Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105, NKJV
Will this class be difficult?
Will I have enough patience?
How will I respond if I’m challenged for my faith?
What new policies will I have to navigate?
Will I have the energy to make it to May?
These thoughts often weigh heavily on educators’ minds in the days leading up to the first day of school. It’s almost as if they have lived the entire school year in their minds in a matter of days.
And it’s understandable—the start of a new school year can be overwhelming.
But consider the way God leads His people throughout Scripture. He rarely shines a spotlight on the entire journey. Instead, He illuminates the next step.
Psalm 119 doesn’t say God’s Word is a floodlight that reveals every twist and turn of the road ahead. It says His Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Just enough light to keep walking.
When God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He didn’t give them manna for the next month. He provided enough for today. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He didn’t tell them to ask for bread for the entire year. He said, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Perhaps this school year, instead of asking God to show you everything that lies ahead, ask Him to help you faithfully walk through today’s assignment. Teach today’s lessons, love today’s students, encourage today’s colleague, and trust Him with today’s uncertainties.
God already stands in every classroom you’ll enter this year. Nothing will surprise Him.
So walk into your classroom this August with confidence—not because you know what the year holds, but because you know the One who holds the year.
Father, as a new school year begins, help us resist the temptation to carry burdens You have not asked us to bear. When our minds race ahead to uncertainties, remind us that Your grace is always sufficient for today. Give us wisdom for each decision, compassion for every student, courage to represent Christ well, and peace that comes from trusting You with tomorrow. May we faithfully serve where You have placed us, one day at a time, knowing that You are already waiting for us in every moment ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyright Lara Busold.
Lara is a Communications Editor for Christian Educators.
6 Responses
It’s my first day of my 33rd year of teaching. I know Good knew I needed these exact words. Thank you! Taking one step with Him today, allowing Him to carry my burdens, and asking Him to fill me and use me as He sees fit.
Pray God’s joy and blessings surround you as you continue to shine His light in your mission field.
❤️
Thank you for sharing, Jerrilene! I pray that you have a blessed school year!
Thanks for this. I have been juggling care for my elderly parents while preparing to teach a new course all summer. Then, I recently learned my husband is having his open heart surgery on the first day of school, followed by a 6 week recovery. I will probably miss most of the first two weeks of classes. It’s overwhelming, until I remind myself that God has it all in hand; none of this has surprised Him or caught Him off guard. I may not see the plan through, but He does.
I will be praying for you, your husband, and your family! I pray that His grace and mercy cover and comfort you when life feels overwhelming. You are a blessing!