It’s that time again! A new school year is beginning, and with that comes lots of emotions for everyone: excitement, sadness, joy, worry, and everything in between.

We had a really restful summer. My kids were ready to get back to school ths morning to see their friends and meet their teachers. I dropped my youngest off at kindergarten with only slightly moist eyes, but when I got home, the tears came a-rollin’!

There are so many things I hope and pray for about my kids and who they will become. The Lord has been so faithful to remind me this summer through our study of Psalm 23 that He put that chapter in the Bible for us too, moms and dads, not just for our kids. Psalm 23:4 stood out to me more than ever this summer: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.”

I am a pretty fearful person. I wish I wasn’t, I try not to be, but my first reaction is usually to fear. I tend to think of the worst scenario instead of immediately turning to God (Philippians 4:6) and thinking on what is good and true and right (Philippians 4:8). Many of my fears have to do with my kids. I’m not even going to go into all of that, but I do want to encourage you to remember that even when we are walking in the valley of the shadow of death and there is evil all around, that God is with us. He knows, and He is our comfort and our protection. He will guide us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).

I hope that as the school year begins, we remember to look to Him first. I have added a new Back to School tab up at the top of this page. When you click on it, you will find some verses and short passages to read over with your kids before the school day begins. They are all pretty familiar, so even if you don’t have time right now before you leave, talk about them as you drive or walk to school or to the bus stop. Pray over them throughout the day while your kids are at school.

Rememeber what God says in Philippians 4:7, after He reminds us to take all our requests to Him, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Love you, friends.