I think every one of us could say that at some point in our lives or careers, we have tried to accomplish something through our own strength and failed. It’s human nature to want to take charge of a situation, and that’s not always a bad thing. 

But the truth is that striving to do things through our own strength often leads to exhaustion, discouragement, and overwhelm. However, the good news is that we don’t have to live this way. God doesn’t want us to endure life on our own. He wants to guide us, protect us, encourage us, and give us peace. He wants us to abide in His presence. 

And this applies to our classrooms as well. God desires for us to teach in His presence so He can help us manage our classrooms, instruct effectively, and serve our students well. Even though we know this is true, sometimes we slip into patterns of self-reliance. And, inevitably, the challenges and demands of teaching become too heavy. When we begin to feel overwhelmed by the burdens we try to handle on our own, we can intentionally pause to remember God’s presence and invite Him into our days, allowing Him to carry the weight of our burdens. 

For me personally, when teaching starts to feel heavy and I find myself relying on my own strength, I have turned to the following Scripture verses as powerful reminders that He is always with me to guide, support, and empower me (even when I’m in my classroom). 

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. — Psalm 73:23-24, NIV 

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. — Psalm 16:11

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” — Isaiah 43:2

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Over the years as a classroom teacher, I have learned that the only way to be an effective teacher—to manage an orderly classroom, teach my subject well, and impact my students for eternity—is to abide in His presence.

Linda Kardamis taught middle school math before founding Teach 4 the Heart. She is the author of Create Your Dream Classroom and Take Heart and Teach and the creator of Classroom Management 101. She and her husband are raising their four kids in Northeast Ohio.

For more classroom management help, sign up for Linda's FREE on-demand training: How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing. 

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