Nurturing Faith: Scripture and Devotionals for College Students

College presents a unique and demanding chapter in life. The pursuit of academic success, career prospects, meaningful relationships, and social engagement often vies for attention, potentially overshadowing the crucial aspect of spiritual growth. Amidst the whirlwind of classes, assignments, and social activities, cultivating a relationship with God can seem challenging, yet it remains a paramount endeavor for college students.

The Importance of Prioritizing Faith in College

There are dozens of things demanding the attention of college students every day - getting good grades, building a career, making friends, finding a significant other, attending social events, and countless other things. But the most important thing college students can commit themselves to is the quest to grow in their relationship with God. The general call of Scripture to lead a holy and righteous life applies to students as it does to all Christians.

Finding Time for God

Between classes, homework, and time with friends, the average student’s schedule is jam packed. How does one prioritize time with God while meeting the demands that college can bring? Despite the apparent time constraints, integrating faith into the daily routine is not only possible but also profoundly enriching.

The Role of Devotionals

Devotionals are quick, thought-provoking reads. They discuss relevant topics and provide practical ways to bring Scriptural commands into everyday life. Devotionals have differing levels of difficulty and depth to meet people where they are at in their faith. Devotionals are great for students at Christian and public colleges alike. Class, in the dining hall, or on the quad with friends, devotionals have a way of speaking to the heart in a succinct and applicable way.Devotionals offer a practical and accessible way for students to connect with God amidst their busy schedules. These concise, reflective readings delve into pertinent topics, providing actionable steps to integrate biblical principles into daily life.

Recommended Devotionals for College Students

We have put together a list of devotionals that are ideal for the busy season of college. Here are some devotionals that cater specifically to the needs and interests of college students:

New Morning Mercies: A daily devotional that discusses the Gospel from all angles. This book is great for college students who want to think about the Christian life in a very practical way. Tripp uses everyday examples that are easy to understand and relate to. This could also be read with a group of friends, as it spurs on conversation and deeper thinking.
Then Sings My Soul: Has fifty two hymns, one for each week of the year. Each hymn’s lyrics are printed out with musical notation, a few paragraphs of background information, and several reflection questions meant to link the hymn to real life. This devotional is great for musicians who want to expand their repertoire with older hymns or believers who want to worship in a new way.
At First Glance: Is a semester’s worth of entries written for students at any stage of their college career. Each devotional discusses a specific topic in Scripture and gives practical advice for walking in and through that situation. At the end of each entry, there is a summary of what was discussed as well as questions to ask friends and neighbors.
God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: Provides insights on the book of Proverbs. Each day is focused on a specific verse or two of Proverbs and goes in order of the chapters. The book of Proverbs is brimming with insight on wisdom - a very fitting topic for young adults who are just beginning their independent decision making.
At the Table with Jesus: A focused study about the Messiah. The book is split into sections about Jesus as God, His attributes, His interactions on earth, and many other topics. Each day of the devotional is a few pages long discussing who Jesus is with many Scripture references. The text includes several response questions to think through and a memory verse at the end.
The Simple Truth Bible: A daily devotional specifically for college students. Each day has a passage of Scripture, a short explanation of the passage, a prayer, and an activity to help solidify the message of the passage. The book splits redemptive history into sections to help the reader understand where they are at in the story.
Morning and Evening: A twice daily devotional that is meant to encourage believers. Based on the King James Bible, all entries are written in an older style of English. Each pair of readings complement each other in topic and have well-rounded lines of thought.

Biblical Principles for Students

Scripture also contains a few specific references to students from which we can learn. Matthew 10:24 recounts Jesus’ words that “the student is not above the teacher.” Jesus said this in the context of warning His disciples about persecution; Jesus had been maligned and the disciples would be as well. But we can also take from this that being a good student involves recognizing authority. In another passage, Jesus says, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). Jesus was talking about judging others and the blind leading the blind. Another biblical principle of being a good student is self-discipline. The book of Proverbs instructs us to bring our attitudes and actions under control in the learning process. Full-time students are essentially “employees” of their teachers, and they can look at their schooling as work done on a job. Instead of being paid monetarily, students receive compensation in the form of knowledge and skill. Of course, there is a difference sometimes between being a good student and getting good grades, and one’s report card does not always reflect the amount of learning taking place. There are good students who unfortunately earn poor grades, and there are poor students who know what to do to receive good grades. Being a good student is more about submitting to authority, being self-disciplined, maintaining a godly work ethic, and gleaning wisdom.

