Graduation hit me like a truck last May. One day I’m cramming for finals, the next I’m walking across a stage in a ridiculous hat while my family cheers from the bleachers. But underneath all the celebration, I was honestly freaking out.
My roommate had already landed this incredible job at Google. Another friend was heading to med school. Meanwhile, I’m living back home, working at the same restaurant I did in high school, wondering if my degree was worth anything.
My grandma, bless her heart, kept sending me these Bible verses about God’s timing and His plans. At first I was like “thanks Grandma, but I need a paycheck, not Bible quotes.” But some of them actually started making sense during those 3 AM anxiety spirals about my future.
There’s this one verse about God knowing the plans He has for you – plans for good and not disaster. Another talks about how your steps are ordered by the Lord even when you can’t see where you’re going. Pretty relevant when you’re 22 and clueless.
Whether you just graduated, know someone who did, or remember that terrifying-but-exciting time when everything was uncertain, these verses might help with the whole “what now?” feeling that hits after you throw your cap in the air.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
For with God nothing will be impossible.
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Famous and Strong Quotes about graduating students
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
Blessing the Graduating Students
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of education and the dedication that has brought these students to this significant milestone. As they graduate, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom to follow their paths ahead. May they carry the lessons learned and friendships forged into the next chapters of their lives.
Grant them discernment in their choices and courage in their endeavors. Let their hearts be filled with compassion and a desire to serve others. May they shine Your light in every place they go, becoming beacons of hope and truth in a world that needs it.
Surround them with Your love and support as they step into new opportunities and challenges. Help them remember that their identity is rooted in You, and may they find joy and purpose in all that they do.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.