Graduation can produce anxiety and possibly fear. The graduate has a lot of decisions to make and a lot of unknowns about their future. However, God has given Scripture for encouragement and perspective during these times. Here are some scriptures to encourage new graduates.
1. 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
As one graduates college and begins searching for jobs, it can be easy to feel the insecurities of youth. With so many job openings asking for years of experience, a graduate can quickly become discouraged and disheartened. Remember that the Lord will not abandon you in this season, though. Be the example amongst your community of someone who trusts in the Lord even if your job search takes longer than you’d like.
2. Joshua 1:7-9
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
3. Psalm 51:10-11
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”
Invite the Holy Spirit into every moment of your post-graduation life. Ask him daily to refresh your mind and heart.
4. Philippians 4:4-8
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
5. Psalm 105:4
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
Remember that the Lord is a bottomless reservoir of strength and love for His children. As you move on to new seasons of life, continue to depend on the Lord’s strength and will for your life. As you do this, you will find that you can handle more than you thought because you’ve allowed the Lord’s strength to take over.
6. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
If and when the temptation to stress about moving, job hunting, and stepping into a new role in life arises, hold fast to the peace that the Lord provides. It is a peace that brings stability even in times of uncertainty.
7. Psalm 91:1-2
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Who are you trusting to provide for your needs post-graduation? Is the title of your job giving you security or is it the faithfulness of God?
8. James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Maybe this new season of your life has been marked by rejection. When you feel the hurt rising up, keep submitting it to the Lord. Remind yourself that God is walking with you through this and every season. You are loved. He will always prove Himself to be faithful.
9. Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
How comforting it is to know our hope, when placed in Jesus, is never ending! Take heart, Grad. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
10. Micah 6:8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
When entering this next stage of life, remember to do everything in humility. Always remind yourself that it is the Lord who has been faithful to carry you this far.
11. Lamentations 3:22-24
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”
12. Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
If you are going through the job interview process, try to practice submitting every interview to the Lord before and after you have one. Something simple like, “Lord, I really want this job, but I trust Your plan. Your will be done.” Pray like that right before stepping into the interview and pray it again when you get back home.
13. Proverbs 3:5-10
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Throughout life, keep reminding yourself that God is good and He knows how to take care of you. Remind yourself of His faithfulness in the past and that He will continue to be faithful in your present and future.
14. Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
If you have interviewed and landed a job, but you’re not really excited about the job itself, try to remember the One you’re really working for. Do even the “mundane” tasks with a heart of gratitude and passion for the Lord. The people in your workplace will notice. What a great way to share the love of Jesus!
15. Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Wherever you go as you follow the Lord’s guidance, you can make that place a ministry. Whether you work in food, you pastor a church, or you’re still job searching, take every opportunity to show people the love of Jesus.
16. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
As you submit your way to the Lord and live out His calling for your life, remember that He sees you. He sees every sacrifice you make in order to be obedient to Him. Be encouraged that you are never alone or invisible to God.
17. Philippians 1:9-11
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.”
Now that you have graduated, it is time to find a Christ-centered community to do life with. People who will spur you on to get closer and closer to God. This will be a great encouragement and help in moments of stress or difficulty.
18. Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
19. Psalm 20:4
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
20. Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
God has created you with a purpose. Don’t allow yourself to forget that He has plans for you and for your life.
21. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
22. Mark 12:30
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
23. James 4:13-16
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.”
Sometimes trying to determine the next steps in your life or working up the ladder can create so much stress that it feels like the end of the world. Keep everything in perspective, though, nothing surprises the Lord. Not only does nothing surprise the Lord, but nothing can overpower Him either, including the stress you may feel about work.
24. Jeremiah 29:11-13
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
When you are tempted to seek security in things besides the Lord, remember that He is the ultimate source for all your needs and His desire is for your good. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
25. Numbers 6:24-26
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
26. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through… The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
If you feel like the Lord is calling you somewhere, be obedient to follow how He guides you there. He will be faithful to bring you to the place He is calling you.
27. Colossians 1:10
“And we pray… that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God…”
At the end of the day, your purpose on this earth is to love the Lord and be obedient to where/what He is calling you to. As you continue to live your life fully for Him, He will guide you through every season.
