College is hard. College is really hard. From one student to another, here are a few Bible verses full of truths to cling to in the midst of everything new and everything difficult. You are here for a reason, and you are not a mistake.
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me...You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay Your hand upon me."
Author Jerry Sittser said, "This is a Psalm about wonder." Wonder regarding our state of being loved, being surrounded and being known by our Creator. He has searched us and known us, and even though He fully understands the depth of our brokenness, He chooses to protect us.
2. John 6:37
"...whoever comes to me I will never cast out."
This verse, to me, has more than one implication. Firstly, we are His. We cannot be turned away from His great grace! Secondly, it is a reminder that it is nothing from our own power that allows us to be in relationship with Jesus. It is His gift of redemption to us: all we can do is come to Him.
3. Daniel 2:19
"Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven."
When King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that his wise men could not interpret, Daniel and his friends were on the list of people who were to die because of Nebuchadnezzar's anger. Daniel learned of the King's anger and immediately responded in prayer. As college students, it is extremely easy to get caught up in our assignments and tasks, forgetting to spend time in prayer. This verse (and the whole story found in the book of Daniel) is a great reminder of the power of prayer.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
I like to think that I have it all together. I hate not being in control, and I hate being in the wrong. This verse in Jeremiah reminds me that I am a sinful being and that I need God's grace to carry me through each day. I cannot even understand how broken I am!
"...He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised."
In college, we all have agendas - whether or not we actually know what we are doing. Because we have been saved by Christ, we have both the chance and the responsibility to live for His glory and no longer for our own.
6. Esther 4:14b
"...And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
If nothing else, please hear me when I say this: you are important and you are in your current place for a very specific purpose. Unfortunately, we cannot see God's plan all of the time. Fortunately, His plan is not bound by our own plans or ideas. Don't be afraid of making the wrong decision - if you are seeking God's will, He will carry out His plans without fail. As my mom likes to say, "bloom where you are planted." Live each day for your continued joy and for His continued glory, confident that God has you where you are for such a time as this.
