Tuesday, September 8, 2026From the news

Big Feelings on the First Day: God's Gentle Presence with Every Child

In the midst of back-to-school excitement and nerves, Scripture reminds us that God draws near to comfort our children—and us—like a shepherd caring for his flock.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'

Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Dear friend, as you sip your morning coffee and scroll through the news, you might have paused at that heartwarming story from NPR: 'The first day of school: Bells, bikes, buses and big feelings.' It's a snapshot of real life unfolding across our country. In Los Angeles, fifth graders are taking nervous kindergartners under their wings, offering calm reassurance amid the bustle of bells ringing and backpacks swinging. In Oklahoma, kids pedal together on a 'bike bus,' laughing and chatting their way to class, turning the commute into community. And in Oregon, high school students step into a shiny new building, eyes wide with that mix of wonder and what-ifs that marks every fresh start. These scenes capture it all—the joy, the jitters, the 'big feelings' that swell up on day one.

We know those feelings well, don't we? Whether you're a parent waving goodbye from the school drop-off line, a teacher greeting wide-eyed faces at the door, or even someone looking back on your own school days, transitions like these stir the soul. There's excitement bubbling up, but underneath, a whisper of fear: Will they make friends? Will I fit in? What if it's harder than I thought? The world spins on with its schedules and expectations, but in these moments, our hearts ache for something steady, something sure. And that's where the gentle voice of Scripture meets us, like a kind pastor pulling up a chair beside us.

Listen to these words from Deuteronomy 31:6: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.' Spoken to a people on the edge of a vast unknown, these aren't barked orders but a father's tender promise. God Himself is the companion on every bus ride, every bike path, every first step into a new classroom. He who watched over Israel in the wilderness goes before that kindergartener clutching their lunchbox, steadying the high schooler in the unfamiliar halls. No matter the 'them'—the bullies, the tests, the changes—His presence is unwavering.

Jesus echoes this care in Matthew 19:14: 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' Picture it: the Savior, arms open, drawing kids close while adults try to shoo them away. He sees their pure trust, their unfiltered emotions, and says, 'These are the ones the kingdom is made for.' In LA, those fifth graders mirroring Jesus, calming the little ones—it's a glimpse of His heart. Our children, with all their big feelings, are invited straight to Him. And we adults? We're called to make way, to trust that Jesus welcomes them, guards them, shapes them in His kingdom grace.

For those anxious mornings, Paul offers balm in Philippians 4:6-7: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Big feelings don't have to overwhelm; they become doorways to prayer. Thank God for the bike bus laughter, the new school smell, the friends stepping up. Lift those worries—'Lord, be with my child today'—and receive His peace, a sentinel over heart and mind. This isn't self-help striving; it's resting in Christ's finished work, where grace covers every fear.

Today, let these truths sink deep into your day. As bells ring out and buses rumble, remember God's nearness turns big feelings into steps of faith. Parents, whisper Deuteronomy over your kids at breakfast. Teachers, embody Jesus by welcoming every child as kingdom treasure. Students, carry Philippians in your pocket—pray on the bike, in the hall, before the bell. We're all in this school of life, learning discipleship one day at a time. Jesus, who never leaves nor forsakes, invites us to trust Him fully. In His grace, new beginnings aren't scary unknowns but adventures with our constant Companion. Take heart, friend—He's with you, with them, right now.