5 Days of 5-Minute Devotions for TeachersSýnishorn

The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength

"This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

Do you realize the profound impact you have on your students? That should bring you great joy!

Start your day with a heart full of peace, knowing that Jesus walks alongside you, guiding each step and each decision. His presence transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities to reflect His love and light. Whether you’re teaching long division, helping students work out their differences on the playground, or simply sharing a smile, His grace empowers you to make a difference.

Chances are, you are a little overwhelmed by the mountain of tasks before you—organizing your classroom, grading/evaluating, emailing parents, not to mention handling lunch duty this afternoon.

Whenever you start to feel like it is all too much, remember that with Jesus, every challenge becomes a chance to reflect His glory. Embrace each moment with a heart full of gratitude and trust. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause for a moment and breathe deeply, knowing that Jesus is with you. He offers a wellspring of strength and patience that never runs dry. Lean into His promises and let them guide you through the ups and downs of leading young children day in and day out.

In fact, remember that every day is a chance to plant seeds of kindness, understanding, and encouragement in your students. Even when the day feels long or the tasks unending, know that you’re not alone. Jesus’s love surrounds you. Allow Him to fill you with His joy and infuse your work with purpose and meaning. Embrace each interaction with the knowledge that you are making a difference. Let the light of Christ shine through you, illuminating the path not only for your students, but for everyone you encounter.

Heavenly Father, May this day be filled with moments of grace and opportunities to witness the profound impact of Your love in my life. Please let my joy overflow and spill out onto my students today, that they may rejoice over the anticipation of coming to school each day. Amen.