I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah…And I said, This is my anguish: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. Psalm 77: 3 & 10, NKJV

When reading the Psalms, I never wanted to study or memorize those that seemed like complaints and outpourings of woe. However, this school year, I’ve struggled more than ever before and nothing about the joyful Psalms I’m usually drawn to have been comforting—but Psalm 77 has….it’s not jubilant or happy, it is barely thankful, yet we know all Scripture is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Fellow teachers, no matter how you are feeling today, I encourage you to read Psalm 77. If you are feeling desolate and like nothing will ever be okay again this school year, or even next year, take comfort in Psalm 77. If you are not currently in a place of despair, take comfort in this knowledge and place this Psalm in the back of your mind for when you will need it.

Dear God, I thank you for another day of teaching for Your glory. Help me to remember the years and times of Your blessings as I struggle to see the light at the end of this tunnel. Help me to feel Your presence as I walk in the darkness of this world, and that I might not dwell on the desolation of my spirit, but rather on the greatness of Your work. Bless the children I serve today and the people I seek to reach through You. Amen.

Copyright Samantha Lehman.

Samantha is a member and a middle school language arts teacher from Maryland.