It’s a funny trick of time that at the moment when our children are finishing school and stepping out into ‘real adult life’ for the first time, we are in the reminiscing phase of life where we can look back at the un-glossed truth of our own past with all it’s joys and mistakes and adventures and disappointments. That small space of time seems to go by so fast. And I suppose that’s why all graduates are forced to endure the well-meaning cautionary tales of wisdom that we can’t help ourselves from sharing.

God himself has chosen to share some cautionary tales of wisdom with us as we travel in His way. And He has made it quite clear that, like every proud parent, He is concerned with our future success and wants us to ‘live our best life.’ Here is just some of what He says about it:

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 hope and a future.

Philippians 1:6

Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 19:20-21

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 16:1-3

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

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 conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Psalm 20:4

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Proverbs 2:6-8

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Proverbs 24:14

In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Psalm 37:23

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

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Psalm 139: 4-6,16-17

4 You know what I am going to say

    even before I say it, Lord.

5 You go before me and follow me.

    You place your hand of blessing on my head.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too great for me to understand!

16 You saw me before I was born.

    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

    before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

    They cannot be numbered!

As our graduates step out into their futures of uncertain opportunity and unclear expectations, they (and we) can be completely, totally, thoroughly certain of one thing: God knows us, loves us, has a plan for us and is always with us!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021!

Blessings,

Jen