Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10, NLT
Starting a new school year always stirs up anticipation, anxiety, excitement, hope… and fear.
As a little girl, I remember as it got close to the first day of school along came the butterflies. I worried, Would my peers and teachers like me? Would I get on the right bus or get lost finding my classroom?
As an adult and educator, it’s not much different. As it gets closer to the first day of school, I still think about fitting in and finding my way. Will the students like me? Will my co-workers accept me? Will we be able to work together collaboratively?
Have you also experienced those same thoughts?
During this heightened anticipation, I’m reminded of God’s comforting words in chapter 41 of Isaiah.
God had called Isaiah to be His voice to the people of Israel. So Isaiah commanded all of them to repent because judgment was coming soon. But instead of hearing and repenting, those far from God had hardened hearts and became filled with fear. That same fear led them even farther away from God. They continued to run away instead of toward Him. They continued worshiping idols. They thought they could control their own outcomes. However, those whose hearts were turned toward God were commanded not to be afraid. God promised He would strengthen and help them. Their fear was a fear of God that gave them hope.
And just as God promised His people in the Old Testament that He’d be there for them, that promise is ours too.
So when the “what ifs” of the new school year terrify you, remember God’s Word is true and He’s faithful. He will give you strength, help you, and uphold you with His righteous right hand.
Dear Lord, please help us to run to You when the “what ifs” paralyze us with fear on the first day of school. We know You have our back, and we love You, Amen.
Copyright Angela O’Keefe.
Angela is a member and teaches children with learning disabilities in Florida.
5 Responses
Thank you. I am getting ready to start my 40th year of teaching. Each year I get so nervous, worried about will I be good enough to help my first graders learn what they need. Thank you for the reminder that God is always with me. I know he is just let the nerves take over.
Margaret, I pray that the peace of God will rule in your heart and mind as you head back to school. Let this be the year that you experience His peace that surpasses all understanding like never before! God bless you and your students!
Thank you for this. As a new school year starts, I am looking for another position. I need a place willing to work with me and my experience/baggage. Thanks for prayers
Heather, we will be praying that God opens the door quickly and places you right where He needs you this school year!
your words are comforting and the day will come and go in God’s hands. All will move as it should. God will send his Angels to stand guard over our year of amazing learning.