THE SECRET TO A JOYFUL SCHOOL YEAR. Start Fully Satisfied.

What if the secret to a joyful, resilient school year isn’t found in better lesson plans or smoother classroom routines but in a heart that starts full every morning? Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “How satisfied am I?” Is that even okay to ask?

Look around. Satisfaction doesn’t appear to be the norm in our culture. There always seems to be something wrong with our jobs, marriages, finances, circumstances, or even ourselves. The drive to do better and be better is practically hardwired in us, especially as educators. A little dissatisfaction is often what pushes us to raise test scores, perfect our instructional strategies, or meet the needs of every student. Is that a bad thing?

Not necessarily. However, here’s the catch. True satisfaction comes from only one source. If we look for fulfillment anywhere else, we’ll end up empty instead of full, striving instead of thriving, and joyless instead of joyful. As we prepare for a new school year, this truth becomes even more important. Each new school year begins with excitement and anticipation, but we all know the roller coaster is coming. Twists and turns are inevitable, and they can be both exhilarating and exhausting.

I think back to the times I’ve chaperoned my daughters on roller coasters, something their father gladly handed over to me. I’m not a fan of the loops or the drops, but I wanted to make memories with my girls. Before I buckled into the seat, I’d remind myself, “This will be over quickly. You’ll survive!” I had to settle that truth in my heart before the ride began so I could enjoy it.

The same goes for us as educators. Before the school year starts, we need to settle something in our hearts.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be

glad all our days.”  Psalm 90:14

This prayer of Moses in the wilderness reminds us of the one thing that truly satisfies. Contentment will never be found in accolades, perfect lessons, or even a classroom that runs smoothly. What fills the soul is the unfailing love of God. Have you settled that truth in your heart?

It’s so tempting to seek satisfaction in a job well done, in being noticed, or in feeling accomplished at the end of the day. While those moments are good, they are fleeting. They don’t sustain us because we have been created to be filled with God’s presence. Nothing else will satisfy.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:25–26

Letting God truly satisfy us means releasing the need to constantly chase more. When our spiritual hunger is filled, we experience peace. When our soul’s thirst is quenched, we find rest. That kind of satisfaction isn’t passive. It is something we must seek every morning. Moses prayed, “Satisfy us in the morning.”  Satisfaction isn’t a one-and-done event. It’s a daily renewal, a daily surrender, and a daily filling. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Let the love of Jesus satisfy your soul.

The upcoming school year will bring challenges. You may feel like you're on a roller coaster some days. However, when you start each morning by anchoring your heart in God’s unfailing love, you will be able to face whatever comes your way without anxiety. Joy will become your default regardless of how chaotic the day ahead may be. You may even sing for joy as you walk down the hallway first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon!

This year, settle two truths in your mind.

1.     The love of God fills me up and satisfies me.

2.     I will be joyful and glad no matter what comes.

Write these down. Post them in your classroom. Put Psalm 90:14 on your bathroom mirror. Let this passage become your daily prayer.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”  

Psalm 90:14

This is the secret to a joyful school year. We weren’t called into education to simply survive the ride but to enjoy it! Let’s start this school year fully satisfied in God’s precious love. When His love fills us to the point of overflowing, the fruit of the Spirit will be on full display in our lives.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…”  Galatians 5:22–23

We’re here to walk this journey with you. If you need encouragement, check out our new book, Taking Jesus to School, a powerful resource for educators ready to live out their faith with boldness and joy.

Questions?  info@victoriouseducator.com 

More blogs and devotions: https://www.victoriouseducator.com/resources