Happy Finals Week :)

Happy Tuesday!

I know this week is finals for a lot of people and I wanted to take the time out to blog about something that has been on my heart lately. I know the pressure that can come with finals and the end of a semester with grades. People want to do well and they scramble to try and learn as much as they can and retain it before they take their tests. This brings a lot of fear and anxiety. I've been seeing this all over the place and I really felt the Lord speak to my heart on this issue. 

Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Now, the first part of the verse is a command from God. He tells us not to worry or have any anxiety about anything. To some people, that may sound impossible. You may be thinking that right now. However, if God is telling us to do something, He always gives us the grace to do it. It is completely possible, through Him, to have no anxiety. The next verse resolves any doubt by saying, "And God's peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace, which transcends all understanding, will mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." The peace that God gives us, after we give every circumstance over to Him, guards our hearts and minds. This means that anxiety can't get in anymore because we are guarded with peace that surpasses all understanding. 

So basically this is a step by step process: 1. Do not have any anxiety about anything 2. Go to the Lord in prayer with what you have been anxious about 3. Thank Him continually for already meeting your needs and taking care of what it is that has been bothering you 4. God's peace is yours!

I realize this may sound easier said then done to some of you, but God makes it simple for us to go to Him and receive peace. Peace is a promise. God understands the pressure of finals and getting the grades you need to move forward. He has it all taken care of, so let Him take care of it and get back to studying! 

My prayer is that you truly receive this today and take the Word and apply it to your situation. Stress, worry, fear, and anxiety are all not from God. In this season, choose to resist that worry and anxiety and receive God's gift of peace. Also, take some time out of your busy schedule and just spend some time with God. He is calling you to get away with Him. He loves you and He knows just how to help you in every situation. Don't forget how much He cares about you just because you have 5 finals and 3 papers. He has brought you this far and He will bring you even farther if you just keep trusting Him.

I have been studying the book of Hebrews this month and I'm really getting excited about the things God has been showing me in this book. It's amazing! I will be sharing some about that this month. For now, have a blessed week! You will all do great on your finals! Thanks for reading :)

Photo Source: French Press Mornings