My College Days, With And Without God

I just came back from my wonderful college reunion.

I had such a special time reconnecting with beloved friends. There was non-stop laughter, and we all had the sense that not much time had elapsed (although lots of time has elapsed!) since we were all there together.

As we wandered through the Duke campus, ooh-ing and aah-ing at how beautiful it is, and how brainy the incoming freshmen are (“We’d never get into this place today!”), I remembered what it was like to be in college without God as my true foundation.

Although my college years were such an exciting time, I was always keenly aware that somehow, something was acutely missing from my life. And yes, it went far beyond dating!

There were still many years to go before I became a Christian. In worldly terms, I guess you could say that it looked as if I had it all. I became an M.D., I was able to help people, I got married to a wonderful man (he’s still wonderful!) and we enjoyed our friends and careers. Yet still, something was missing.

It wasn’t until we started going to Redeemer Presbyterian church in New York City that I first truly heard the gospel. The good news – wait, no, the great news for someone like me. The news that even my best works and efforts weren’t enough to bridge the gap between me and God, and that He was going to have to do it Himself.

This was such a relief, because it was something I knew deep down inside all along. I could “put my deadly doings down, down at Jesus’ feet. And rest in Him and Him alone, gloriously complete!”

Since those years, God has transformed who I am on the inside. I am overjoyed to spend the rest of my life, walking that walk.

So, from that visit, I want to share with you a verse from Jeremiah that has been flowing through my heart and mind.

I hope it will be a blessing to you as well.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in Him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.

(Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Question: Do you put your trust, your life, in God’s hands? Or is there something (or someone) else? What is that like for you?

Warmly, Dr. Ann

Originally posted on The Marriage Checklist.