10 Verses for the Teen Girl Stressed During Finals
Are you in summer mode yet? I know it's only May, but I bet you are already daydreaming about lying by the pool, slathering on coconut sunscreen under the blistering sun. Unfortunately, only one thing stands between you and your summer state of mind:
FINALS. You know, the pesky tests you must take at the end of every year?
As someone who remembers the stress of late-night study sessions, last-minute cramming, and worrying about grades, I want to offer you a better way to navigate finals season. Let's dive into ten verses and truths to help ease your mind as you tackle finals this school year!
PREPARE FOR YOUR FINALS AS A WAY OF WORSHIP
"And whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Colossians 3:23-24
Every aspect of our lives proves to be a way to worship the Lord. That includes our academics! Instead of winging a test, know that each final you prepare for is an opportunity to glorify the Lord. Shuffling through notecards and quizzing yourself on specific facts stewards the brain, education, and gifts God has given you. Therefore, instead of focusing on what people might think or say about your final grade, work at it with all your heart, doing it for Christ Himself! This attitude glorifies Christ and works to our good by preparing us for an end-of-year final.
VIEW YOUR TESTS IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Colossians 3:2
Studying for exams might overtake your schedule for a few weeks, but they are insignificant in the grand scheme of our lives. You don't believe me? Ask any adult what they got on their eighth-grade science test. I guarantee nobody will remember their specific grade! No one worries about the one algebra final they failed while sitting on their deathbed. How much more should we, as believers, see these tests in light of all eternity?
As you study, keep your focus on things above, namely Christ. His finished work on the Cross saves us from the wrath of God. Let that perspective guide your priorities and relieve some pressure during finals season!
EMBRACE GOD'S PEACE BY LYING DOWN YOUR ANXIETY
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
God commands us not to be anxious about a single thing! Nada. Zilch. Zero! Finals are included in that overarching anything Paul mentioned to the Philippian church, which he wrote from a jail cell, mind you.
Whenever you have a worrisome thought, stop and give it over to the Lord in prayer. It can be as simple as this: "Lord, I'm nervous about my test tomorrow. Please help me to study diligently, remember well, and glorify you through it all. Amen." Letting go of your anxieties through prayer allows God's peace to guard your heart and mind. Surrender your worries to Him, knowing that He is in control!
THANK THE LORD FOR THE GIFT OF YOUR MIND
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
Psalm 139:13-16
The Lord knit you together in your mother's womb, where He grew the organ that would allow you to think, create, understand, and learn. We use our brains daily, yet have you ever thanked him for it? As you study, thank the Lord for giving you a brain that recalls information as you try to remember what you learned over the past semester. More importantly, praise Him for the ability to know and love Him with all of our minds (Matthew 22:36-40)!
DEPEND ON THE LORD THROUGH PRAYER
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Lord calls us to pray without ceasing or stopping. This command doesn't mean we must lock ourselves in a closet and consistently go to the Lord with our requests on a bent knee. Instead, it's the call to depend on the Lord through prayer day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment.
1 John 5:14 gives us the good news that the Father hears us when we pray! So when you feel anxious during your study time, pray. When you walk into your classroom to take your final, pray. When you are taking the test and feel stressed, pray. When you finish taking the test, pray. Share your hopes, fears, and nerves with Him, knowing He listens and cares for you deeply.
REMEMBER, YOUR IDENTITY IS IN CHRIST, NOT YOUR GRADE.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Corinthians 5:17
If you are a believer, saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work on the Cross, you are a new creation! Your identity is found in Christ and Christ alone, not a chemistry grade. There is nothing that can make you more or less loved in the sight of a good and gracious God. Instead of allowing your identity to ebb and flow between fluctuating grades, remind yourself of the Gospel. You are a new creation, bought by the blood of Christ!
WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO BELIEVE LIES THROUGH COMPARISONS, GO TO SCRIPTURE FOR TRUTH
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2
Comparisons tend to wreak havoc on our joy during finals season. We see friends and siblings who don't study and get As while you fight to pass after studying for hours. When we try to measure up, it's easy to feel lesser than those around us, and we can quickly call ourselves names. Instead of believing lies about yourself, be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
SEEK THE LORD'S WISDOM, WHICH HE GIVES GENEROUSLY
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."
James 1:5
When you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed with studying, take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom. He promises to generously provide it, helping you navigate complex concepts and challenging exams. There's no information on your test that God doesn't already know, for He made that reality true! So run to Him for wisdom, which He promises to give without disapproval or disappointment.
GIVE THANKS IN ALL THINGS
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
If we're honest, it's easy to complain in general. Add in the stress of an end-of-year test, and it feels nearly impossible not to gripe about our circumstances. Yet, there are many things to be grateful for in this scenario, like a functioning body to sit and take your test, a school with air-conditioning, and access to education. Many people would jump at the opportunity to further their education. Therefore, take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness and provision. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, knowing that He is working all things together for your good, even when it takes hard work and discipline.
CELEBRATE THE SEASONS
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
Taking finals means a semester ends, and a new chapter is coming. Instead of seeing summer as the light at the end of the tunnel, take some time to reflect on what Christ did in and through your heart this past semester. What are some things you learned? How did the Lord reveal His faithfulness to you? What were some things you are grateful for from this past season? Praise the Lord for the season that just ended while relying on Him as He prepares you for the next one!
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Remember, dear sisters, you are more than conquerors through Christ who loves you (Romans 8:37). So, as you prepare for finals, hold fast to these truths from God's Word, knowing that He is with you every step of the way. You've got this, and God's got you!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Megan Gover is the executive director of Minted Truth, an online Bible study resource of middle school and high school girls. When she’s not meeting with teen girls at a local coffee shop or dreaming up a new adventure, she enjoys cuddling with her Goldendoodle pup while at home in North Texas. Connect with her on Instagram!