For all my friends drowning in finals this week, this is for you. Anxiety is increasing with the long nights, early mornings, and way too many cups of coffee to keep you studying. The end of the semester might not be as amazing as you thought, because you have way too many things to get done before you leave that there isn't even time to think about having fun your last week at school. You're tired and emotionally drained from worrying about so many things that are on your plate. At the same time you're sad to leave the close friends you've spent every day with the past few months. I clearly have felt all of this too, so I want to share what has helped me with the stress and mixed emotions.
This past week I've been intentionally trying to thank God for everything He's given me this semester. Although classes have lead up to the climax of finals week and are almost over, your friendships, memories, and things you've learned are not ending, and because of finals, they definitely have not been leading up to the best week ever. God has been working around you and in you every day you've been on campus this semester, and that won't be taken away from you even if your time at school this past week has been primarily studying and pretty mundane. However, if you are feeling this way, it could be a great time to reflect on what this semester has meant to you, how God has worked in you, and what you can thank God for for the past few months. I've found this extremely beneficial during this "anti-climatic" end of freshman year (or any year) as my friends have called it. It has not only reminded me of how much I have to be thankful for, but it also gives glory to God for what He's done in my life. David praises God in Psalm 103 saying:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Reading that now, what really sticks out to me is "who redeems your life from the pit". That is a wonderful way to describe how God changes my life everyday! Without Him, especially this week, I would feel like I'm in the pit. Maybe you can pick what line resonates most with you and thank God for how you've seen that this semester. So, I know that this week is stressful and I really wish God could take that exam for you, but know that no matter what grade you get or what fun things you do or don't get to do this week, that God is still faithful and working in your life! Praise Him even when it's really hard to this week, because that's honestly the best praise you can give :)
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