College is one of the busiest times of a student's life. It's filled with papers, exams, club meetings, social outings, and so much more. Life can get tough and it's easy to focus on your busy life and get stuck in your routine. Unfortunately, this routine often leaves out one of the most important things: the Lord.

Becoming independent from your parents doesn't only mean doing your own laundry and making your own dinners every night, but it also means you’re going to have to be proactive in maintaining and deepening your relationship with Jesus - whether it's by going to church, by being active in a church group, or by reading the Word regularly .

You want to be sure to balance work and play. This means not overwhelming yourself with your busy life. Take time away from the constant motion, sit, and be quiet with God. God speaks loudest when you're able to quiet the world around you. This way you're able to truly listen to what He's trying to tell you. You will be able to focus your time and energy on your relationship with Him and will feel more energized when you get back to the real world.

One thing that I do every day is read my One Year Bible (pictured above). For 15-20 minutes each day, I can really focus on centering myself on Him. Doing this in the morning sets the stage for the rest of my day, knowing that He is with me from the start. I began this in February and have noticed a big difference in my relationship with Jesus and my outlook on life- I highly recommend it. Remember to take your relationship with Him one day at a time and not to rush into things- you will grow together with time. And don’t worry, guys, you don’t have to have a pink bible to read from! There are plenty of more masculine versions out there.

Another powerful thing you can do is keep a prayer journal. Writing has proven to be very therapeutic and doing so allows you to look back at past journal entries to see how God has answered your prayers. This can be especially helpful for those who are fighting depression and anxiety. You will have proof on how far you've come and how your life has changed in positive ways.

Doing these things on your own isn't always easy. One thing that can help keep you on track is having friends who will join you and/or support you in your journey with Christ. Try to find people with the same biblical values as you and who will encourage you to have a close relationship with Him. You can also go to these people when you feel like you're at a standstill. God works wonders through the use of other people.

Life will get hard. You will feel like He isn't hearing your prayers. Know that He is always listening. You cannot pray for an A on an exam and expect an A on an exam. Rather, you can pray for an A on an exam and expect Him to help give you the motivation to study and calm your anxiety.

A relationship with Him is not always easy but it is so worth it.

I challenge you to go out and live a life for -and with- Jesus.

“You are not a student first, but ten thousand times a Christian first.” ~David Mathis

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Dear God,

Please be with the people reading this right now. Challenge them to see You in their daily lives. Help them to find time during their day to quiet the world around them so that they can hear Your voice. No matter their age, show them that they are a child of God. Take away their worries and anxieties and answer their prayers. Let them know that You have a plan for their lives. Show them that they are loved and help them to love others just as You love us. Help them feel Your presence so that they can feel complete.

In your name we pray,

Amen!