relying on him

You would think by now I would be used to having finals... after all, I'm a college senior. Sadly, you're mistaken and I still am struggling with balancing everything. I have three exams and a final lab practical this week which feels like a lot, but honestly it's the third time this semester that it's happened so I'm kind of over it. Plus, I know it's crazy busy for everyone this time of the year so who am I to complain? I am jealous though that some of my friends in other schools are done with classes this week and are taking finals while we still have a full week of class left AND the Monday after that. We don't even start taking finals until the 13th and for me, I don't have a final until the very last day aka 5 days before Christmas. I guess it's one con of starting school late this semester. 

I was listening to this song by The Austin Stone Worship (you should check them out on Spotify) called "Center my Life" and something about the opening line really spoke to me.  It says: "Turn my eyes to see you Jesus, in all Your glory, turn my eyes". In the midst of this busyness and stress of school, it was a great reminder that I needed to keep my eyes on Him. I get so caught up in this bubble of worry and stress of striving to be the best in everything I do that I forget to ask help from Jesus. It's so easy to feel burnout when I'm trying to do everything in my own power so I am learning to rely on Jesus more. He is all powerful and wonderful. He not only created the universe, but He knows me by name and knows my deepest desires and insecurities. 

Whether you've been close to God all your life or don't even know if you even believe in Him, I encourage you to ask for His help in the midst of everything you're going through. He'll listen. He's not one of those friends that get annoyed because you only go to Him when you need something. He'll meet you where you're at and He will remind you of your identity in Him. 

Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 

There's no reason to be afraid of finals or even the future because our God is with us. There's a saying that says "Pain is temporary. GPA is forever" and I used to laugh at it. Yes GPA is important, yes grades and extracurriculars are important, I'm not here to say that those things don't matter, but I'm here to remind you that those things are not everything. You are more than your GPA and you're more than all of the things you have done. Instead, I encourage you to seek God in the midst of everything and put Him first. I'm going to leave you with one of my favorite verses, one that I'm trying to live by right now since I'm a senior who is just trying to figure out things out one day at a time.

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Good luck with your finals/exams/papers/projects/quizzes etc! Make sure you take care of yourself. Take a study break (not too long) and surround yourself with people who will encourage you. I'll be praying for ya. 

Sincerely,
Nicole aka The girl with upside down dimples