PSALM 55:22
Senior year. I can hardly believe I’ve gotten to this point. All my life, I’ve looked forward to this time with great anticipation, and now it’s here, it seems so unreal. It definitely isn’t what I expected. Everyone in the past has said that her senior year was the best out of them all, but right now it’s hard to imagine feeling that way. The weight of responsibility is dragging me down—I have so much to do all the time without a spare moment in sight. Homework is a constant companion, and my senior project hangs like a rain cloud over my head. All I want to do is sit down. Today, my anxiety was like a blaring trumpet, a great pressure in my chest. After a while, I felt the need to read my Bible. Lately, I hadn’t taken as much time to pay attention to my devotions, but this afternoon was special. I could feel God talking to my heart through the Scriptures, and He told me He loved me. My eyes filled with tears. Even though I feel so overwhelmed sometimes, God is stronger than all of my trials. While I’m straining to carry all of my worries, Jesus is reaching out his hands, saying, “Let me carry that, beloved. My shoulders are wide enough.” Of course, everything won’t be easy in the days to come, but with the right perspective, I know that this last year will be a time to grow closer to God and make lasting memories for the future.
Meredith Koontz, 17, North Buncombe High School, Weaverville, NC
Lord, when I feel like I can’t take
it anymore, bring me to the Bible. I know
Your Word can help me get through anything.