What to remember when finals have you stressed
Jan Walker
Phrases like “College will be the best time of your life!” rang in your ears as you eagerly unpacked your microwave, shower caddy, and ramen noodles into your dorm room. The first few weeks of college life, filled with football games and endless orientation mixers, did indeed seem like all that was promised.
Then, reality hits. The smiling professors who greeted you on the first day aren’t as smiley anymore. The food wasn’t as good as you remembered when you visited campus the first time. And then, exams. Why didn’t anyone tell you about exams?
There is more to life than exam scores, academic plans, and your GPA.
College was carefree at first, and now it’s harder than you ever imagined. But the truth is, there is more to life that exam scores, academic plan, and your GPA.
7 Promises for Stressed Out College Students (and Those Who Love Them)
1. God loves you more than you can imagine.
Ephesians 3:17-19 tells us Jesus’ love for us is so long and deep and high that we can’t even comprehend it. Rest in the truth that Jesus sees your hard work, and you are deeply loved.
2. Your greatest joy is found in Jesus.
God provides joy on our path as we follow Him. Psalm 16:11 reminds us of this: “[God,] you make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
3. You have been given a specific set of gifts.
Psalm 139 reveals that God created us on purpose, for a purpose. Every day of your life has been written, and God has equipped you for the path ahead.
4. Your gifts are intended to build God’s kingdom.
God prepared us for good work in His kingdom (Ephesians 2:10). Our own plans pale in comparison to His.
5. God controls your future.
Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” You can be confident in God’s plan for your life.
6. God knows life isn’t easy.
The Bible speaks of how tumultuous life can become. Ephesians 4:13-15 speaks of our lives being “…tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching.” God is aware of every wave that hits you. He has not forgotten you. To the contrary, He notices every aspect of your life and works through the good and the bad to help bring us to maturity.
7. The world is not all there is.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says no one can fathom what God has planned for us, both in this world and beyond. Long after our GPA are forgotten, God’s kingdom will remain.