Encouragement for Back to School Week

The Morning Thing is celebrating Back to School Week! This transition can be stressful for students and families.

Here is a list of Back-to-School messages of encouragement for you and your family. We have included a Bible verse with each message. Our prayer is that you will find strength and peace as you walk through this important time of the year. Thanks for allowing us to be a Lifeline to you and your family!

1. Start this school year knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
   “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
2. When school feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Trust God to guide you.
   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
3. A new school year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and discover the gifts God has given you.
   “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
4. You may not know everything this school year will bring, but you can know who goes with you.
   “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try something new, or make mistakes. Wisdom begins with being willing to learn.
   “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.” — James 1:5 (NIV)
6. Your grades and accomplishments don’t determine your worth. You are already wonderfully made and deeply loved by God.
   “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
7. Be the student who brings kindness into the classroom, the hallway, the lunchroom, and everywhere you go.
   “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
8. When you’re nervous about a test, presentation, new class, or new school, give that worry to God.
   “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
9. You have the chance to make someone’s school year better simply by encouraging them.
   “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
10. Let your attitude stand out this school year. Choose joy, kindness, patience, and grace even when the day gets difficult.
    “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” — Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
11. Some days will be challenging, but difficult days don’t mean you should give up. Keep going.
    “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” — Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
12. God can use you right where you are — in your classroom, on your team, in your club, and among your friends.
    “Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
13. When you don’t know what comes next, take the next step in faith and trust God with the rest.
    “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
14. Be confident in who God created you to be. You don’t have to become someone else just to fit in.
    “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
15. Before the homework, practices, activities, and busy schedules take over, remember to make time for God.
    “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” — Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
16. When something doesn’t go the way you planned, remember that one setback doesn’t define your future.
    “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
17. Look for the student who feels left out. A simple hello, invitation, or seat at your table could mean more than you realize.
    “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31 (NIV)
18. There will be plenty of voices telling you who you should be. Make sure God’s voice is the one you listen to most.
    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)
19. Pray about your school year — your classes, teachers, friendships, decisions, challenges, and dreams. God cares about all of it.
    “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
20. As you head back to school, remember this: You are never walking into that building alone. God is already there.
    “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:8 (NIV)

The Morning Thing is here every weekday morning from 6am – 9am. It is a great start for your day!