College can be a hard and stressful time for everyone, in more than one way. There is a whole new world of drama and freedom, friends and temptation, alongside classes and finals. College is a time of discovering who you are and who you want to be, without losing yourself in the process. For Christians, it's important to remember who God is in your life and to keep yourself focused on his plan for you. Here are some Bible verses to help you along the way.

1. Luke 11:4

4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.

This is an important verse to remember through your college years. Forgive others while asking for forgiveness alongside stirring away from the temptation of this world.

2. James 1:2-4

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Trials come and it's how we react that is important. We can either place our trust in God or run from him with fear. God desires our hearts and lives to be pure and complete, not lacking anything (as the verse says).

3. Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We need to step out with our faith and share the word with those around us. God wants to see us reach out to the lost and hurting and show them what a life alongside Jesus means.

4. Romans 12:9-13

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Love is something constantly on our minds in college. We are wondering who we will marry, who our forever friends will be, and what our family relationships look like from the distance we are at. Through this verse, we can see that it's important to cling onto genuine l love and pursue a love that resembles the love of Jesus.

5. Psalm 94:19

19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Anxiety is a real thing, especially when the stresses of becoming a "real adult" hits. Focus on God in the moments of anxiety and lift your stresses up to him. For God knows the path you have walked, are walking, and the path you will walk. He is the one who will never leave your side beside it all. Let him bring you joy.