Depending on the day, I’m either confident or crying about sending my kids back to school during a pandemic. Pretending like there’s nothing wrong isn’t an option for me. I needed something to cling to, I needed fresh eyes and an open heart for an old familiar passage. What if we weren’t tired of Psalm 139. What if we took it’s divine truth and accepted it for our kids this fall? Let me show you what happens when we do.
God you know my kids. And you will know everything about their day when I can’t see them. And that’s comforting because I can’t even walk in their building this year to drop them off because of the pandemic. You’ll see them and be with them when they sit at their desk. You’ll understand their thoughts and needs even when the teacher can’t. (Inspired by vs 1-4)
Not only that, but You’re all around them. You’ll go before them each morning, you cover them at recess, and on the bus ride home. There’s NOWHERE my kids can go away from Your presence. If they make good choices or end up in the principal’s office, You’re with them. And that thought holds me together. But as their mom I pray and ask you to guide them well, help them listen to your voice. (vs.5-10)
There’s NOWHERE your kids can go away from God’s presence.
Some subjects in school will be a challenge. They’ll feel frustrated and even compare themselves to others. They’ll think others are better and smarter. Remind them, Lord, that that is NOT TRUE. Thunder in their hearts that they were designed by You to be exactly who they are. That they are wonderful, beautiful, smart, creative, funny, caring, and special. Help them know that fully when I’m not there to remind them. (vs 13-14)
My kids are important to You, Father. So much that every day of their life is written in your book. And no one, and no virus, can erase a single stroke of your pen. (vs 16)
Every day of your kid’s life is written in God’s book. And no one, and no virus, can erase a single stroke of His pen.
andrea chatelain
There’s still some anxiety lurking in my heart about this school year. So many outcomes I can’t predict. Even so, search me and lead me out of worry and doubt–into Your good ways. (vs 23-24)
As I read through Psalm 139, I’m reminded that the world we live in will never be a soft cushy place. It will always have trouble and worries. But God will always be with us. Read and reread this scripture before and during the first day back. (I’m looking at you too, Homeschool moms! You have just as many worries.) Pray back this Psalm to the Lord when your feelings are overwhelmed by anxiety. And accept these words as true.
If you read this far that means we’re two peas in a pod. Jot your email down so I can connect with you more! We’re in this together!
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. She believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers.
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Andrea Chatelain 