With the hustle and bustle of life around us, it's easy to be overwhelmed. It's easy to lose yourself from time to time. And it's easy to forget about what's truly important. At 19, your life can be a whirlwind of changes, and it's nice to have some consistency every once in a while. Whenever life's got the best of you, here are nine important verses you can always fall back on for help. No matter your religious preference, you can still find reassurance within these calming words.
1. Isaiah 43:18 - "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old."
It's easy to get hung up on the aspects of our past that bother us, but the reality is: we cannot change what is already said and done. The future should be our primary focus since we all have the ability to make it what we want. The past does nothing but hold us back, and it's vital for our personal happiness to move on.
2. Proverbs 17:22 - "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
In the midst of our busy lives, it's too easy to let your negativity show. But there is nothing greater than a cheerful heart! Remaining optimistic is crucial to a happy soul.
3. Matthew 6:27 - "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Worrying doesn't do any of us any good. It cannot change our positions in life, and all it adds is stress. Quit worrying about all the little things and focus on what you actually can change.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man."
If you've ever faced temptations in college - or just your life in general - you are not alone. Everyone has shared similar struggles before, and there is no temptation too difficult to overcome.
5. John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
While it is important to look out for yourself, it's just as important to appreciate those around you. Stop every once in a while and think of all your friends would do for you, and do your very best to do the same for them.
6. Hebrews 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have."
Especially with social media, it's easy to be ungrateful for what we have. Instead of wishing you had what someone else does - whether it's money, looks, relationships or possessions - we should focus on all the wonderful blessings we have right in front of us.
7. Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
That being said, we must remain humble about our blessings. Pridefulness leads a destructive path to nowhere, and can completely change the way you look at things. Instead, offer gratitude and thanks for this wonderful life.
8. Luke 6:38 - “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure - pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
One of the most rewarding things you can do is give to others. Paying it forward never fails, and it benefits all parties involved. It is good for the soul and good for those receiving your wonderful gifts - and it doesn't even have to be tangible. Sometimes, offering your condolence, sympathy, or advice can go a long way.
9. Proverb 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Words can hurt more than you realize. Rude comments can stick with people for days, even when you did not mean to be hurtful. Even when you're angry, it's important to keep your words as kind as possible.
10. Romans 13:10 - “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This is the most important rule any of us can follow: love each other. A life lived with love is a life worth living.
In the hustle and bustle of our life at age 19, it's common to lose sight of what's important. It's always refreshing to contemplate the greatest, most selfless ways to live our lives. Even when the business of college - and life in general - gets the best of you, make sure you always save some time to reflect.
