College is a hard and confusing time. We are supposed to juggle challenging courses, a social life, sports, extracurricular activities, jobs and all the while keeping our lives together. Many students put on a tough face and pretend to have everything figured out. In reality though, many of us hate the question, “So what are your plans after college?” (Personally, I have an emotional breakdown almost every time). It is so common for college students to get bogged down and become anxious or worrisome about life after college. Fear not though, fellow students. The Lord is with us always. Here are ten verses that guide me daily.
1. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, or give you a future and a hope.”
When you are worried about what the future holds, know that God has it all figured out. Just trust him!
2. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
When you feel stressed out about an upcoming test or interview, be strong and have courage in knowing that God will never leave or forsake you.
3. Philippians 4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication 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 minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you are feeling anxious about a project or new job, thank God for the opportunity. He will guide you through prayer and give you peace. Happiness and joy are not circumstantial, but everlasting when God is the root of everything.
4. Psalm 56:1-4
“Be gracious to me, oh God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me, my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?”
There is rarely a day that goes by that college students aren’t tempted by worldly treasures. Personally, this is one of my favorite go-to verses. When I feel attacked by the world, I am able to find peace in knowing that God has me in his hands and that the things of this world have been defeated by his love.
5. Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
If you feel burdened, as if you cannot carry on, find comfort in knowing that when you rely on God, he will give you rest.
6. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
When you are just trying to make it but feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel, know that God will shower you with blessings.
7. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
If you just went through a breakup, failed a test or are feeling at your lowest, God will gladly take your burden and pain.
8. 1 Peter 5:6-8
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
God cares about you more than you can imagine, so cast all your worries and cares on him. He will do the rest.
9. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
If you feel the power of the world weighing on your shoulders and like you have nowhere else to go, find rest and peace in knowing that God is right there beside you. Walk through life with confidence, because he is always there to bring you comfort.
10. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”When you have a big decision coming up, like what to do after graduation, rely on God to help you through that time. He will lead you to the life he has made for you.
