These Bible Verses Celebrate Achievement and Provide Motivation for Graduates
Graduation is a major moment in a person's life. Whether it's a high school graduation or college graduation, getting through those four years is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Of course, graduating from medical school, law school, trade schools, or any other program is also another big moment. Long story short, if you or someone you love is graduating from anything, that should be honored. We've rounded up the best graduation Bible verses for grads to reflect on during this time of celebration and transition. These would also make thoughtful messages in any graduation cards you're writing this season.
These graduation prayers and inspiring Bible verses will empower any graduate to take their next steps into the world. Continuing to be thoughtful about their faith will serve them well whether they're headed towards more education, the workforce, a gap year, or anything else. These Bible verses remind them to believe in themselves and follow God's path for them.
If you're the person who is graduating, congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it's also understandable if you're feeling anxious. These Bible verses will help you feel more centered and will make you feel ready to take your next steps, whatever they are. In addition to sharing them on social media, you can also meditate on them or find them and begin Bible journaling.
Need more graduation inspiration? We've got graduation Instagram captions, "Congratulations" graduation wishes, and Christian graduation gifts to commemorate this special time for the class of 2024.
Isaiah 58:11
"The L0rd will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. He will rescue your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water that won't run dry."
The Good News: God is always there at every turn, in every moment of despair as well as every triumph. He will always provide guidance when it's most needed so that you feel supported and loved.
Psalm 119:10
"I have sought you with all my heart. Don't let me stray from any of your commandments!"
The Good News: The key to success in life is following the word of God and striving to follow His example, even with things get tough.
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven."
The Good News: Never be afraid to use the gifts that have been given to you, and always seek to use them to do good or to leave the world a better place.
Deuteronomy 31:8
"But the Lord is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won't let you down. He won't abandon you. So don't be afraid or scared!"
The Good News: You're never truly alone. You will always have someone to turn to when things get tough or when others in your life disappoint or betray you.
Isaiah 26:3
"Those with sound thoughts, you will keep in peace — in peace because they trust in you."
The Good News: Stay true to your heart and anchored in your convictions and you will not go astray.
Philippians 1:9-11
"This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God."
The Good News: God's hope for us is that with time, a constant love will enable us to learn more, and discover what is truly needed within our lives to make us happy.
1 Timothy 4:12
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, [and] faith..."
The Good News: Youth is not a downfall. Use what others perceive as innocence as a fresh start to set an example and learn more about the world.
Psalm 20:4
"Let God grant what is in your heart and fulfill all your plans."
The Good News: No matter what you're striving for or what you desire, God will lead you there.
James 1:12
"Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward."
The Good News: Life is not without hardships, but the person who perseveres through both the good and the bad will lead a more fulfilling life.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me."
The Good News: As we pray upon God, and keep unwavering faith in him, he will guide us through the plans he has set up for us from the day we were born.
Proverbs 16:3
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."
The Good News: Continue on in your path with faith as a big part of it. It'll help you reach your goals.
Deuteronomy 31: 6
"Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the Lord your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you."
The Good News: Many things in life can happen that will scare you. The important thing to remember is that you'll be okay with God on your side. Let that give you the assurance you need to be strong and keep going.
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people."
The Good News: It's so easy to focus on people around you, but never lose sight of the fact that God is your constant. Have God in your heart every step of the way.
Matthew 6:33
"Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
The Good News: If you believe, you will receive.
Philippians 1:6
"I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus."
The Good News: Those who try to do good works throughout life will be greatly celebrated in the Kingdom of God.
John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid."
The Good News: Do not be fearful or overwhelmed by the unknown. Instead, embrace the peace God wants for all of us, so that we may enjoy life to the fullest.
Isaiah 26:4
"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is a rock for all ages."
The Good News: Trust in Jesus, and you can never be set on a broken path.
Isaiah 43:19
"Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness."
The Good News: Setting off on a new path doesn't have to be scary. Sometimes new things are the most exciting, because they carve paths for us we may have never walked down otherwise.
2 Timothy 2:15
"Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly."
The Good News: Those who work hard will be looked upon kindly by God. If you're entering the workforce post college, remember that even if your boss doesn't always notice your hard work — God does.
Proverbs 3:6
"Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight."
The Good News: As long as we keep God's word at the forefront of our thoughts and actions, he will guide us on our paths.
Proverbs 21:5
"The plans of the diligent end up in profit, but those who hurry end up with loss."
The Good News: It's easy to compare ourselves to others who are soaring ahead on their own paths, but remember that it's okay if it takes more time to get established after graduation. If you work hard and diligently, you will be rewarded in the long run.
Proverbs 24:14
"Know that wisdom is like that for your whole being. If you find it, there is a future. Your hope won’t be cut off."
The Good News: The knowledge you gained in school will help you in your future — whether through practical application or even just the lessons you learned outside the classroom about being social, working hard, and managing deadlines. Soak it all in and use it to your advantage going forward.
2 Timothy 1:7
"God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled."
The Good News: You are ready to take on the world because God has made you so. We are all made powerful through His wisdom.
Philippians 4:13
"I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength."
The Good News: When life doesn't go our way, God will be there for us and give us the strength to carry on.
Romans 12:2
"Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is — what is good and pleasing and mature."
The Good News: It's always best in life to be yourself and not conform to what you think others want you to be. This applies in college and beyond; stay true to who you are.
Proverbs 13:20
"Walk with wise people and become wise; befriend fools and get in trouble."
The Good News: The people you knew in school who were smart, hard workers will make the best connections as you move on in life. Don't hang around with people who drag you or your goals down.
Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey."
The Good News: If you feel lost in your post-grad life, remember that the Lord's word is a guide for us all.
Proverbs 19:20-21
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future. Many plans are in a person’s mind, but the Lord’s purpose will succeed."
The Good News: Even when you think you have it all figured out, listen to those around you as well. And know that even if you think you have a set plan, the Lord's plan is what will prevail above all. Don't be discouraged if things don't go the way you thought.
Proverbs 31:25
"Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future."
The Good News: Even if you're unsure about the next steps in your life, head into them with confidence. God has given you the strength you need to forge ahead.
Job 23:10
"Surely he knows my way; when he tests me, I will emerge as gold."
The Good News: When God tests you with a particularly challenging part of life, He knows that you will make it through and be even better on the other side. Trust in Him.
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