As the school year nears its end, I know from experience that most of our readers are holding out hope for the rest and relaxation we enjoy over summer break. However, I also know from experience that summer break will quickly turn into fall, and another school year will begin, bringing with it not only the excitement and joy of a new year but also the stress and workload that weighs us down as the year progresses. 

Since summer only lasts a season, how can Christian educators find rest and hope throughout the year?

When searching for answers to questions like this, I like to look to the examples of biblical heroes like King David. In Psalm 62, David addresses his extreme exhaustion and feelings of hopelessness. But, he doesn’t allow his soul to wallow in this state. Instead, he reminds himself of these truths: 

• Rest can be found in God 
  
• God gives hope 
  
• God is trustworthy, no matter the circumstance 
  
• God is a safe place where we can reveal our joys and our struggles 
  

David knows that he can find rest and hope in God by pouring out his heart to God and trusting in Him, and he encourages his soul to act on these truths. 

As we near the final months of the school year, most of us can identify with the overwhelming sense of exhaustion and hopelessness that David experienced. And like David, I believe we can find that same rest and hope that he describes in Psalms by encouraging ourselves to trust God and share our hearts with Him when we feel exhausted and hopeless. 

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62: 5-8, NIV

I find it very exciting to think that each of us can find rest and hope in a strong, intimate relationship with God right now—we don’t have to wait for summer. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to thoroughly enjoy laying beside a pool this summer. But, let’s remember that those two months outside of the classroom are not where our hope lies. We can find rest and hope in God every day!