School is starting in these parts. The beginning of school brings out many emotions in educators and educatees. Excitement tags along with nervousness as young and old get back in the groove of daily learning.
Kindergarteners will be studying colors, days of the week, letters and numbers. Seniors will begin pondering what comes next: college, trade school or workforce. Getting up early is only the first hard part of the days ahead.
If you are in school, have loved ones in school, are the boss of the school, work at a school, or have ever been to school, I have some ABCs for this school year.
A-Always love God first. Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said the same, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” If we love Him first/most/best, we will always end up in the right place.
There will be times this school year when you will be tempted, drawn even, to love other things more than God. People and stuff will try to pull you away from Him. Don’t do it. Eyes up. Eyes on Him.
B-Believe the Lord is with you and will help you. Deuteronomy 31:8 is an awesome verse to hold on to this school year: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Even in a huge crowd you might feel all alone, unseen. It’s good to know that the Creator of the Universe sees you and stands beside you. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Write it on your mirror!
From first day to last, Isaiah 41:10 is worth remembering, too: “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.” On days when you feel weak, remember He will hold you up.
A personal favorite: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9.
C-Call on Him every day, throughout the day. Don’t think God is too busy for you or that your problem/concern is too insignificant to bother Him. He wants you to pray to Him. He encourages it. Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things…” I LOVE Psalm 18:6: “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” Imagine how big God’s ears are!
Philippians 4:6-7 is crucial: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends (passes) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we give our problems to God, it takes the pressure off us. That’s where the peace comes from.
Pray in the morning before school. Who doesn’t need wisdom or courage? Pray during school. I remember drama, Algebra and Biology. Thank God after school for what He did.
No matter our age or education, we will always need our ABCs.