Scripture for Guidance and Strength

Finals week can be overwhelming with exams, papers, and projects piling up. Thankfully, God’s Word is full of encouragement, peace, and hope to carry you through.Here are some verses that can lift us up when we go through a tough time.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. When the stress of finals creeps in, prayer is your lifeline.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Focus on God’s guidance for today.
Lay your worries at God’s feet.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Feeling exhausted? Jesus invites you to find rest in Him.
As you navigate finals, trust that God will guide you.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that God’s strength is always available.
God’s grace shines in your struggles.
God is the ultimate source of your strength.
Even when finals feel overwhelming, trust that God has a plan for your life.
Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Oh Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I love these words of Jesus from John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Psalm 27:4 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
Isaiah 40:30-31 “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘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 a hope and a future.'”
Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, nor be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Proverbs 108:13a “With God we will do great things.”
Psalm 36:5 “Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.”
Isaiah 25:1 “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”

Living as a Christian Example

You will meet more people than you did in high school, and it is important to be a model of good works. Being wise on social media, at school, and in our own interests, we should strive to be a Christian example to others.Here are some verses that can encourage college students to be young adults who seek the Lord for wisdom and knowledge.

Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Mark 16:15 “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Romans 10:13-14 “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
1 Corinthians 11:1-2 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.”
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
John 15:8 “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
Titus 2:7-8 “In all things, show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified and in sound speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord thy God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Proverbs 15:1 “A kind word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Seeking Wisdom and Knowledge

Good grades aren’t the only thing that matters when students go to college. We are called to be wise in the Lord and have a pure heart. Here are some verses that can encourage college students to be young adults who seek the Lord for wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15 “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 15:14 “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Isaiah 11:2 “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “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.”
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Psalm 107:43 “Let whoever is wise observe these things, that they may comprehend the great love of the Lord.”

The Value of Hard Work

As a college student, how hard you work can determine how successful your career turns out to be and how you use your college funding to the fullest. Instead of wasting free time as your work load increases, work hard and do a great job the first time.

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Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. You serve the Lord Christ.”
Philippians 2:14-15 “Do everything without grumbling and arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world.”
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 21:25 “The desires of the lazy will kill them, because their hands refuse to do anything.”
Psalm 128:2 “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
Proverbs 12:11 “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”Trust in God to give you the ability and dedication to do good things with the time you’ve been given!

Finding Strength in Times of Change

Feeling anxious when so much change is thrust upon you is normal. And pretty stressful. Uncomfortable. Hard work. I understand how you feel. My freshman year had its share of difficulties (a bad sorority rush). Homesickness came and went. Sometimes, I loved college-and sometimes, not. During this time of adjustment, I really needed to be encouraged. A different bed. A different schedule. No more home cooking. Too much pizza. New friends. A new hair salon. Maybe even a new doctor. While college (or any change) can be overwhelming, we can find strength in the Lord. He has a lot to say about our needs.“But those who trust in the Lord will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired.“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matt.“He [God] doesn’t punish us for our sins as much as we should be punished. He doesn’t pay us back in keeping with the evil things we’ve done. He loves those who have respect for him. His love is as high as the heavens are above the earth. He has removed our sins from us.“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deut.“And may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God himself.” Eph.These are words college students (and really, all of us) need to hear. They can give us strength and hope as we face change. They can produce peace and patience, direction and perspective. Print out as many as you want. Place a bookmark in a card and send it to a student (or to anyone) who is facing change right now. Pin one to a bulletin board. Place a bookmark in your Bible or tuck it into a journal pocket. Use it for outreach.

The Example of Jesus

Our Lord Jesus provides an example of being a good student. Luke sums up Jesus’ childhood with one verse: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). In whatever formal education Jesus received, He responded with growth.

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