Anxiety Feels Like a Thorn
Becky Keife
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness …’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NIV)
Loving God, as a new school year begins, we ask Your blessing on all students, teachers, school staff, and families. Calm anxious hearts, spark curiosity, and guide every step. Grant strength and patience to teachers, wisdom to leaders, and peace to parents and caregivers. May classrooms be places of safety, growth, and joy. Walk with students as they learn, make friends, and face new challenges. Help them grow not only in knowledge but also in kindness and courage. Surround each school with Your protection. Let this year be filled with grace, learning, and hope. Wherever we go, remind us that You are with us always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)
“and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (NIV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
“The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 145:8 (ESV)
God, You will save me. You are faithful even when the enemy has set out traps in secret to snare me and pull me off of Your best path. Satan will often take what is good and twist it into a hidden snare. Help me see these kinds of traps, recognizing what seem like good things that actually have the enemy’s plans behind them. If I pursue good desires in the wrong way or in the wrong timing, without staying in step with You, the enemy will trap me. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed this to happen. The enemy’s plans are to steal, kill, and destroy, but Lord, give me a keen awareness of the enemy’s schemes and the strength to resist his traps (John 10:10). Give me a pure desire for only Your best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping …” Mark 4:37-38 (NLT)
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness …’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.” Psalm 105:19 (NLT)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Lord God, it’s easy for me to find things to worry about. But today I cling to the truth in Matthew 10:29-31, which reminds me that I am worth more to You than the sparrows — and You care for the...