I just received my A-Level results, the culmination of a season that challenged me mentally and emotionally. 

Looking back, I find that God spoke the most to me through music. In pockets of time on the commute to school, while preparing my chemistry cheat sheets or finding case studies for history – I would hear from Him through worship music. Even on the way to collect my results, God assured me through music that my future was in His hands.

And so, here are five songs that assured me of God’s promises and faithfulness through my toughest season so far as a student. I pray they will also encourage you to worship through the sunshine and the storms.

1. Egypt – Bethel Music, Cory Asbury

You stepped into my Egypt
And You took me by the hand
And You marched me out in freedom
Into the promised land

Drawing from the account of how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and led them to the Promised Land (Exodus 14), this song paints a picture of how God brings us through our toughest times.

We all have our Egypts. The season when we don’t seem to hear from God, the heartaches, the injuries and the days where everything looks bleak…

Leading up to my A-Level examinations, my Egypt looked like an anxiety attack during my prelims. It also looked like the loneliness I felt while studying, or the countless papers I did without seeing any improvement.

Everything I did seemed futile, to the point that I even contemplated dropping out.

We all have our battles to fight. Faith in Jesus does not exempt us from struggles. In fact, the Bible says that we will certainly encounter trials (John 16:1-4).

But God promises that He is with us in the storm. So even as we face struggles, let us trust that God will liberate us (Psalm 34:17) and see us through the storm just as He always has.

We do so knowing that all things work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). 

For me, the A-Levels didn’t end in the best way possible. But I know that no matter what, God has never failed me – and He won’t fail you too.

2. Surrounded (Fight My Battles) – UPPERROOM, Elyssa Figueroa

There’s a table that You’ve prepared for me
In the presence of my enemies
It’s Your body and Your blood You’ve shed for me
This is how I fight my battles

In the valley I know that You’re with me
And surely Your goodness and mercy follow me
So my weapons are praise and thanksgiving
This is how I fight my battles

Whenever I reflect on these lyrics that were inspired by Psalm 23:5-6, I am reminded that God fights for us as we walk with Him.

That is why I could exercise patience and give God control over my bleak situation. I trusted that God was at work even though I was not seeing results.

During our exam seasons, it’s easy to lose sight of God or feel far from Him. Just remember that God is always with us (Psalm 16:8).

3. God Is For Us – CityAlight

Neither height nor depth can separate us
Hell and death will not defeat us
He who gave His son to free us
Holds me in His love

God is for us! This upbeat track raised my spirits, and echoes the promise that regardless of my grades, I am loved by the Father and my identity is in Him.

Given the significance of exams in our lives, it is often easy to let success at this stage overshadow everything else or to let failures cloud our vision. I have often been guilty of this.

No matter how you have performed, remember that your identity first and foremost is a child of God (John 1:12-13).

Nothing can take away God’s love for us (Romans 8:28), and nothing we do can make God love us less. God’s love for us is patient and persevering, and His love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).

Your grades may affect how others perceive you, but it will never change how God views you. He won’t love you any less, and you’ll always be His precious child.

4. Counting My Blessings – Seph Schlueter

God, I’m still counting my blessings
For all that You’ve done in my life
The more that I look in the details
The more of Your goodness I find

It can be difficult to practise thanksgiving in tough times. This song was a reminder that every dark cloud has a silver lining.

As I look back on my A-Levels journey, I thank God for providing me with a strong support system. I had my cell members who regularly studied together and motivated each other, my teachers who were extremely patient with my never-ending questions, and my family that always prayed for me. 

I learnt to count my blessings. Looking back on my journal of answered prayers, it was so assuring to know that the Lord will provide for my needs (Matthew 6:26) no matter what.

Throughout the A-Levels, I did my best to avoid comparison and instead filled my mind with thanksgiving. Gratitude towards God was met with a special joy that only He can provide.

During your next study session, why not try taking some time to thank God for bringing you through the thick of it. Let us learn to become people who will give thanks in all circumstances.

5. Breakthrough – Red Rocks Worship

I am weary from the waves
Crashing over every day
God of mercy, please come rescue me

Discipline and consistency are tiring, especially when each day feels monotonous – the same old routine of ten-year series and corrections. Many times, it felt overwhelming to be facing such a major examination with high stakes and intense competition. 

That was why this song really resonated in my heart, as I cried out to God for strength to sustain me (Psalm 121:1).

Your power and Your presence
Breaks strongholds, King of Heaven
When You speak, mountains move
I believe there will be breakthrough

These words became my declaration that Jesus could do the impossible and provide the breakthrough that I was looking for.

Now, whether your breakthrough comes when you receive your results or sometime in the future – know that our God can do anything. We worship the God of the impossible! 

You may have received your A-Level results recently, or you may be going through yet another tough season in your studies.

No matter what your circumstances may look like, my prayer is that you will remain steadfast in the Lord and wait on Him.

If you feel discouraged, remember that you have nothing to prove and nothing to lose. You’ve already done your best, so allow God to do the rest.

After all, He has the best plans for you.