well, the best thing to do is set aside time everyday to indulge in your Bible. There are so many opportunities to dig into God's Word without having to set a separate time aside; combine it with other activities. Use it as an excuse to hang out with your friends in a group Bible study. Reflect on some verses while you eat dinner or take a shower. Listen to podcasts of sermons during long drives.
Another thing I like to do is pinpoint different things around campus that I find beautiful and God-made to remind me of His Glory. I live right by a river, so that's a wonderful example. When I catch myself looking at it through my window or while walking to class, an immediate peace surrounds me. I know that's how God has found a great connection to me, and I know that the river is my reset button to put my focus back on Him.
Living for Christ isn't hard as a college student. If you play intramural sports, do art on the side, or dance for your major, do those activities for God. He gave you those gifts and talents for a reason, now use those to give back to Him. He doesn't want you to give up the things you love, He just wants you to do them for His Glory. Make Him your focus and He will be happy.
We need God. We need to recognize Him more in our day-today activities. And it all starts with realizing that the power is not within us, it's within Christ. He loves us so much that He died for us! And all He wants in return is for us to love Him back, and to never forget about Him.
College is the point where most of us tend to lose Him. We focus on ourselves, on the parties, on the degree, when really our focus should be on Christ. Let's bring back His Glory to the college campus.
