Encouraging Scripture for Back to School

Many of the students along the Mississippi Gulf Coast began school this week and the remainder will start next week. There will be plenty of excitement mingled with the fear of the unknown. As a psychometrist and counselor in various school settings, I saw it all the time. The age of the student is irrelevant. Whether it is an elementary student or student bound for college, there is often some amount of apprehension.

An extremely polite kindergartner once told me, "Thank you for inviting me, but I don't think I will be back"! Loved his forthrightness! I sought out the little fellow the next school day, knowing that his hopes of staying home would be crushed and he might need a little encouragement. On the other end of the spectrum, don't forget our college bound students who need a good dose of encouragement before setting off into the big world of college. I remember being scared to death when I first set foot on the campus of my alma mater, Mississippi State University! What about you?

Encouragement...we all need it. I draw so much encouragement from God's word. Many families start each new year with a theme scripture verse. My good friend Lisa has a theme hymn to begin a new year. What about an encouraging scripture verse for the new school year? I can think of no better way to begin the adventure of a new school year than with words of encouragement from the Lord. May I suggest a few for you to consider?

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 16:8

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous be shaken.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power,

love and self-discipline.

(Great for a shy child)

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Ephesians 4:32.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you.

(Great for conflict with friends)

Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings

like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ because he strengthens me. (ICB)

Do you have a theme scripture verse for the school year? Would you be willing to share it with all of us? Please leave me a comment with your family's favorite Bible verse. If you don't, I hope you will consider spending some time with your family this weekend deciding on your theme verse for the school year. I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful new school year!

Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse

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