Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

DALL·E 2024-10-16 11.46.48 - A black student sitting at a desk, focused and writing an exam in a quiet exam hall. The student looks calm and composed, with pens, pencils, and pape

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.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

The Bible is rich with wisdom regarding the power of our words. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the tongue—though small—holds the capacity to uplift, destroy, heal, or harm. The words we speak can shape destinies, mend relationships, or cause deep wounds. Let’s explore seven Bible verses that illuminate the profound power of the tongue.

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

The words we choose to speak can bring encouragement, love, and healing, or they can cause hurt, division, and destruction. The “fruits” we reap from our words reflect their power—whether for good or ill.

2. James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”

Although it is a small part of the body, the tongue can cause significant harm, much like a small spark can ignite an entire forest fire. James warns believers of the dangers of careless speech, reminding us that words can spread like wildfire, causing damage that can be difficult to undo.

3. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Words spoken in haste or anger can cut deeply, inflicting pain and damage similar to physical wounds. Conversely, wise and thoughtful words can bring comfort, peace, and restoration, highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and choosing our words carefully.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

We are urged to avoid corrupting or harmful talk and instead speak in ways that edify and encourage others. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and we are encouraged to use our speech to impart grace and support to those around us.

5. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

A gentle tongue, like a tree of life, offers nourishment, strength, and growth. In contrast, perverse or harsh speech can crush a person’s spirit, leading to discouragement and despair. The verse encourages us to speak with kindness and gentleness, fostering life and growth in others.

6. Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew are a sobering reminder of the accountability we have for our speech. Every word we speak—careless or otherwise—will be subject to judgment. Our words reflect our hearts, and they play a role in our justification or condemnation. This verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our speech, knowing that it has eternal consequences.

7. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Words that are kind, loving, and considerate are likened to honeycomb—sweet and nourishing, bringing joy and health to both the speaker and the listener. The verse encourages us to speak in ways that bring sweetness and well-being to others, reflecting the love and grace of God through our words.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God’s love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 ¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep , than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

7 Bible verses that emphasise strength found in numbers

The early church’s shared life, mutual support, and communal worship were sources of strength and growth. This highlights the power of collective living and the positive impact it has on both the community and its outreach.

Finding comfort and hope in God's Word in times of sadness

By adopting these attitudes, we can find comfort and hope in times of sorrow, knowing that God is with us and will sustain us in all circumstances.

15 ¶ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

21 ¶ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

23 ¶ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

1 The same time the disciples came vnto Iesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdome of heauen? 2 And Iesus called a litle childe vnto him, and set him in the mids of them, 3 And sayd, Verely I say vnto you, except ye be conuerted, and become as litle children, ye shall not enter into the kingdome of heauen. 4 Whosoeuer therefore shall humble himselfe as this litle childe, the same is the greatest in the kingdome of heauen. 5 And whosoeuer shall receiue one such litle childe in my name, receiueth me. 6 But whosoeuer shall offend one of these litle ones which beleeue in me, it were better for him, that a milstone were hanged about his necke, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Wo be vnto the world because of offences: for it must needes be that offences shall come, but wo be to that man by whome the offence commeth. 8 Wherefore, if thy hand or thy foote cause thee to offend, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life, halt, or maimed, then hauing two hands, or two feete, to be cast into euerlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye cause thee to offende, plucke it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, then hauing two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 See that ye despise not one of these litle ones: for I say vnto you, that in heauen their Angels alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in heauen. 11 For the Sonne of man is come to saue that which was lost. 12 How thinke ye? If a man haue an hundreth sheepe, and one of them be gone astray, doeth he not leaue ninetie and nine, and go into the mountaines, and seeke that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he finde it, verely I say vnto you, he reioyceth more of that sheepe, then of the ninetie and nine which went not astray: 14 So is it not ye wil of your Father which is in heauen, that one of these litle ones should perish. 15 Moreouer, if thy brother trespasse against thee, goe and tell him his fault betweene thee and him alone: if he heare thee, thou hast wonne thy brother. 16 But if he heare thee not, take yet with thee one or two, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses euery worde may be confirmed. 17 And if he refuse to heare them, tell it vnto the Church: and if he refuse to heare the Church also, let him be vnto thee as an heathen man, and a Publicane. 18 Verely I say vnto you, Whatsoeuer ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heauen: and whatsoeuer ye loose on earth, shalbe loosed in heauen. 19 Againe, verely I say vnto you, that if two of you shall agree in earth vpon any thing, whatsoeuer they shall desire, it shall be giuen them of my Father which is in heauen. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the mids of them. 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Master, howe oft shall my brother sinne against me, and I shall forgiue him? vnto seuen times? 22 Iesus said vnto him, I say not to thee, Vnto seuen times, but, Vnto seuentie times seuen times. 23 Therefore is the kingdome of heauen likened vnto a certaine King, which would take an account of his seruants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought vnto him, which ought him ten thousand talents. 25 And because he had nothing to pay, his Lord commanded him to be solde, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and the dette to be payed. 26 The seruant therefore fell downe, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, refraine thine anger toward me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then that seruants Lord had compassion, and loosed him, and forgaue him the dette. 28 But when the seruant was departed, hee found one of his felow seruants, which ought him an hundred pence, and he layde hands on him, and thratled him, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 Then his fellow seruant fell downe at his feete, and besought him, saying, Refraine thine anger towards me, and I will pay thee all. 30 Yet he would not, but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the dette. 31 And when his other felowe seruants sawe what was done, they were very sory, and came, and declared vnto their Lord all that was done. 32 Then his Lord called him vnto him, and sayd to him, O euil seruant, I forgaue thee all that dette, because thou prayedst me. 33 Oughtest not thou also to haue had pitie on thy fellowe seruant, euen as I had pitie on thee? 34 So his Lord was wroth, and deliuered him to the tormentours, till he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So likewise shall mine heauenly Father doe vnto you, except ye forgiue from your hearts, eche one to his brother their trespasses.

Matthew 18