Back to School can give rise to fear or anxiety among both parents & students. Philippians 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and petition, let your requests be made to God with thanksgiving.”
Try using the acronym, CALM, as a simple way to remember strategies that can help when kids (or parents) are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
“C” – Celebrate. Rejoice in the Lord. Celebrate Him. Worship Him. “Worship is more than just a pastime. It’s an essential time.”
“A” – Ask. “Choose prayer, not despair.” Max says we can teach our kids to be quick to pray in every little thing. Prayer helps us turn every fear over to God. “Go quickly to the Lord and say, Help me.”
“L” – Leave every concern with Him. Paul encourages us to present our requests with thanksgiving. Anxiety and gratitude never share the same heart. Writing a gratitude list can be a powerful practice in reducing anxiety.
“M” – Meditate on good things. Don’t focus on the negative. Fill your mind with good things. “Think about what you are thinking about!
And remember, anxiety knocks at the door, but you don’t have to invite it in for dinner.
—Max Lucado © (Anxious for Nothing Student Edition)
