This one is written for all students who are highly strung with the new academic year.

I’m pretty sure that the first few months into this “new normal” mode of learning has demanded quite a lot from you. Trust me, I know. I know how every pang of anxiety knocks against our already tired bodies when a new task pops in. I know how every pull of desperation feels like every time we feel as though we are inadequate for the things we need to learn. I know how it feels like to be wrung dry of financial resources just to get through a single week of online classes. Perhaps there are piles of unfinished modules and course packs in front of you at this very moment, or maybe you’re already bone-tired after all these hours of studying. Dear, you probably feel like you’ve hardly surmounted days and nights of pulling yourself through – yet somehow there only seems to be more struggles waiting for you.

Where do you stand in this situation, how long do you still have to be exhausted, and just how can you possibly get through?

Allow me to remind you of one of our Creator’s greatest promises found in Matthew 11:28-29 which says “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.”

After all, a life of pure ease and perfection was never promised for us. We are bound to know that trials and tribulations are part and parcel of existing in this world. These trials and tribulations, however, are potential testimonies; possible avenues of God’s mighty ways in transforming us, enriching us, redirecting us, and shaping us. In a similar way, we are also challenged as we trudge the path for knowledge and career-building. I could guarantee that it will bring forth a huge deal of difficulties and trials.

The good news, however, is as clear as daylight – God promises to give us rest, but only if we come to Him.

A lot of times, though, we may not fully understand what coming to Him means. As human as we are, we are bound to seek the easiest solutions for our burdens. Let us be reminded, then, that coming to God does not equate to believing that He will lay things down precisely in the ways you want them to be. Coming to God means belief, trust, surrender, and commitment. When your heart has grown weary and jaded, come to God and surrender your burdens so that in His ways, He can replenish and sustain you. (Psalms 55:22)
And because God doesn’t always give instant gratification, I cannot promise you that things will be easy from that moment of coming to Him onwards. Perhaps you’ll still feel tired of all the school works that need to be done (it’s okay, you’re human). You will still probably feel anxious about foreign topics that take a while to learn (it’s okay, no one becomes instantly good at something anyways). Maybe you’ll still have to find means to pursue online classes (it’s okay, God will provide). You’ll probably still face your piles of modules and course packs (it’s okay, it’s part of being a student).

These things, however, will become relatively lighter after understanding that we have a friend in God, and that we are never alone in facing our burdens. He hears our most silent cries and knows our hearts’ desires – even our yearning for rest from the difficulties of this academic year. Let us practice coming to Him when we feel exhausted, unmotivated, lacking in passion, or even when we are happy for the things we want so we will be given rest and renewed strength for each day. Let us, as usual, listen for His will in our lives so we remain steadfast in the lives we are called to live. As we seek to grow in knowledge, let us also seek to grow in faith. Let us no longer be weary for God is our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Dear you, you may be tired, jaded, and blue. You may start to scavenge for any type of comfort that would be enough to rekindle you. When life’s a little tiring and blurry, please refuse to look elsewhere in search of your ache’s cure. I hope God’s word is enough of a soothing for you.

– C.B