1. Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
College is a time of independence. You are learning how to live without your parents, so naturally you may take advantage of that opportunity. This verse reminds us to get up and go to class each day, because, as children of God, we need to make the most of each day that He has given us.
2. Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Going to a big, public university will challenge your faith in ways you cannot imagine yet. This verse is a reminder that we are put on this earth to serve God, and do what is pleasing to Him, not our peers. His plan for us is perfect, and it is sometimes (or all the time) challenging to trust Him because we think that we know best. But God knows what He is doing, and we must have faith that He will bring us to the best life we can have.
3. Philippians 4:6-9
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As college students we are under constant stress, but I have found that prayer is the most crucial in times of worry. The peace of God overcomes all evil and stress in our lives. Anytime you are worried about something, whether it's a test, or friends, or anything, just talk to God! It helps, I pinky promise!!
4. Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good! He brings us strength in our most trying times, before (during or after) your mental breakdown caused by studying for finals, remind yourself that Gods got you! Remember: grades don't matter in Heaven!
5. Psalms 23:6
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Goodness and grace and mercy and all the awesome stuff that comes because of God will happen! Patience for God to enact His plan for us is key, because His timing is perfect.
6. Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."Humility is one thing that God calls us to have in order to serve Him. So if you do very well on a test, thats awesome! But God calls us to be humble about our accomplishments. Instead of turning to your neighbor, who might have done poorly on the exam, to tell them how well you did, turn to God and thank Him for giving you the knowledge and strength to do well on the exam!
7. Joshua 1:9
“…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Do not fear what you don't know. Be courageous and strong in the name of God.
