For the Teacher Who Has Anxiety

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” — Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Mighty God, You are omniscient. You know all, see all, and understand all things. You created everything in Your time and for Your purpose.

Sometimes I feel as though I have no idea what I’m doing. There are days I worry that I’m failing my students, that maybe I’ve even chosen the wrong career.

Would You remind me I’m not alone? Let me hear Your voice and Your words of soothing reassurance.

When my teacher friends are confused and feel lost, please whisper hints of Your love, reassuring them that, no matter what, You are always present and You are in control.

Thank You for being the Lord of my life. Thank You for guiding me each moment and for demonstrating Your eternal love.

In Christ’s name, amen.

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Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. — John 14:27

Heavenly Father, You are the creator of this world and all its beauty.

• You are the God who sees me and the One who made me just for this time and place.

When I am stressed because of situations with students, decisions made by the administration, or even the amount of work teaching requires, give me Your peace. Replace the shallow reassurances of the world with Your holy presence so my heart will be calm.

Bring peace to my colleagues too. Stifle stress with Your joy. Give us a positive outlook on the future of education, and keep us from being pessimistic.

In a world where daily life is often measured by stress level, thank You for providing the calm that is beyond all understanding.

In Your majestic name, amen.

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23

Heavenly Father, You are the source of joy, peace, and love, which is shown through Your Son’s sacrifice on the cross. On the days when my patience is thin, when my students are acting up and I fear I’ll express my frustration, remind me of Your mercy toward me.

Take away the frazzled feelings of stress, and replace them with heaping portions of self-control seasoned with patience and flavored with kindness.

When my coworkers are at the end of their ropes, help them hold on. Calm their spirits, and remind them that You see each precious child, each stressful situation, each moment of frustration.

Thank You for setting an example for us through Your Son, who lived out the fruit of the Spirit in every way. Thank You for making me more like Him every day.

In His precious name, amen.

Excerpted with permission from Pocket Prayers for Teachers by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

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Your Turn

Anxiety can creep in and steal our peace and joy. Teachers need the presence of Jesus to remind them that He is with us in everything every single day, even the frazzled ones. Let’s pray for peace and calm. ~ Devotionals Daily