strength + solace

I am seeking solace.

Happy finals week!

Granted, I know it is difficult to be “happy” this week, especially if you are particularly stressed about exams.

So here are some reminders to get you through the week!

1.     You can survive this week because you have the power of the Lord within you.

Because of our identity in Christ Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, who will strengthen us and guide us. We must consult him in prayer when we are in need, and he will give us rest.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” –John 16:13

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for what he has done. Then you will experience Gods peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7

2.    God has placed you where you are in this very moment (college) and he will equip you with the skills you need.

You would not be where you are if it weren’t for his will. We must trust in him to lead us down the path of righteousness and to give us what we need for each day.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leave remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” –Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” –Psalm 37:5

3.    Your identity lies in Christ.

Your worth is not determined by your performance in school or anywhere else. You are not your GPA. You are not your degree plan. You are not a standardized test grade. You are a masterpiece created by the perfect God of heaven and earth. Your identity lies in Christ’s performance on the cross. Nothing else in this life will matter after you leave earth; only that your soul was set free by the One True King.

     

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you”

–Song of Solomon 4:7

           

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” –Galatians 2:20

I know if may seem like this week is too much to handle, so allow your loving Father to bear your burdens for you. He is waiting for you to come to him so he can give you peace. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the things of this world—academics, success, good grades, money, acceptance, acclamation—but we must remember who we were created by and for: the Risen King!