Seeking the Lord Freshman Year
To the senior in high school seeking counsel for the upcoming year,
First semester of freshman year is a whirlwind, but there is so much to be learned and so many ways to grow. Coming from a small town, I felt like the tiniest fish in the biggest ocean when I arrived on campus. It was very intimidating for me because in high school, I never had to worry about who I would eat dinner with or sit by in class. I found myself being in every club and Uber-involved in everything possible when I graduated in 2020.However, in college that is very close to impossible- It is quite humbling to go through the transition to college.
As I will soon be a sophomore (CRAZY), I have a few tidbits of wisdom to share that would have saved me from a lot of anxiety and fear about 8 months ago. The overarching theme that I keep coming back to is this: seeking the Lord intentionally freshman year is your key to success.
First, the pressure to perform, have perfect grades, make ALL the friends, and be the leader of every club was soon washed away by the Father’s perfect love for me. Surrendering to His will and letting go of worldly standards allows you to find SO MUCH freedom. Release the tight grip you have over your life and trust the Creator of the universe to lead you through it all.
Secondly, leaving my home church and small group with childhood best friends left me feeling lost. There are so many small groups and community groups, churches and campus ministries here on campus. Amidst the overwhelming choices, it can be tempting to drop the ball and face spiritual doubt. We have all experienced seasons of spiritual distance from God, when we feel like He is not as near as he “should be”. My advice on this topic is to PRAY. Ask the Lord to lead you to a community that will lift you up and fill you up each week.
Lastly, my first semester freshman self tried to force her way into finding bridesmaids on bid day. I wasn’t making friends as fast as I “thought I should” and I didn’t ever just sit still to see what the Lord might be doing. God’s timing is perfect. It can be so tempting to force friendships, but I soon learned that the Lord is often found in the waiting. Good things really do come to those who wait.
Beautiful things occur in the struggle, silence, and anxiety of what is to come. I have seen the Lord answer my prayers for God-filled friends. I have found constant encouragement and conviction in His Word, that seeks out my heart and finds it daily. I have learned this year that none of our worries and struggles are wasted. God can use it all: the moments of doubt, anxiety, and fear of the unknown.
Whatever struggles you face and whatever fear you may have going into your freshman year of college, take heart! Whatever you experience today or in the near future cannot even compare to the joy that is coming. I found so much encouragement last semester in a book by Lysa Terkeurst titled “It's Not Supposed To Be This Way”:
“I find relief by laying down my human assessments and assumptions. I turn from the tree of knowledge and fix my gaze on the tree of life. I let my soul be cradled by God’s divine assurance.”
What an encouragement to me and you! All expectations can be laid down at the feet of Jesus because his plan for our life is the BEST. Staring down at the next four years of college will seem less daunting and more peace-filled when we walk hand in hand with our Creator. When you feel yourself begin to stress or stray from the path ahead, step into the Lord’s presence and allow his fullness of peace to carry you through. Even when you can’t feel it or may not be able to see it, God is near to you. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)
From a second semester freshman to a first, enjoy this first step into independence. Take a leap of faith into the future and find so much joy and peace there in the Father’s arms.
