Exam Stress | Exam Mess

Exam and deadline season is almost over and if you're anything like I was by this point you're probably tired, slightly brain dead and most definitely unenthused about the thought of spending another day studying. The end is in sight and whilst theoretically that should be a thought of delight, it is actually one of slight terror at the amount of work you still have to get through.

By the time you get home you don't really want to do anything other than collapse in a heap and just vegetate until you go to bed. When the alarm goes off in the morning, spending time with God is more of a motion than anything else. So here's a thought, ditch the bible reading when you've just woken up and take it with you! When you arrive in the library, spend you first chunk of time with God reading his word and praying for the day.

In the middle of the stress of the library (or wherever else you choose to study) invite the Prince of Peace himself to join you, in a place where it's easy to generate the idol of self-reliance turn to God and ask for his help. 

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

So, focus on your day, trust God that he will see you through and maybe ask him for a reality check, because exam session always throws everything out of proportion. In the grand scheme of your life, your exams probably don't hold as much weight as you are currently giving them.

Here are two things to hold onto:

1. ​God is creator.
   Basic truth I know, but it means he created your degree and is the expert in the subject from the beginning of time, to the end. So why aren't you talking to him about it? 
   In case you need a reminder about how big our creator God is, give Job 38 a read
2. God is King
   God has already won the war and he isn't dependent on your degree mark. That may sound harsh, but he knows where you are headed next, yes it might be on a different path to where you think your going, but isn't better to stay in his plan than your own? And not only does he know where you're heading, he knows what you need to get there, and he'll make sure he provides it. So don't worry, give that to God and trust in his provision.
   (Also, this doesn't mean don't work, the Bible is pretty clear we should work hard, but that doesn't mean overwork or over-stress)

Finally, make sure you are resting, and resting well in God, even if that means listening to worship music rather than TV for an hour when you get home, make sure you are spending time with God in your downtime as well as your study time. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30