15 Bible Verses to Encourage Kids as They Go Back to School

The summer has flown by and it is already back-to-school season. Kids experience numerous emotions as they get ready to head back into the classroom—excitement, anxiety, enthusiasm, unease, etc. This emotional roller coaster may be especially intense this year given that last year was so unusual and this year is cloaked in uncertainty because of COVID-19.

One way that we can stoke our kids’ excitement and support them when they feel unease is to equip them with Bible verses that address their emotions. I’ve listed 15 relevant Bible verses below and I’ve placed them in a convenient printable. You can print the verses onto sheets of 3×5-inch index cards (Avery 5388) or print them on regular paper and cut them out using scissors. These cards are in a Microsoft Word template, so you can edit them. I hope you’ll take some time to add personal words of encouragement for your kids!

(Click on the image to view and download a printable copy of the cards.)

• “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
• “‘Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” Joshua 1:9
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
• “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
• “Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
• “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
• “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation.” Psalm 68:19
• “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
• “…and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
• “‘Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30
• “May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel.” Psalm 20:4
• “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7
• “I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:11
• “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23
• “‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

There are several ways that you can use these cards. Here are a few ideas:

• Read one or two cards each day during the days leading up to the start of school.
• Place a card next to your child’s breakfast each morning during the first week of school.
• Tuck a card in your kid’s lunchbox each day during the first week of school.
• As you move through the school year, keep the cards on hand and give your child cards containing relevant Bible verses as he or she experiences various emotions in regard to school.

What verses would you add? How do you encourage your kids as they head back to school?

Shared at the following:

Encouraging Hearts and Home, Grace and Truth, and Busy Monday.