Joshua 1:9
…Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Starting something new can stir up a mix of emotions for us – we may feel excited, nervous, and sometimes scared. For our children and youth, the beginning of September signals change. Some will return to familiar schools and friends, but in a new grade or classroom. Others will face entirely new environments – new schools, new faces, and the unknown. These transitions can be overwhelming, and many of our children and youth find themselves dealing with big feelings: anxiety, sadness, and even loneliness.
In Acts 20:28, Apostle Paul urges the Ephesian elders at that time, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” We also want to take heed “to all the flock”. This includes the children and young people in our congregations. They need our attention, care, and spiritual support.
One way we can support them is by praying for the things that truly matter in their lives. Pray that they make good friends – friends who are kind, positive, and help them feel accepted and encouraged. Pray that they have the right teachers – those who care about them, treat them fairly, and help them learn and grow. Pray that they find faithful, God-fearing role models – people they can look up to who demonstrate what it means to follow Christ. Pray that others can see God’s love through them – that the way they treat others reflects that they belong to Christ.
Let’s also remember that they, too, have heard the message, “It’s time to do good,” and are looking for ways to live that out. We can pray for and encourage them to be courageous and committed to doing good, even when it’s hard.
Our encouragement and prayers can make a lasting difference. Let us continue to be a source of support for our children and youth. May they feel the power of our prayers and the warmth of our love, knowing that God is with them wherever they go.