LEAven Blog

Another summer went by way too fast. I am prepping my classroom for another school year: making sure the year starts out with everything in the right place, making sure technology is working the way it’s supposed to, going to school meetings and really trying to have a good attitude, labeling folders, desks, lockers, cubbies, books …

The room looks ready. The school looks ready. Am I ready? Are my heart and mind in the right place to welcome in all the students who will soon be here. Can I set aside my own struggles and take on theirs? A simple hymn comes to mind:

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
  All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
  Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
  O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
  Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
  Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
  Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
  Thou wilt find a solace there.

While the lyrics have been described as “not great poetry,” the words are hugely comforting. The simple phrase, “Take it to the Lord in prayer,” is such a great reminder. Even though what I prepare for may not be what happens at all, God is in charge. He is our loving Father. He reminds us in verses like Psalm 55:22, Proverbs 16:3, and 1 Peter 5:7 that He wants us to come to him in all things. He will carry our burdens and walk with us, guiding us on righteous paths. I am ready because God is ready. He has a plan and will carry me and my students through to the end. He is carrying you, too. You’re ready with Him.