School life can be tricky – work and homework, friendships, and getting up every morning! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall into negative ways of thinking. . However, sometimes the journey is made even tougher because we lie to ourselves. Here are three examples of things we tell ourselves that are just not true, and here is what the Bible has to say about them. Prepare to be encouraged!
This is a common feeling that can creep into our hearts, especially when things get tough. Yet, the Bible powerfully tells us the very opposite.
See Deuteronomy 31:6,
“Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”,
or Joshua 1:9,
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”,
or Isaiah 41:10,
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God is always there in our lives, offering strength and support.
In the moments when we feel rubbish and doubt ourselves, , it’s important to remember the value that God places on each of us. Isaiah 43:1-5 speaks directly to this:
“But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.”
These verses reassure us that we are redeemed, called by name, and precious in God’s sight. This part of the Bible speaks of our worth and the love that God, our Creator and Father has for each of us as His creations and as His children.
While it may seem that following God and the Bible, means missing out on certain experiences, Galatians 5:1-24 offers a very different perspective:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” v1 (Read the rest of the chapter to learn more).
It speaks of the freedom found only in Jesus Christ and the call to live by the Spirit, which makes us full of love, joy, peace, and self-control. Having these things is the total opposite of missing out. Whatever it is you feel you’re missing out on, the Bible is clear that life with God is just better. In John 10:10 Jesus promises life to the full through faith:
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
It’s natural to occasionally feel alone or question our worth, none of us are perfect. Yet, it’s important to recognise that we are living in an ‘in-between’ stage of human history. When the Lord Jesus came back to life, rolled the stone away and came out of the tomb in resurrection power and life, He marked the beginning of a new kingdom: the kingdom of God. However, God’s kingdom hasn’t fully arrived yet – this will happen when the Lord Jesus comes again. Until then, we are given glimpses of the glorious future that awaits us in heaven. This hope can serve as a lighthouse, guiding us through the stormy waves: the trials of school and life.
As you move through your school years, you can find rest in the truth that
By holding onto these truths and relying on God, you can overcome the lies that try to take away both your confidence and your joy. If you do this, you will not only cope with the challenges of school, but also become a light and hope to those around you. Remember, the journey through school is not just about getting good grades; it’s about growing in your faith, resting and relying on your God and Saviour to bring you through.
