Scared of the Future? You're not alone!

So it's official. My winter break is over and I am going back to school in the morning. I go to school in a different state than I live in, so it is never exactly convenient to come home. Even though, I love nothing more than being with my family and sleeping with my dogs, seriously. But the time has come and I have FINALLY finished packing all my things.

This winter break was my first since I've been in college, which means I have completed one semester so far. Quite successfully if I might add, but that doesn't mean I'm not scared for the journey ahead. I learned a few things this semester that I am going to share with you all and that I am going to remind myself of. These three things I tell myself when I am scared of something that I am about to face, or when I feel alone. They have been pretty helpful so far.

• You need people. Even if you hate them. And there will never be shortage of them.

• Your identity is not in your works.

• God knows where you are. in every sense of the word.

Now, the first one may seem harsh but seriously guys... who has never at least thought that they hated everyone on the planet? When six people in a row cut you off, when someones dog pees on your foot, when you step in the grass and its soaking wet. (The last one isn't really someones fault, but I'd probably end up blaming it on the first person I saw after the incident).  I know that I have this feeling on a daily basis. I get the feeling that I would be better off without anyone. That if it were just me and the Lord I would be set. However, that is not the case. At all. The truth is that people need people. God knows which type of people you need... to help you, shape you, mold you, teach you and even hurt you. God has it all planned out and is sending the right people your way before you even know where you're going.

The second thing I learned this semester, that I hope desperately to take with me into this coming semester is that your identity as a person is not in the work that you do. Yes, I know that its important to work very hard in college and to get good grades but the fact of the matter is, that your success is based on the Lords' will for your life and your faithfulness in your walk with him. When you trust in the Lord for his guidance and his faithfulness you can rest assured that all your hard work will pay off. So continue to work hard on things you love and the things you don't love so much, and continue to work for the Lords' will and he will make your paths straight.

Finally, God knows exactly where you are. In every sense of the word. He knows where you are spiritually, emotionally, physically and where you are on your journey in life. Because he knows this, you can have peace over your life. Knowing that he is right next to you there to take care of you. Knowing that he is using his unending love and power to shift your life around in ways that are pleasing to him.

So, be at peace. It's okay to be scared of the future, but fear fades away when you realize that your future is already secure. In the hands of the creator of the universe.

So appreciate the people in your life, even if they drive you nuts. Work hard, but remember where your identity lies. And last but not least know that you have someone who is unbeatable in YOUR corner, fighting for you even when you stop fighting for yourself.