Post-Grad Comfort in Christ

Graduating from college can bring upon a plethora of changes to a person’s life; interviewing for jobs, applying to graduate school, relocating, finding new roommates, moving to a new apartment, buying a car, paying back student loans, and the list could go on. Obviously this list differs from person to person, but without a doubt every person’s life will be different in some way or another as a post-grad.

Usually with change, there can be some degree of uncertainty. This was most definitely the case for me after graduating college in May. Thankfully, I already had a job lined up, however I had no idea where I was going to live, who I was going to live with, if I needed to buy a car, or if I even had the money to buy one. It felt like everything was up in the air, and I did not like it one bit. 

I felt stressed out to the max and all I could think about were all the “what if” scenarios that could happen. “What if I don’t find an apartment and don’t have a place to live? What if I don’t find any roommates and I have to pay for a one bedroom apartment? Would I be able to save any money if I had to pay for an apartment by myself?” And the list continued. As you can see, I was extremely anxious about post-grad life and the changes that came with it.

Around this same time, I came across the bible verse Isaiah 41:10, which reads, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Reading this verse instantly calmed me. It reminded me that there is no need to be anxious about the future and all the “what if” possibilities because God has a plan. He knows what he has in store for me and it is my job to trust in his plan. To be patient and know that everything will work itself out.

I find myself constantly going back to this verse whenever I am anxious, fearful, nervous, or uncertain. I will repeatedly say this verse in my head, reminding myself that God’s plan for me is greater than what I can imagine. I have no need to fear.

Trusting in God and His word, is the sole thing that helped me get through all the changes that were happening so quickly in my life. When I would start to get nervous about what the future would hold, I would open up my bible and read a few verses to help me relax and realize that there is no need to be anxious. I would tell myself “I’ve got this. I have Jesus Christ on my side!”

If you are also a recent college graduate or just someone who is experiencing a lot of uncertainty in your life right now, I am going to share a few ways that I have used God’s word to find comfort in my rapidly changing environment:

Memorize a few of your favorite Bible verses

There are so many times when I’m not at home and I could really use the power of God’s word. So, I started memorizing a couple of my favorite bible verses so that I would always have them on hand whenever I needed them. If I started to feel anxious about anything I would continuously repeat the verses in my head! I encourage you to do this as well!

Pray constantly

I feel an overwhelming sense of peace after I pray and bring all of my concerns to God. There is something so calming about sharing your worries, joys, and sorrows with Him. Honestly, whenever I am walking, lying in bed, taking a shower, cleaning, etc. I find myself in prayer. For me, engaging in prayer gives me strength and comfort when I am uncertain about anything.

Keep a devotional or faith-based book handy

One of the best aspects of post-grad life is all the extra time I have! Since I don’t have any homework or exams to study for, I have so much free time after work to do whatever I choose. I started reading the book, Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to be an Everyday Missionary, and let me tell you, this is an amazing book! I feel so connected to God and His word. There are so many great Christian authors out there, I definitely recommend finding a book or devotional that you really connect with and read it daily!

Keep your Bible by your bed

I used to keep my Bible on my bookshelf in my room, but I realized I wasn’t opening it as much as I should’ve been. I honestly would forget that it was there, so I decided to move it to my nightstand, so I would be reminded to read it every day. I try to read a few passages every night, but whenever I am feeling nervous or overwhelmed I open it up as well! Reading the Word of God is so comforting and it reminds me there is nothing to be fearful of.

Being a young college graduate can be difficult. I know because I am currently experiencing it! But, leaning on our Lord, Jesus Christ, and bringing all my worries to Him has brought me so much peace. For anyone that is struggling with the fear of the unknown or what the future may bring, I urge you to put all your trust in God, pray daily, read your favorite bible verses, and keep your bible close by. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6.

Cassie Majinski is a writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.