Spring semester can be an emotional roller coaster for educators and students. There is excitement as you begin to see the fruit of your teaching in your student’s understanding and application of your subject. But there is also panic over all that you have left to teach in a short amount of time. The anticipation of summer break is an encouragement and a distraction as students all of a sudden “wake up” to or “check out” of the importance of schoolwork and passing your class. Spring break either gives you the rest you need to make it through the next several weeks or it gives you a yearning for summer that has you racing to the finish line.

However, I think the worst part of the spring semester for educators is when districts begin the process of deciding which programs and teachers they will keep and which ones they will cut for the following year. I have seen many team-spirited, close-knit schools turn into a war zone during these stressful weeks of staffing decisions. It amazes me that the dearest of friends can become the wickedest of warriors when they are in competition for a staffing slot. Secret meetings are scheduled, hurtful gossip circulates, groups plot in dark corners and scheme behind closed doors… and sadly, friendships are ruined.

Today’s Scripture offers two lessons that can help us endure the roller coaster of the spring semester. First, the wicked who scheme and do evil will wither away. God goes into greater detail about their downfall throughout Psalm 37, so if you are struggling with their attacks, I encourage you to read the whole chapter.

Second, the righteous are given instructions to follow that will guide and protect them.

The steps are:
1. Don’t fret or envy.
2. Trust the Lord.
3. Do good.
4. Dwell in faithfulness and delight in the Lord.
5. Align your heart with God’s will and pray the desires of your heart, trusting He will do what is best for you.
6. Continue to do what is right and He will reveal the truth about you and protect your reputation.
7. Rest and wait on Him; do not fret or get angry and fall into the trap of manipulating the situation and committing evil.

I pray that this does not happen in your school; if it has happened in the past, share your perspectives and how you will prepare your hearts and stand united to protect against it this year.

Father, I pray that I will be steadfast in cultivating faithfulness with the full knowledge that the reward I reap will be what I sow. Amen.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.