A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on how important faith is in college and some tips on how to stay faithful during the college years. Well, this week, I'm giving you some Bible verses that I feel every college student should know. Verses to help you discern God's call, have courage and persevere. So, at the risk of going on for too long, let's begin.
1. "I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
After Moses died, God handed the leadership over to Joshua. Joshua had really big shoes to fill, coming after Moses, who had freed the Hebrews from Egypt. God was now telling Joshua to take all the people across the Jordan to the promised land which He had set out for them. You can imagine that Joshua was probably intimidated by this, as there were thousands of Hebrews making their way to the promised land. However, God comforts Joshua. And He not only comforts him, He commands Joshua to not be afraid because He, the Lord, will be with him.
These are the words God speaks to each and every one of us. While in college, we're preparing to jump out into the world on our own, into the great unknown. We can know that God will always be with us no matter what. He will help us through the trials and rejoice with us in the triumphs.
2. "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
What we learn from this verse is that God has already planned a life for us, and that life which He has planned is what will give us true happiness. We don't have to figure out what's going to make us happy; God already has. However, sometimes it's difficult to see what that plan will be. That's why we need to turn to God in prayer and ask Him what His will for our lives is. We may not get an answer right away, but know that it will come when God knows it's best. Once you hear from God, you will be truly at peace when you decide to follow the path He has laid out.
3. "Happy the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding! Her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold in her revenue" (Proverbs 3:13-14).
This is just a little encouragement to pay attention and get your work done. This passage means wisdom in two different ways: first of all, wisdom in God's plan for your life, and second, wisdom in education. God wants us to learn about the world which He has created, and about all the things that make this world beautiful. He wants us to learn so we can do the best job we can at pursuing His will. He knows that a well-educated person is a person who can do great works in His name. So, when doing that homework assignment seems like the last thing you want to do, just remember that wisdom is worth more than gold and silver.
4. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near" (Philippians 4:4-5).
As Christians, we are the face of Christ. There's a saying that goes,"You may be the only Jesus someone meets today." Therefore, our "kindness should be known by all." If people around us see kindness in Christians, they see kindness in Christ. This draws them near to want to know more, and can be a soul-saving experience. Saint Paul is telling the Philippians and us that we should always show kindness. Not only that, but also joy. He tells us to rejoice always. We are to give off joy that all the world can see. Sure, we will have sufferings, but God will help us through it and give us true joy. When others see that joy in us, the start looking for its source.
This is important in college, because college can be a moment of true conversion for someone. It's said that most people choose or reject faith by about age 30. This is a good way we can reach out to others not using words, but by showing kindness and joy.
5. "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9-10).
These are the words of Jesus himself. He tells us that if we're faithful in prayer and seeking, He will be faithful in giving and showing. Of course, God grants the things we need in accordance with His will. He will give us the things He knows we truly need, not always the things we want. So if you're praying for your favorite NFL team to make it to the Superbowl this year, that may not happen. But if you ask Him what is His will, or ask Him for something that you need, He will be faithful.
So there you go, five verses that every college student should know. These verses are a great foundation for your faith life in college and beyond. However, don't let your Bible knowledge stop here. There are 73 or 66 books in the Bible (depends if you're Catholic or Protestant), so there's so much more for you to study and so many verses that can help you!
So dust off that Bible if it's been sitting a while and start reading. Go to these verses first, and then start looking around them, and also turning to books that seem interesting. God bless you and your scripture studies!
