Back to School Essentials: What to keep in your bag!

The start of a new school year is often filled with stress and anxiety. Whether it's figuring out where our classes are, searching for the required textbooks, or attempting to find the perfect balance between academic responsibilities and social life, the beginning of the school year brings its own set of challenges. Amid this chaos, it's easy to lose sight of other important aspects of our lives. One of the most crucial areas that often gets neglected is our spiritual life, specifically our relationship with Christ. It’s not uncommon for us to become so absorbed in our worldly issues that we forget to focus on our spiritual well-being.

The reality is that Christ has the power to solve our problems effortlessly, and our faith in Him should be unwavering. Maintaining our spiritual health should be a priority, even amidst the busyness of school life.

Faith, by definition, is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. In the context of our relationship with Jesus Christ, it means having absolute trust in His ability to support us through our struggles. Faith is about having confidence that no matter the challenges we face, Christ is there to guide us. But what does it truly mean to have faith in Christ? A perfect illustration of this concept can be found in Matthew 17:20-21, which states, "For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." This passage tells us that the size of our faith doesn’t matter as much as the authenticity of it. Even a small amount of true faith can lead to miraculous outcomes. 

However, having faith alone is not sufficient. James 2:18-20 highlights the importance of accompanying our faith with actions. This passage says, "But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" It’s not enough to simply profess faith in God; our faith should be evident in the way we live our lives. As believers, we should strive to show our faith through our deeds.

Living out our faith practically involves engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer and fasting. These practices help us maintain our relationship with God and demonstrate our commitment to Him. For instance, beginning each day with gratitude by thanking God for waking us up, even on days when we feel overwhelmed or exhausted, is a way of expressing our faith. This could mean starting the morning with a simple prayer of thanks, acknowledging God’s presence, and setting a positive tone for the day. Seeking God's guidance in all decisions, whether big or small, shows our reliance on His wisdom rather than our own understanding. For example, when faced with a challenging decision, such as choosing a major or dealing with a difficult friendship, taking time to pray and ask for

 God’s guidance can bring clarity and peace.

Fasting might involve abstaining from certain foods or activities for a set period to focus more on spiritual growth and reflection. During this time, dedicating moments to pray and meditate on God’s word can deepen our understanding of His will. Additionally, setting aside regular time each day for prayer—whether it’s in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed—helps to cultivate a habit of constant communication with God. 

It's crucial to remember that just because we can’t see God face to face, as we do with our friends and family, it doesn't mean He is not present. God is always with us, even when we can't physically see Him. His presence is constant, and His love for us is unwavering. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross is a testament to His unconditional love for us. He endured immense pain and suffering so that we could have eternal life and be reunited with Him in paradise. This act of love should be a constant reminder of the importance of our relationship with Him and the need to nurture our spiritual lives.

Another critical aspect of having faith in God is trusting His plan for our lives. Trusting that God is in control, no matter what happens, gives us peace and assurance. It’s easy to rely on our abilities and try to solve our problems without seeking God's guidance, but this often leads to failure and frustration. Jeremiah 17:7 says, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord." This verse assures us that trusting in God brings blessings and fulfillment. When we fully trust in God, we find comfort in knowing that He is guiding our steps. Life’s challenges become more manageable when we lean on God and seek His direction. Through prayer, we can communicate with God, express our concerns, and ask for His guidance. 

Prayer is a powerful tool that not only strengthens our faith but also provides comfort and peace in difficult times. For example, when feeling anxious about exams or uncertain about the future, turning to God in prayer can bring a sense of calm and reassurance. When we trust in God's judgment, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is in control.

While the start of a new school year can be overwhelming, it's essential to remember the importance of our spiritual lives. Keeping our faith strong and trusting in Christ should be a priority. By demonstrating our faith through our actions, such as prayer, fasting, and seeking God's guidance, we remain grounded in our relationship with Him. Trusting in God’s plan and knowing that He is always with us provides comfort and assurance, enabling us to navigate the stresses of life with faith and confidence, causing the start of the year to be much more manageable