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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
There are so many things that we struggle with on a daily basis, especially in college. Students struggle with things like stress, anxiety, depression, home sickness, doubt and fear. Students hold themselves to so many high standards and try to be the best they can be, but beat themselves up when they do not meet their goals. We face so many giants, but they can easily be defeated when God is by our side.
Anxiety is becoming more and more common. A lot of people suffer from anxiety, whether it is in the classroom, social situations or both, it can be very difficult to gain control over. When you suffer with anxiety, it is difficult to calm yourself down. You tend to overthink and freak yourself out over the smallest things. Remember that God is greater than your anxiety and will help you through it. When your anxiety appears, call out to God to help you control it.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
As young adults, we often doubt our abilities and our worth. We are unsure of what we want to do with our lives, if we are in the right major and if we are getting the best grades that we could be getting. We doubt ourselves which leads to worrying about our future and where we are going with our lives.
God has a plan for every single one of our lives and knows the direction we are supposed to go. If we look to him for guidance, he will light our path and help lead us in the direction we are supposed to go.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
With social media exploding and getting more popular with every passing day, we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. We are looking at the perfect Instagram models with the airbrushed pictures and we are comparing our reality to their social media pages. Not only is social media unrealistic, but it is giving us false hope as to what we want our lives to look like. Nobody is what they look like on social media, so we should not compare ourselves to what we see online. We think to ourselves “I wish I was as skinny as her” or “I wish I had her clothes” when in reality we do have all of those things, they are just more glamorized in the media.
Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on yourself and what makes you, you. Be happy with who you are and who God created you to be.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
God has made you in his image. He thinks that you are perfect just the way that you are. You should not try to change yourself or hate on your body. God made you exactly the way that he wants you to be. Love yourself as much as God loves you and you will live a happy life.
“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church” – Ephesians 5:29
No matter how much you feel alone, it is important to know that you are loved by so many people. You have a family that loves you and cares for you, you have friends who love you and enjoy your company, and a God who loves you unconditionally. God loves you with all of his heart and loves you so much that he died for you. That is the ultimate sacrifice.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 john 4:16
You have so much value and worth. God has a plan for your life. You have the ability to have an impact on others and to change the world. Shine God’s light to others and he will constantly give you a fabulous life. You have the ability to make your mark on the world and bring others to know Jesus and that is the greatest gift you could give to the world. He has a plan for you, trust him to lead you in the direction he needs you to go.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” – Psalm 139:13-15
Grand Canyon University is committed to following the Lord in all circumstances. If you would like to learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage or would like to read more devotionals please visit our website and check out the GCU Blog.
