Lately I’m not myself. Summer is ending which always brings me down. I begin my fall semester at college, full of fear that I won’t pass the algebra class. Full of fear that if the professor calls on me, I won’t know the answer. I’m a forty-nine-year-old student and a mother of four children who range in ages ten to twenty-three. Helping my two younger children with homework will also begin next week. Let’s not forget I’ll need to get them to their outside of school activities. I’m in what I call a funk. This means I’m quiet, going through the motions topped off with a little anxiety and negative thinking.
There are several things I can do to alleviate these symptoms. But the most valuable remedy I find is turning it over to God—constantly. I have to remember that even if I can’t, He can. That kind of faith has been built in me by doing things I wasn’t capable of doing through trusting in His strength and answered prayers. He has seen me through much bigger things than a math class. Yet the fear, the negative thinking still creeps in. I constantly have to remind myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Sometimes I have fear of the unknown. What will the class be like? What will the professor expect of me? Do the other students struggle with algebra as much as I do? Will I find a tutor that is helpful? Once I get through the first day of school, things will subside. Until then I must occupy myself with other things to keep my mind off these questions. But what is helpful is identifying what my underlying fear is. For me it is the fear of failing. But the bottom line is that no matter what happens, I have a Father that will still love me no matter what. Nothing can ever separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). It’s okay if I make a mistake because nothing will ever separate me from the love of God.
I’m guilty of projecting the outcome with negative thoughts. I still have a little trouble with breaking this habit. I have to remember that God created me with every plan in mind. I am unique. He wouldn’t bring me this far to fail if I’m trusting in Him. If I do fail the math, maybe it’s not the degree He wanted me to have. If I continue to seek his presence and guidance in every decision that I make, I will be following His plan.
Stinkin’ thinkin’ can cause worry and anxiety. I have to stay in today and cast my worries on God. I must focus my thoughts on positive things and occupy my time with positive action. My today list helps me to stay organized. Of course if an unexpected wrench is thrown into my plans, I have to adjust. I must do my part by setting aside time to do homework and meet with a tutor. I can’t just sit back hoping God will do it all. But I can put God in the driver’s seat to steer my course. I’m determined to keep my GPA with hard work and dedication.
The bottom line is, I can do amazing things through Christ who strengthens me.
There are several things I can do to alleviate these symptoms. But the most valuable remedy I find is turning it over to God—constantly. I have to remember that even if I can’t, He can. That kind of faith has been built in me by doing things I wasn’t capable of doing through trusting in His strength and answered prayers. He has seen me through much bigger things than a math class. Yet the fear, the negative thinking still creeps in. I constantly have to remind myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Sometimes I have fear of the unknown. What will the class be like? What will the professor expect of me? Do the other students struggle with algebra as much as I do? Will I find a tutor that is helpful? Once I get through the first day of school, things will subside. Until then I must occupy myself with other things to keep my mind off these questions. But what is helpful is identifying what my underlying fear is. For me it is the fear of failing. But the bottom line is that no matter what happens, I have a Father that will still love me no matter what. Nothing can ever separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). It’s okay if I make a mistake because nothing will ever separate me from the love of God.
I’m guilty of projecting the outcome with negative thoughts. I still have a little trouble with breaking this habit. I have to remember that God created me with every plan in mind. I am unique. He wouldn’t bring me this far to fail if I’m trusting in Him. If I do fail the math, maybe it’s not the degree He wanted me to have. If I continue to seek his presence and guidance in every decision that I make, I will be following His plan.
Stinkin’ thinkin’ can cause worry and anxiety. I have to stay in today and cast my worries on God. I must focus my thoughts on positive things and occupy my time with positive action. My today list helps me to stay organized. Of course if an unexpected wrench is thrown into my plans, I have to adjust. I must do my part by setting aside time to do homework and meet with a tutor. I can’t just sit back hoping God will do it all. But I can put God in the driver’s seat to steer my course. I’m determined to keep my GPA with hard work and dedication.
The bottom line is, I can do amazing things through Christ who strengthens me.
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