Now is the time to get ready for all that God has in store. It is the moment to prepare well and to seek the Lord in every area. We can coast until school hits us out of nowhere, or we can ease our way into the first semester with confidence.
The time of summer break has come and gone. The memories made at the swimming pool, parks, and zoos will now last forever. Whether you have a kindergartner or a college freshmen, the school year is quickly approaching. We can look at God’s word to learn ways to prepare well for the school year.
There are countless Bible characters who prepared before they acted and began a new season or took on a new opportunity.
Noah: Prepared for the flood and built the ark even before it rained. (Genesis 6)
Esther: Prayed and fasted for three days before approaching the king. (Esther 4:16)
John the Baptist: Prepared the way for Jesus. (Matthew 3)
1. Prepare Your Heart
Spend time with the Lord as if it is a new year and come before Him with a clean slate asking what your goals should be for the school year. If you are a parent, write down ways in which you can love and support your children. Write down a Bible verse to focus on for the school year.
If you are student, ask God how to make an impact in the classroom and any activities you may be involved in. Think about ways that you can share Christ’s love and reach out to others. Choose a Bible verse to focus on for the school year as well.
Matthew 22:37-38 “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.’”
2. Prepare Your Mind
A lot of emotions can go into a change. This is true whether you are the parent preparing to release your baby to school at kindergarten or you are getting ready to drop your eighteen-year-old off at college in a different city. Change is hard and there are exciting things about it, but also difficulties which we face.
Maybe you are a student who underwent bullying last year and are dreading the upcoming one. Perhaps you have germ anxiety after the pandemic. It is vital that we get our mindsets ready for what is coming and cling to the Lord who renews our minds. We can put on the helmet of salvation and think spiritual thoughts through the Holy Spirit.
Instead of ignoring the upcoming challenges, present them to God and ask Him to help you. Create a plan of action and believe that you are stronger than you think. Ask the Lord to remove worst case scenarios from your mind and walk in victory through Christ.
1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
3. Prepare Your Body
In summer, we have a tendency to embrace the season of relaxation and flexibility. Instead of just jumping into that early alarm or bedtime routine, prepare your body for the transition into the school year. Start a more disciplined sleep schedule, eat at more regular times, etc. This way your body will be more equipped and energized for the good works that the Lord has for you. Rather than rushing, we can create a rhythm of a steady pace.
Proverbs 28:19–20 “Whoever works his farmland will have abundant food, but whoever chases fantasies will become very poor. The faithful man will prosper with blessings, but whoever is in a hurry to get rich will not escape punishment.”
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4. Prepare Your Schedule
One of the most difficult reoccurring struggles in life is balancing a schedule. Sometimes August can feel like the calendar is filling up at overwhelming speeds. This is why it is so important to sit down and prioritize.
Consider having a family meeting of what you want the year to look like. Talk as a group about what has worked well and what hasn’t. Decide personally what your goals for yourself are in helping you to become more devoted to the Lord and serving Him in the best possible ways. Think about what friendships and programs you desire to invest in further. Set healthy boundaries and write down your hopes for accountability. Now is the best time to do the prep work for schedule success. Then, when you do get overbooked, you will know where your limits are and can pull back to a better rhythm.
Ephesians 5:15-17 “So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
5. Prepare Your Pockets
Back to school can be a very self-focused time. It can be easy to get caught up in the cutest binders and trendy dorm room furniture. However, this is a time when many families struggle to afford the items needed on teacher lists. There are many wonderful programs and ministries set up to help feed school kids and provide backpacks and other school supplies so that they can have the same wonderful experiences. Instead of purchasing the fanciest lunch boxes and pens, consider setting aside some of your supplies budget to help another.
Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Now is the time to get ready for all that God has in store. It is the moment to prepare well and to seek the Lord in every area. We can coast until school hits us out of nowhere, or we can ease our way into the first semester with confidence. When we effectively prepare our hearts, minds, bodies, schedules and pockets for the upcoming school year, we will be ready for the ministry that is at hand. We will be alert and aware to take on the opportunities the Lord is going to lay out before us. Whether you are a parent or a student, consider preparing well for the school year.
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