When I first arrived on campus, I had no idea what to expect. Right away, I noticed the welcoming community and the kindness of the friends I have made. Spending time with my nearest neighbors in the dorm studying God’s Word and learning more about him has been meaningful. I have noticed an emphasis on trusting in the Lord and his Word since being at Bible College, and this emphasis has been impacting my life. I am anxious about many things day to day, but the Lord has been teaching me that I can trust him in all things. He will always come through for me.  

A source of anxiety in my life has been unmet expectations from the people around me. The Lord has been reminding me that he cares for me best and he cares for me most. When I hear Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” I am reminded to cease my worrying, be still, pray to him, and know he is there to listen to my every worry.  

Memorizing things does not come easily to me; however, I have been challenged in my Luke/Acts class to memorize a few verses from Luke 2. The words “do not be afraid” are some of the first words of Scripture that I have ever memorized and are now glued in my head. At the end of the semester, I am supposed to present these verses by memory in front of my class. This sometimes makes me nervous, but then I am encouraged by the command in these verses which remind me to not be afraid. I am thankful for these words of truth and the comfort God brings through his promises to me. He is reminding me to be still and to trust in him. 

Annika Schmillen [freshman] Lakeville, Minn.

Confused, proud, and desperate. Looking back at my Christian walk from where I am now, I realize how much these words characterized my life and attitude. From an early age, I had the knowledge of Jesus, his death, and resurrection, but my view of Christianity was very legalistic. I was counting on my good works and behavior to save me, and I became very proud of my head knowledge of Scripture. And because of my focus on the law rather than the gospel, I knew I was condemned, and I was terrified of my future. I could never be perfect, and therefore I could never be sure of my salvation and eternity. I lacked the joy of the Lord, living in fear of failure and eternal condemnation.  

But I thank God that my life is no longer one of useless striving. He has shown me through his Word and through other Christians that, yes, I cannot hope to be worthy of being a child of God, yet that was never my concern. Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” No works that I could ever do would be enough to make me holy, but Jesus has already died for me and redeemed me. His ultimate sacrifice is the only hope that I have, and this fact has brought me comfort and allowed me to rest in the perfect peace that only comes from God.  

Lydia Gregory [sophomore] Rochester, Minn.

In the tempestuous waters of life, it can feel like you are drowning. Every effort you make to stay afloat only seems to drag you farther down.   

When I hear the words from Psalm 46:10, I reflect on a lesson God has been teaching me. Although I’ve been surrounded by the Word of God and a Christian community for most of my life, there is an emptiness that still seems to pervade much of what I do. Particularly here at college, the busyness gets to me. It leaves me floundering as I strive to tackle each of my obligations and responsibilities. Psalm 46:10 seems so simple. However, I have found my sinful nature hates to be still. It viciously clings to the semblance of control I believe I have over my life. “How can I be still when I am drowning?” my body seems to cry.   

God has been helping me to take the difficult step of faith that this verse commands. It all begins with him. If I am apart from God, it is no wonder my words and actions are empty. Apart from the true vine, I can bear no fruit. Although the things I strive for may be good, they simply cannot be achieved without God. God has been working in my life to show me my inadequacy. It hurts, but it is necessary. I thank God from the depths of my soul that I can rest in him, the true vine. I can stop striving. God is in control. Only he satisfies. 

Sam Davis [sophomore] Arlington, Wash.

In my younger years I struggled with many health issues, which I still struggle with today; however, they have gotten much better. During those times I felt hopeless and like there was nothing I could do. Through the trials, I remembered that I could trust in the God who is the creator of the universe. He is God.  

Those times of trouble helped me to abide in him and remain still. Even through the toughest parts of my life, I know that he is God and that I can put my trust in him! Today, I still struggle to give the hard things in my life over to God. But in those circumstances, he reveals to me even more how I can trust him.  

This past summer I had many worries, including my finances, my future, and my overall life, but through those times God revealed to me that he is sovereign over all my worries. All I need to do is put my trust in him. God is my refuge and “a very present help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46 has helped me to have a positive mindset about the worries that I face in life. Even when there is nothing that I can do, I can put my trust in him and know that he is God. 

Wesley Carley [sophomore] Brainerd, Minn.