Back-to-School Scriptures You Can Count On

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor Him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.’ Remember Him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. — Ecclesiastes 12:1-3

On June 19th I dropped my oldest daughter off at high school for the first time. There wasn’t any fan fare or pictures, and my husband and I weren’t “allowed” to walk her to the door. She gave us a quick kiss and jumped out of the car to catch up with some friends faster than we could say goodbye. It all happened so fast.

My eyes welled up with tears as I looked around and saw the groups of teens rushing up the front stairs. I turned to my husband and said, “Did you see the size of those boys?” I wondered if she’d feel overwhelmed or get lost in the halls. It seemed like just yesterday she was in 6th grade… Oh wait, she was!

Let me explain. Our school district has a wonderful tradition called “Move-up Day.” On the last day of school, instead of going to the classroom you have been in all year, you report to your new class and meet your new teacher and classmates. For my daughter Ava, that also meant a new school since 7th and 8th graders are housed in the high school in our small town.

I said to my husband, “I am not ready for this.”

After I dropped my other children off at their school I asked my husband, “Do you think that we have done enough to prepare her for this?” I wanted a comforting response but all he managed to say was “I don’t know, I was wondering the same thing.”

My greatest desire is that my daughter be equipped for what lies ahead of her this September. Over the next few months the scriptures I choose for us to memorize will include those that are specific to the situations she may encounter.

It’s important for her to know what the Word of God says. Here are 7 Scriptures that will help your kids find confidence in the Lord anytime of the year, but especially during those back-to-school situations:

When she wishes she looked different…

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. — Psalm 139:14

When the workload seems like too much…

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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 be faint. — Isaiah 40:29-31

When she is not treated fairly by others…

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. — Luke 6:27-28

When friendships become rocky…

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. — 2 Timothy 2:22-24

When her “friends” try to talk her into doing something she knows is not right…

Have no part at all in the wrong things that young men like to do. Believe. Have love. Follow what is right. Live at peace. Do these things along with others who have a clean heart and talk to God. — Timothy 2:22-25

When drugs or alcohol are present…

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. — Proverbs 20:1

When she is bombarded by media choices…

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. — Proverbs 4:23-25

In addition to the Bible I have come across a great resource that helps young girls avoid the traps that culture sets. It’s a book called Project Inspired by Nicole Weider.

In Project Inspired, Nicole shares tips for young girls to stay true to how they were created. She touches on subjects such as how to dress modestly yet fashionably, how to make a positive difference in the world, and how to enjoy the teen years while standing firm in faith. Having real life experience inside the fashion world, Nicole shares about living a life that looks great on the outside and feels great on the inside too.

I hope that with the help of the Bible and great books like Nicole’s, my daughter and I can have open and honest conversations about the struggles she faces.

The first day of school will be here before I know it and I am pretty sure I still won’t be ready for it. However, I will do things differently. I’ll take pictures at home and smother her with hugs and kisses before it’s time to go. I won’t linger in the car wondering if she will be okay but I will trust that the Word of God that has been planted in her heart will encourage her and guide her.

Train up a child in the way she should go, And when she is old she will not depart from it. — Proverbs 22:6

FREE Download: 15 School-Year Prayers for Students and Teachers

How should parents pray for their child’s school year? How can we engage in spiritual warfare on their behalf and pray for all the social and academic challenges they will face?

>>Get the free printable – 10 Powerful Prayers for Your Child’s School Year plus the BONUS 5 Prayers for Teachers

These prayers are based on Scriptures and will teach you to pray with confidence for your child’s protection, spiritual growth, and intellectual development in the new school year. Learn more…

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Your Turn

How do you talk to your children about modesty, fashion, and staying true to their faith in Jesus during the teen years? Come join the conversation on our blog. We would love to hear from you about helping our girls (and boys!) have a life that they can be proud of!