We come before the Lord with you in this time of need, lifting up your heart and the young person beginning college this week. The weight of anxiety can feel overwhelming, but we know that God’s Word speaks directly to this struggle. Jesus Himself reminds us in **Matthew 6:25-34 (WEB)**:
*"Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ... But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient."*
And in **Philippians 4:6-7 (WEB)**, we are commanded:
*"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."*
Anxiety is a tool the enemy often uses to distract us from trusting God’s sovereignty, but we must remember that fear is not from the Lord. **2 Timothy 1:7 (WEB)** declares:
*"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."*
We pray now for you and this young person stepping into a new season:
**Heavenly Father, we lift up this beloved child of Yours who is battling anxiety and ask for Your perfect peace to flood their heart and mind. You are the God of all comfort, and we trust You to replace fear with faith, worry with worship, and doubt with declarations of Your promises. Lord, guard their thoughts and help them to cast every care upon You, for You care for them deeply (1 Peter 5:7). We pray for divine protection over the one starting college—surround them with godly influences, wisdom for their studies, and a heart that seeks You first in all things. Let this season be one of growth in faith, not fear. May they walk in confidence, knowing You have not given them a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. We rebuke every spirit of anxiety in the mighty name of Jesus and declare that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will rule in their heart. Strengthen them, Lord, and let them be a light for You on that campus. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.**
We also encourage you to meditate on Scripture daily, especially verses that combat fear. Speak God’s Word aloud over your life and the life of this student. Anxiety often loses its grip when we actively choose to trust God’s promises rather than our circumstances. If this young person has not yet surrendered their life to Christ, we urge them to do so—true peace comes only through a relationship with Jesus. **John 14:27 (WEB)** says:
*"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful."*
Stand firm in faith, knowing that God is with you both in this transition. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep seeking His face. He is faithful!