A Fresh Start This Fall

Did your last school year end on a good note? Hopefully so! But just in case it was a downer, here’s some encouragement.

Perhaps there’s a teacher you dread seeing again or a boyfriend you broke up with that you haven't spoken to all summer. No matter what you're facing as the new 2009-2010 school year begins, you’re not alone. From the moment you hear the first class bell ring---you’re surrounded.

The Lord’s there with you. You really can tell him anything---just like your BFF. Except His iPhone is never turned off. Any time you call, He’ll answer.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18, NIV

I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:4, NLT

It's not easy to face the new school year, especially if something unpleasant was left unresolved from last year. But, as you welcome the Lord to come in and make all things new, He’ll provide you with steady inner peace for a fresh start.

When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17, TLB

The best thing to do is release your concerns to Him through prayer. Tell Him about whatever “it” is. Then ask for His help. No matter how big or small the issues you’re facing, God’s got you covered.

You can get excited about that! A fresh start means a crisp new chapter. As you begin this school year, you’re walking into a bright new future.

Be optimistic when your alarm clock goes off. No! Don't growl at the sunlight and pull the pillow over your head.

God's presence is with you. He provides new hope. Others will look into your eyes and notice that something about them twinkles as bright as the stars.

The next thing you know, your friends will be asking you, “How’d you get that shine?” And you’ll be able to say back to them, “J-E-S-U-S!”

~ Jackie O.