Stay the Course
We all get weary sometimes, don’t we? Have you ever felt you couldn’t take one more step because you’re just so tired? What’s the solution? We may not be able to immediately solve the problem, but we don’t give up–We strive to stay the course.
In 1 Kings, we learn the story of how Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The people rejoiced, but Queen Jezebel did not and sent a message to Elijah with a promise to kill him. Elijah’s elation at his victory dissipated as quickly as sprinkle of rain on parched earth. He was terrified.
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors. Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.” (1 Kings 19:3-5)
Doesn’t overwhelming weariness face all of us at some point in our lives? But it can be especially terrifying for our young adults as they struggle to adapt to becoming a college student–a successful and thriving college student.
Below is an excerpt from Stay the Course: A Devotional Handbook to Survive and Thrive in Your First Year of College (and Beyond). This resource provides practical advice, support, motivation, and some tough love for beginning college students as they transition from high school to the next segment of life’s journey. Published by Morgan James Faith, the devotional handbook releases April 30, 2024.
(You may identify with these feelings even if you’re past those college years).
When Your Soul Is Weary
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (Psalm 119:28)
Some days you will be so tired, weak, and sad that you will want to forget all about college, get in your car, and go home.
“I’ve had enough! l quit!”
We all have times when we are overwhelmed with life. We just want to crawl in our bed, cover up, and wait until it (whatever stumbling block that has interfered) is over. As a college student, these trials will seem as tall and insurmountable as Mt Everest.
You may feel lost and alone, not knowing who to turn to for help. Sometimes we want to cry out to God as did the Psalmist, “Why, Lord, do you stand so far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)
Thankfully, we can cry out our doubt and anxiety to our Lord, Jesus. He always listens. He will carry our burdens. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Take your burdens to Jesus through prayer. He will lighten your load. Ask Him for guidance as to where to seek help.
Prayer: Jesus, I feel so weary and burdened. I don’t know what to do. Your word tells me that you will ease my burden and my soul will find rest in you. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Please guide me in strengthening my faith and seeking the earthly help I need to get me through this trial.
Stay the Course
Stay the Course supports and encourages the first-year college student as they transition into the challenging, stressful, and sometimes terrifying college experience. Do you know a graduating high school senior who could benefit from this resource? This could be just the graduation gift they need.
Like God was with Elijah (He rescued the prophet), He will be with our students. I hope you will join me in praying for all our high school graduates.
Stay the Course is available from all major booksellers. Links to Amazon and Barnes and Noble are here.
Katherine, certainly weariness can be experienced from the college students to us older folks. I get weary with caregiving and spiritual warfare so thanks for this reminder to stay the course. I like this great title for your devotional!
I remember my caregiving days. I was in a constant state of weariness. I’m so thankful God was with me–I couldn’t have done it without Him. We all go through those time periods when we need our Lord to help us “Stay the Course.” Praying for you, Lisa.
Perfect title for a much-needed resource for so many college students.
Thank you, Diana. I hope and pray this resource will help our high schools graduates “survive and thrive” in their first year and continue on to successfully complete their degree program. It’s a tough world out there and these young adults need prayer, encouragement, and support. I’m grateful for your kind encouragement.
Thanks for writing this wonderful resource, Katherine. Students can get pulled in so many directions and now the culture has grown into an anti-God society. This will help them “stay the course” and remain faithful to the Lord.
Thank you for your support of this project, Barbara. You’ve been so helpful in sharing this resource with others. I pray Stay the Course will help them maintain their faith and guide them to success in college.
I’ve ordered my copy and look forward to sharing this book with others. A much-needed resource!
Thank you, Candyce! I’ve been so blessed to have you and many others spreading the word about Stay the Course. It takes a village to birth a book! Blessings!
Was it Vince Lombardi who said “Weariness makes cowards of us all”? We’ve all felt it. What a great resource for those away from home and needing a lifeline.
I haven’t heard this Lombardi quote previously, but I can attest that being weary definitely makes it harder to be strong and courageous. We all need a “lifeline” at times, don’t we? I’m so thankful our Lord is always close, ready to listen and respond to our call for help.
Yes, my friend. Young and old. In my youth and now in my “not so youthful” years, I become “bone tired” and weary of the struggle that is this life. It is in these moments that it is no longer my life, but Christ’s life in me. At that reminder, I utter a quick prayer for strength to rise and take that next step in my journey. God ALWAYS hears our plea. What an encouraging book you have authored ma’am. I’m certain that coming generations of young people will be thanking you. God’s blessings ma’am.
I hope and pray you are right, my friend, that Stay the Course can help our young adults keep their faith and have the knowledge, guidance, and determination needed to complete their education. Thank you, J.D., for your mentorship of our young people. You are a blessing, kind and faithful servant of our Lord.
You book is amazing. Thank you for writing this much needed information Katherine. I pray many read it.
Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers, Yvonne. I pray for our graduating seniors and hope Stay the Course can assist them on their journey. Wishing you continued blessings on your ministry.
Weariness leads to discouragement. Thanks for the encouragement, Katherine. God bless!
Yes, Nancy, you are right! But aren’t we blessed that our Lord is with us on the journey to help us over the obstacles and through the trials? Wishing you joy and blessings.
This post holds much wisdom for us all, Katherine. Thank you!
Thank you, Annie. Your support and encouragement have been so helpful during this process of “birthing” a book. I pray Stay the Course can be a helpful resource for our graduates.
This is such a great resource. I know it will bless and equip many college students who face unbelievable pressure at the university level. May God circulate your message worldwide!