It’s the September school holidays but truth is, many students are using this week to revise for the upcoming year-end exams. City News understands. Here are five verses to remind you that God cares for you, even through your greatest stress.
Examinations are once again around the corner. The chief duty of many a youth is to study hard and do his best, but sometimes the journey can be daunting. Tests, projects, the daily grind of homework and revision—all these take a toll on even the smartest kid.
But for Christians, we can be assured that we will never be alone, even in the most challenging of times.
You may think to yourself, “Yes, I’ve heard this before, I know God is always with me,” why not take some time to meditate on the fact that God truly is with you, bringing you not just great comfort but great love.
Here are five reminders to take away the strain and stress of this period.
1. The Peace Of God Encompasses Us
Philippians 4:6–7 NIV, reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you start feeling anxious about the busy week ahead, remember who you are in Christ: a beloved son or daughter. Not only does He guard your heart, He also guards your mind, giving you clarity when you encounter tricky exam questions! When you feel overwhelmed, stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and share your worries with Him, and the peace and protection of God will cover you.
2. He Is Our Consoler
Psalm 94:18–19 NIV, reads, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping’, your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
There will be times when a disappointing grade really brings you down, especially if you put much effort into that particular project or exam. It can be difficult to see that brighter days are ahead when we are faced with bad news. However, never forget that God is your consoler. No red mark can cancel His love for you. Keep going—your hard work will pay off soon!
3. He Takes Care Of Us
Matthew 6:31–34 NIV reads, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
This is a familiar verse—for good reason. Reading this gives the believer certainty that everything will be taken care of. As Boyd Bailey so eloquently put it, “Faith unfolds by leaving thing in God’s hand and by beholding His hand in all things.” On your way to school, take a good look at the birds and well-watered trees— if He takes care of these creatures, imagine how much more He takes care of you. You are so precious to Him— never forget that.
4. God Places Great Supporters Around Us
Job 2:11 NIV reads, “When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathise with him and comfort him.”
They may not have understood the sovereignty of God, but the book of Job chronicles the friendship these three showed towards Job. Job endured incredible tests of faith, but God blessed him with sincere friendships. The love of God was demonstrated to him through the people around Him. This gave him strength through the lowest seasons of his life. Just like He gave Job, God also gave you amazing school friends, a cell group and church community, loved ones who genuinely care about you. The struggles that you face are shared with your fellow students ploughing through this hectic period. Pray together and encourage one another, and you will all emerge stronger!
5. We Are Strong In Him
Psalm 31:24 NIV reads, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!”
Last but not least, take courage! You are strong because He lives in you. Be reminded that each time you’ve had to muster courage when you were scared, God saw it all—and He honours it. Thank you for fulfilling your duties as a student and being faithful to Him. He is so proud of you, so continue being strong and steadfast in your journey of learning. Sometimes the main point isn’t crossing the finish line, but how you ran the race. Find the joy in your journey as a student, and release your fears. You got this!
