Headed Back to School, Let Your Strength Come From the LORD

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Back to school time can be a bitter-sweet time for teachers. At the end of every summer, I meet the month of August with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. If you are headed back to school this fall, look for your strength in the Lord.

Once I finally feel like I have recovered physically, mentally, and emotionally from the previous school year, I excitedly begin gathering new ideas, creating new materials, and stocking up on cute new school supplies that I can’t wait to use in the upcoming school year. I stay up all night stalking social media for fun new ideas and scouring Amazon for new products for teachers. Those feelings of excitement (almost) make me wish summer would go faster. However, as soon as the calendar reads August 1st, those feelings of trepidation start to rear their ugly head, and I have to remind myself of Isaiah 40:31.

I know the new year will at some point bring new challenges; that much is inevitable, but I have to remember that God has always given me the strength and endurance I need to make it through the year, and he always will. On those days when it seems like every student, parent, and administrator is against you, rest assured that God is with you, and as long as you trust in Him, He will carry you through.

Because of the overwhelming workload that teachers have, it's easy to forget to ask God to be a part of your classroom each day. Make a plan to seek God through the tough times. Before school starts and you become too busy, find a devotional you can use throughout the year. Take a few moments each morning before school to read and pray for God to be with you throughout the day. Alternatively, go through your Bible and choose several verses to encourage yourself. Write them on an index card and post them on your bathroom mirror, your podium at school, or in your car--anywhere you will be able to see them and take a quick second to remember to ask God to go before you and prepare the way.

Dear God,

Please prepare my heart for the upcoming year. Cover me with your ___ protecting my body, mind, and spirit. Place in me an encouraging attitude for those I will be encountering soon: administration, teachers, parents, students. Allow me to see through your eyes each precious soul that I come in contact with on my mission field. Allow me to have an abundance of grace and mercy just as you have for me. Please bind any negative thoughts and emotions that I may encounter as this new year begins. Help me to not hold on to the past year’s failures and hurts but to entertain and magnify the successes and blessings ahead of me. God please go before me and anoint each classroom and area of my school. Do not allow the enemy to get a foothold or steal my joy. Begin each day with prayer and end each day with a list of blessings you bestowed on us.  Amen.

Here are some verses of encouragement to get you started.

Psalms 32:8

“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Psalms 34:17

“When the righteous cry out, the Lord listens; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

Psalms 37: 23-24

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Psalms 46:1-3

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”

Isaiah 12:2

“God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid. For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Romans 15:13

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Galatians 6:9

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.”

2 Timothy 1:7

“God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

James 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

1 Peter 5:7

“Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you.”

If you would like these encouraging verses in a printable format, click here for the plant themed set.