School is hard. Sure, it’s hard to study, especially if you struggle to focus as much as I do. However, I’m talking about the social pressures of school that are really hard along with the pressure that can be felt in the world today.
I remember when I was in high school, there was a time when I realized that my best friends were not true friends of mine. It was incredibly hard for me to see my friends proudly go down the wrong path. Guess what. I still struggle with this sometimes.
There are times when I begin to worry about loved ones, Christians, and the world. I have seen many people around me change throughout the years. They have gradually let themselves become desensitized by the world and falsely justified their desires of the flesh all while accepting a worldly point of view. It’s not always easy to live selflessly as it takes ongoing practice for humans to do so. Matthew 7:13-14 ESV says, “‘Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Throughout the years, what I have realized is that God has been there for me through everything to give me hope and to comfort me as I aim to focus on Him rather than the flesh. God knows that we have not been perfect, myself certainly included, but He knows our hearts. It can seem discouraging when others do not care about God’s will or His plan, but God truly has a way of positively impacting the lives of those who seek Him through His word and prayer. Something I am so grateful to have realized throughout the years is that the more I draw near to God, the more I want to have an intimate relationship with Him. I believe this happens because rather than us attempting to have control, we can accept the peace of the Holy Spirit by trusting Him.
Thankfully, when we become troubled by the worldliness around us, there are several Bible passages that can strengthen us while bringing us comfort and hope. Isaiah 41:13 ESV states, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” No matter who or how many others choose a different path, God will remain with us as we choose to follow Him. People fail at times, but God will never fail us as He never has. God is fully worthy of our trust, and we can find comfort in the truth that everything will be better with Him in the end.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” It is important to remember the true magnificence of God as the omniscient Creator who has known us since before we were born. As difficult as life can be, it helps to use our experiences as opportunities to show God how we can put our faith into action for Him. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Again, we are blessed by God as He has reminded us that we are capable of overcoming anything with Him.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV reads, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What can we do as we cope through the pressures around us in the world today? We can do as God has guided us to do. From my experience, nothing helps me more than prayer and meditation on God’s word that develops and strengthens a unique relationship with God. This is something that each of us can experience with God individually with hearts open to Him. What a blessing it is when our focus is brought back to God, so we may accept the peace that the Holy Spirit shares with us. John 14:27 ESV says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
