In a nutshell, college can be defined as that point in your life that will largely determine your long-term trajectory. It could be the time when you’re separated from your so-called friends for life, because you each followed paths that matched your individual interests and passions at the time, although not all of them would necessarily last.
Stepping onto the campus gives a whole new different experience than that of high school, you know there just has to be a heightened level of maturity to weather the demanding expectations of your chosen degree.
This might not be true for all, but there’s such a thing as ‘college midlife crisis’ and many go through it. It basically pertains to that point in one student’s college journey in which he despairs in the thought of missing opportunities that could have skyrocketed them to success. It could come in the form of enormous doubt, sometimes, even regret, in his degree choice because he realized his passion for it alone wouldn’t be enough to succeed. He witnessed back-to-back setbacks, failed or received subpar exam results or poorly-graded projects for instance, and he just can’t help but feel distressed that he’s not cut out to pursue his dream career.
If you can relate to some degree to this or have experienced just trying to stay afloat amid the overwhelm, here’s how you can keep your faith in God in college:
Never Cease Praying
Just as you overcame past obstacles, you can’t overlook the power of prayer in your college journey. When you’re engulfed in doubt as to whether you could ever produce something that’s up to your professor’s standards by the set deadline, if you have so much to study for the upcoming exams, or you’re almost sure you’ll flunk that graded recitation, it’s always alright to take a pause. Give yourself a breather, seek God in prayer, and talk to Him much like confiding with a trusted friend. And when your mind is clearer, see how you perform with a much lighter heart, ready to accept the outcomes of your full efforts.
Be Part of an In-Campus Fellowship
When you have the opportunity, joining a group of fellow believers sets you up for a journey with deeper growth. You can study the Bible together on a daily or weekly basis and even pray for each other. This support system that shares more or less the same struggles as well as beliefs with you is one great way to keep yourself spiritually nourished and stronger in faith in God.
Internalize Faith-Enriching Bible Verses
In your free time, do read the Bible, either the actual book or keep a Bible app handy in your phone. Be inspired by words about studying from God Himself and keep them to memory by writing them down in a dedicated journal, one of our leather journals for instance:
“For I Know the Plans I Have For You, Plans to Give You a Hope and a Future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” - Proverbs 3:5
“Be Strong & Courageous.” - Joshua 1:9
Here are some more quotes that got many people through college:
“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.” - Matthew 6:33-34
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” - Psalm 118:6-9
Dedicate Your Studies to God
Last but not least, be empowered by the fact that God gave you life to propagate His good news. Think of studying as a channel for you to glorify his good will upon all creation.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” - Romans 12:11-12