Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4, ESV
The new school year can be exciting as we reconnect with colleagues, get back to attending school sporting events, and have more structure to our days. However, once we catch our collective breath and settle into our routines, anxieties tend to rise and we may start to worry about things such as: How do I deal with difficult students in my class? What if leadership doesn’t take my concerns seriously? How will I keep up with school, sports, and chores?
All of these concerns are normal and are part of being human. But this school year, I want to encourage you to make it a priority to take your worrisome thoughts captive.
We can start by listening to the words in today’s verse and taking the time to delight in the Lord and His creation. Savor the flowers in your front yard; thank the Lord for the beautiful bluebird flying past your bedroom window; soak in the view of the water as you cross a bridge on your commute; experience the joy of your child’s smile when they see you first thing in the morning; thank God for the new school supplies or classroom supplies He has provided for you.
Find practical ways to rejoice in your daily life. As you focus on the goodness of God, I hope it helps some (or all) of your worries disappear.
Dear Father, Thank you for the beauty You have created around us. Help me to stop focusing on myself and my worries, and instead rejoice in Your creation. Help me to savor the sweet things in life, things as simple as having supplies provided for my classroom. You are so good to me. Amen.
Copyright Ashley Rombs.
Ashley is a member and currently teaches at Regent University’s School of Education.
One Response
I’m so encouraged by this devotional today, as I think about how just a few minutes before I was in traffic on my way to a doctors appointment with my elderly mother who is in the last season of her life. I’m so very thankful that as we got in the car she mentioned that it looks beautiful outside. Your post reminds me that even in the toughest of circumstances (i.e. being a caregiver) we can rejoice because God is in control. I’m thankful for the time with her. Thank you for the reminder and helping my perspective shift today off of the situation to the solution.