Matthew 14:26-31 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Faith in God can move us beyond the impossible, but doubt weakens us. This is an important lesson for Peter at this time, and for you and me today. Things that are impossible without faith, like walking on water, can become possible with faith.

Question: In which areas of your life could your faith be stronger?

Avoiding stress during exams is essential for maintaining focus, performing well, and staying healthy. Here’s a biblical, practical, and actionable guide to managing stress effectively during exam time:

1. Start with Prayer and Trust in God

• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
  Tip: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, pause and pray. Surrender your worries to God.

Action:

• Start and end your study sessions with a short prayer.
• Keep a prayer journal where you express your concerns and ask God for peace.

2. Stay Organized with a Study Plan

• 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
  Tip: A well-organized study schedule prevents last-minute cramming and reduces stress.

Action:

• Break your syllabus into manageable chunks, covering a little every day.
• Use tools like a study timetable or to-do list to track progress.

3. Take Care of Your Body

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
  Tip: Eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough will help your brain function better.

Action:

• Exercise: Take short walks or do light stretches between study sessions.
• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to improve concentration.
• Eat Nutritious Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, and water to keep your energy up.

4. Take Breaks and Rest

• Exodus 20:8-10 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…”
  Tip: Rest is essential to recharge your brain and avoid burnout.

Action:

• Take 10-15 minute breaks every hour to relax your mind.
• Set aside one day a week to rest and engage in something you enjoy.

5. Avoid Comparison with Others

• Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test their own actions… without comparing themselves to someone else.”
  Tip: Comparing yourself with classmates can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Focus on your progress and efforts.

Action:

• Remind yourself that your journey is unique, and God has a plan for you.
• Celebrate small achievements along the way, like completing a topic or practice test.

6. Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
  Tip: When stress creeps in, breathe deeply and meditate on God’s presence.

Action:

• Deep Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat several times.
• Play soft, relaxing worship music while you study or during breaks.

7. Stay Positive and Speak Life Over Yourself

• Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death…”
  Tip: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations rooted in Scripture.

Action:

• Speak aloud Scriptures like: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
• Avoid saying things like “I will fail” or “This is too hard.” Instead, say, “I am prepared, and God is with me.”

8. Engage in Fellowship with Others

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If one falls down, the other can help him up.”
  Tip: Talk to family, friends, or mentors when you feel overwhelmed.

Action:

• Join a study group for encouragement.
• Share your concerns with someone who can pray with you and provide guidance.

9. Limit Distractions and Focus on the Present

• Matthew 6:34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
  Tip: Avoid worrying about the future or dwelling on past mistakes. Stay focused on what you can do today.

Action:

• Set specific times to study without distractions from social media or phone notifications.
• Tackle one subject or task at a time to avoid overwhelm.

10. Trust God with the Outcome

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
  Tip: After you’ve done your best, trust God to handle the rest.

Action:

• After each exam, pray and thank God for the strength to finish.
• Avoid overanalyzing your performance, trust that God’s plan is perfect.

Conclusion

Managing stress during exams is about trusting God, planning wisely, taking care of yourself, and staying focused on the present. Remember that success is not just about grades—it’s about learning, growing, and relying on God’s strength. Following this guide will help you stay calm, focused, and productive throughout the exam season. You’ve got this! God is with you every step of the way.

The Hebrew word translated as “peace” is “shalom”. It means more than the opposite of conflict. It’s about being complete and safe. This is why we ultimately only can find peace in God. Without God we are not complete and not at peace.

1. Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

You have a choice in your life. When you are in a conflict, do you seek peace? Take the first step and reach out to anyone you are not at peace with and seek peace.

2. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

There is blessing and happiness in being a peacemaker. As children of God we are called to seek peace.

3. Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

We know there are conflicts and troublemakers in the world. But the Bible tells us to do what we can to live in peace with everyone.

4. Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

When you walk with God in peace, everything is different. There may be conflict around you, but worldly conflict and troubles can’t overcome the peace of God.

5. Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Actively work for peace, not just for your own sake, but also to build up others around you.

6. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

The Bible wishes for you, and for all to have peace. May God be with you, so that your life will be at peace and complete.

7. Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

The priestly blessing tells us that in God’s presence there is peace. Seek God and you shall find him. God bless you.

You wonder when the pain will stop—the crushing weight of the world’s emptiness. You wonder when you’ll stop picking up the phone only to realize there’s no one to call. You wonder when a song or smell that reminds you of that person won’t clutch at your throat and blind your eyes without warning.

“A single person is missing from you, and the whole world is empty,” as author Joan Didion puts it.

The emptiness can feel like a life sentence. You might feel alone, like no one fully understands your pain.

Jesus understands your suffering—because he suffered too (Isaiah 53:3). After Jesus was born on the earth, he promised to conquer our great enemy—death—forever.

On the cross, Jesus destroyed death by dying for us. Jesus suffered and died for you so that you can live in union with God (1 Peter 3:18). In the Bible, Jesus says he wants to take your suffering and trade it for joy (Matthew 11:28-30). Even when the world feels empty, even when you’re overcome by grief, God can give you a peace “far beyond human understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

That doesn’t mean you won’t still long for your lost loved one. It means that God can help heal the great emptiness you feel in your heart if you tell him about your pain and ask him for peace. Take a moment right now to reflect on these verses about God’s love for you, and then try to tell him how you feel:

God sees your suffering.

You know how troubled I am;

you have kept a record of my tears.

Aren’t they listed in your book? — Psalm 56:8

You can talk to God about your pain.

Trust in God at all times, my people.

Tell him all your troubles,

for he is our refuge. — Psalm 62:8

God is with you in the depths of your anguish.

Even if I go through the deepest darkness,

I will not be afraid, Lord,

for you are with me.

Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me. — Psalm 23:4

God can bring you joy.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,

To give to those who mourn in Zion

Joy and gladness instead of grief,

A song of praise instead of sorrow.

They will be like trees

That the Lord himself has planted. —Isaiah 61:2b-3

God can give you peace.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. — John 14:27