how to trust God and overcome anxiety in school
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by school — stressed about grades, anxious about the future, or burdened by the pressure to succeed? If so, you’re not alone. Many students experience these feelings, but the good news is that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Learning to trust God in school can help you let go of fear and anxiety, giving you peace and confidence even in challenging times.
My Journey with School Anxiety
I recently graduated from dental school and started working as a dentist, but my academic journey was filled with moments of stress and uncertainty. During college, my post-baccalaureate program, and dental school, I often worried about exams, my performance, and whether I would succeed. The pressure to do well sometimes felt overwhelming, and I know many students struggle with these same fears. That’s why I want to share some insights that helped me overcome school-related anxiety and deepen my trust in God.
The Pressure to Succeed
One of the biggest causes of school-related anxiety is the intense pressure to succeed. Whether it comes from teachers, parents, or even ourselves, this expectation can make us feel like we constantly need to outperform or prove our worth. If we don’t meet those expectations, we might experience feelings of guilt and shame.
However, as my pastor once said, shame is not from God — it’s from the devil. The feeling that you’re not good enough is a lie meant to hold you back. When we remove the pressure to succeed for others and instead focus on doing our best for ourselves and for God, it becomes a game-changer. If you struggle on an exam or in a class, instead of thinking, “I’m a failure”, you can shift your mindset to, “How can I improve?” — not to please others, but to grow personally and to bring glory to God.
Worrying About the Future
Another source of anxiety is fear about the future, especially for students pursuing competitive careers. If you’re pre-med, pre-dental, or in any demanding program, you might feel immense pressure to maintain a high GPA and excel in every aspect. While it’s important to work hard, putting excessive pressure on yourself can lead to burnout and discouragement, especially when you inevitably hit a rough patch.
The truth is, no one’s journey is perfect. Whether your struggles come in college, graduate school, or later in your career, learning to handle pressure with faith is crucial. Trust that God has a plan for you, and no setback is too big for Him to handle.
Comparison and Self-Doubt
Comparison is another major culprit behind school-related anxiety. When I started dental school, I found myself looking at my classmates’ GPAs and test scores, thinking, “Do I even belong here?” But God doesn’t make mistakes. If He placed you in a certain position, He knows you’re capable of handling it. Instead of questioning your abilities, trust that you are right where you need to be.
Fear of Failure
Many students struggle with the fear of failure, often feeling isolated, like they are the only ones experiencing difficulty. But the reality is, many students before you have struggled and overcome. Others in your program may be dealing with the same challenges, even if they don’t talk about it. Instead of hiding your struggles, be open to learning from others, seeking advice, and finding strength in community. There are lessons to be learned when things don’t go your way, not everything needs to be looked at from a negative lens.
Lack of Control and Uncertainty
Not knowing what will happen next — whether it’s an exam, a job opportunity, or acceptance into a program — can be a major source of anxiety. I remember studying for exams in dental school, constantly wondering if I was focusing on the right material. The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing.
What helped me was changing my study approach. Instead of obsessing over one topic and fearing what might or might not be on the exam, I started reviewing everything at least once or twice. More importantly, I learned to trust God with the results, knowing that my efforts were enough and that He was ultimately in control.
How to Trust God and Overcome School Anxiety
If you’re struggling with school-related anxiety, here are some practical ways to trust God and find peace:
1. Pray About Everything — Bring your worries to God and truly give them to Him. Don’t pick them back up and stress about them again.
2. Study with Peace, Not Panic — Trust that your best effort is enough. Studying in a calm state is much more effective than studying in fear.
3. Replace Fear with Faith — Once you give your worries to God, leave them in His hands.
4. Seek God Before Success — Don’t make grades or achievements an idol. Keep God at the center of your life, no matter your academic performance.
5. Take Breaks and Rest in God’s Presence — Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, take intentional breaks to pray, worship, or reflect on His promises.
6. Surround Yourself with Encouraging People — Be around those who uplift and support you rather than those who judge you and other people harshly.
Your Worth Is in Christ, Not Your Grades
At the end of the day, your value does not come from your GPA, test scores, or career achievements. Your worth comes from who you are in Christ. Trust that God wouldn’t place you in a difficult situation if He didn’t know you could handle it. Your faith in Him is far more important than any academic success.
So, take a deep breath, trust in God’s plan, and move forward with confidence. You are more than capable, and with God by your side, you will overcome any challenge that comes your way.
