Like many kids across America, my children started back to school today. They were a little anxious, as were their parents. Wanting to get this school year started in the right way is important to all of us. Will they do well? Will they make friends? Will they make good decisions? My situation is small in comparison to those friends who recently dropped their kids off at college for the first time. My heart goes out to them.
As I thought about today, a couple of verses came to mind. One was part of one of David’s recorded prayers. “You hem me in, behind and before,and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it (Psalm 139:5).” This verse tells you where God is in relation to your life. If Jesus is your Lord, He is ever-involved in your circumstances, your life events and your daily concerns. Corrie Ten Boom, the Dutch Christian woman who gave refuge to Jews during WWII in her home, said: “There is not pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” Christian, you are never alone.
What are you to do with those thoughts of uncertainty? 1 Peter 5:6-7 says that such thoughts ought to drive us to prayer. “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God… casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Anxiety is a normal feeling, but it should never rule us. God does not want us to dwell on our insecurities. Rather, we are to give them to Him.
I assured my children that a new school year brought with it new friends, new teachers, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to do well. I encouraged them to do their best, “…for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).” I told them that we were proud of them; that we loved them; and that they were up to the task. Thankfully, day one is in the books. May God give you grace for the days ahead.
Central to Life 