12 Bible Verses to Calm Back-to-School Nerves (for Kids and Parents)

As I shared last year, school here in the greater Atlanta area starts early. Our daughter, Little Bit, started school high school this week. That’s right—our baby started high school. It has been an adjustment to acclimate to life with only one kiddo in school now that Big Kid has graduated and is moving toward his new independent, grow-up life. I was so flustered that I forgot the to take our customary first-day-of-school picture of my girl! She was a trooper and allowed me to grab a quick pic on our front porch when she got home after school, just for posterity.

Thankfully, in times of trial or change, we have tools we can depend on to help us work though them. Scripture is one of the best, in addition to prayer. With the state of the world and all the pressures on our kids these days, you better believe I am lifting my babies up in prayer! The Bible is full of encouraging verses and reminders that God has us. I reviewed dozens of verses and narrowed them down to twelve scriptures to lean into as back-to-school busyness launches. These are great reminders to our kids and ourselves that God is our refuge and shield and we can put our hope in his word. (Psalms 119:114)

Twelve Verses to Calm Back-to-School Nerves:

…This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)

Let all that you do be done in love. ~1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ~John 15:12 (ESV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you…Do to others as you would like them to do to you. ~Luke 6:27-28, 31 (NLT)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ~Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ~1 Timothy 4:12 (NASB)

And I am sure of this, the he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ~Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. ~1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. …The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 (NIV)

Are there any verses I’ve not included here that you would add? How do you help prepare your kids (and yourself!) for a return to school?