STRESSED ABOUT YOUR EXAMS?

Are you getting stressed about your exams or are you under constant pressure to achieve? If so this is for you. I hope and pray that it helps you as it has helped me. My name is Neethu and I'm in my 5th year At university. These are the bible verses that get me through the exam period.

SLOW BURNER

Sometimes I feel like I'm the slowest person in my class. It's as if everyone else’s brain works much faster than mine does. When a new concept is being explained, I just don't get it at first but when I look around me, it seems that everyone else understands it! It's such a downer, feeling that you are struggling to catch up all the time. But that's when I remember these wise words: “There are others who are slow and need help, who lack strength and abound in poverty; but the eyes of the Lord look kindly upon them; he lifts them out of their lowly condition and raises up their heads to the amazement of many.” (Sirach 11:12-13).

I CAN’T DO IT

There are some things that I find especially hard to memorise but I know that they might come up in the exam so I've got to revise it all. The amount of material that we have to cover is just so massive I don't think I can do it. There’s just not enough time! But then I remember: “It depends not on human will or effort, but on God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) “There is a time for every matter under heaven [including revision]!” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

DON'T LOSE HEART

I've been told that my knowledge is not good enough for a student of my level and I’ve been predicted to fail by my teachers. Even my parents sometimes compare me with other kids they know, who are doing better than I am. This can be so demoralising. Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard I try, I'll never be good enough. That's when I remember that when I am weak, then God can work more powerfully through me: “God’s grace is sufficient for me, for power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I am content with weakness for whenever I am weak then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

EXAM NIGHTMARES

When I was in senior school, I often had dreams where I'd fail my exams. I used to worry about these but if you're bothered by dreams like this, then you should know that they mean nothing and can be ignored: “For dreams have deceived many, pay no attention to them.” (Sirach 34:7)

A TIP

Here is a tip that works for me. When you are trying to study and start feeling depressed then just pick up your Bible and start reading it. When you wake up in the morning don’t reach for your phone, reach for your Bible. Every morning I read one chapter from the book of the Wisdom of Solomon (normally just called the Book of Wisdom). After the first few days, I started to notice the difference and my concentration began improving. The cogs started to turn faster, the light bulb began flickering and bam! Light! Now I’m starting to understand the things that I am reading in my textbooks. Once you’ve read all the chapters of Wisdom, start again. Then, whenever you feel down during the day bring to mind the Words of God that you have read.

TRUST

So, despite all these negative thoughts that plague me, I know I'll be okay. I know that my future is secure in God’s hands. And I know that all things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:29) So now, I don't worry because my Father in heaven knows all that I need (Matthew 6:32) and He will direct my life. (Isaiah 30:21) He has given me His Holy Spirit who will teach me everything that I need to know. (John 14:26) For all of us, God will fully satisfy our every need according to His riches, in glory, in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19)

For in everything, O Lord, you have exalted and glorified your people, and you have not neglected to help them at all times and in all places. Wisdom 19:22