Matthew 6:27-29
"Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them"
Image courtesy of https://unsplash.com/photos/GEgleHw8Cg4
This verse, which also happens to be the inspiration for the name of this blog, has always helped me, personally, when I am dealing with stress. Ironically, the solution for this complex emotion is simply... well... simplicity. In my own life, I have came back to this verse several times because I am constantly in need of a reminder that the degree of life's complexity is a choice.
Matthew 6:34
"So do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Image courtesy of Flickr
This verse is a perfect reminder to give yourself a break. It tells us to get rid of anxiety while also acknowledging the hardships that got us there in the first place. In a way, this verse is simply telling us to take it one day at a time. So for today be proud your accomplishments, take note of your blessings, acknowledge the hardships... but don't let them determine your tomorrow.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed"
Image courtesy of Wix
Again, this is a verse that doesn't try to ignore the struggles in life. Although God doesn't want us to be anxious over our hardships, He never denies their existence. However, He does remind us that they are never defining. There is never a time where Christ isn't with us, so there is never a time where we can be defeated.
Deuteronomy 31:8
"It is the Lord who goes before you . He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Image courtesy of Wix
It's super easy to get lost in the feeling of loneliness. There is nothing more isolating than dealing with a struggle or an emotional conflict and feeling like no one around you could ever relate. However, the Lord is with you constantly and knows more of your affliction than even, perhaps, yourself. And, better yet, He knows how this time in your life will play out. Take comfort in the fact that He knows your strength and is with you every step of the way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your way submit to him, and he will make your paths straight"
Image courtesy of Wix
For those of you unsure of your major or your next step in life, this verse can be extremely comforting. I know I needed it this past year when I seriously contemplated changing my major. I was never dead set on getting an English degree, however, I had no idea what else I could do with my life. I felt stuck, and I let that be a major source for my anxiety. I feel like this verse could be super helpful for anyone in a similar position. Before I could let the fear of the unknown subside, I needed to understand that as long as my heart is with Christ I will end up exactly where I needed to. This verse is a great reminder of this.
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God"
Image courtesy of Wix
It's okay to feel stressed, but keep in mind the hardships are not forever. In the meantime, nurture those anxieties with prayer. I find it helpful to be in a habit of asking God to help in any stressful situation, no matter how small. You're running late for class? Pray. You can't find your planner? Pray. You are swamped with homework? Pray. And, also, don't forget you are loved and blessed, no matter the emotional turmoil you may be in right now.
Comentários