​Maybe you’re nervous about a test like NWEA, or sad you didn’t make a sports team, maybe you’re performing in the musical this weekend, or feeling unsure about changes, like a new principal coming (PS she's awesome!) or starting high school next year…, maybe you’ve been hearing hard things on the news, or maybe you’re just feeling overwhelmed in general. Whatever it may be, God’s Spirit gives you strength to handle it.

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God also gave us love instead of fear. When things feel tense or confusing in the world, in our country, or even in our community, God calls us to respond with love. Love means: Caring about people. Praying for people. Being kind even when things feel messy. Choosing compassion instead of gossip.

 

That’s strength.

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And God also gave us Self-Discipline, which is a fancy way of saying that He gave us a steady mind, or a way to think clearly.

 

It means we don’t let fear control our thoughts.

• When we hear hard news…

• When we face disappointment…

• When we feel nervous…

We can pause and remember what Paul told Timothy: “Fear is not from God.”

 

God gives us power, love, and a steady mind.

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We are Knights! Knights are brave. But bravery doesn’t mean you’re never scared. Bravery means you trust God even when you are.

 

And right now there’s a lot going on:

• Big things happening in the world.

• Big events in our city.

• Big changes at our school.

• Big moments in your own life.

 

And in all of it, God’s Spirit is still the same. Not fear. But rather…

• Power.

• Love.

• Self-control.

 

Pretty cool, right?!

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PRAYER

God, thank You that fear does not come from You. Thank You that Your Spirit gives us power when we feel weak, love when things feel heavy, and a steady mind when we feel overwhelmed. Help us to trust You with the big things happening in the world, in our community, and in our school. Help us to be brave Knights who choose love and wisdom. We trust You. Amen.​

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ENCOURAGEMENT AND APPLICATION

This week, we want to encourage you to notice when fear tries to sneak in, and replace it with truth.

 

When you feel nervous, say:
“God gave me power.”

When you feel frustrated, say:
“God gave me love.”
 

When your thoughts feel messy, say:
“God gave me a steady mind.”

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WAYS TO LIVE OUT THE MESSAGE WITH YOUR FAMILY (for parents/caregivers)

1. Practice Power in Everyday Nerves

When your child feels nervous (test, tryouts, performance, friend drama), instead of saying “Don’t be scared,” try:

“Remember, God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. He gave you power.” Then pray a 10-second prayer together: “God, give us Your power right now.” You’re teaching them to turn anxiety into prayer.

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2. Model Calm When the World Feels Big

There’s a lot happening in the news and in our community. Kids notice more than we think. Instead of reacting with panic or anger, say:

• “This is hard, but we trust God.”

• “We can choose love even when things feel messy.”

Let them see steady faith in action.

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3. Teach a "Pause + Reset"

When emotions are high at home (sibling arguments, frustration, meltdowns), practice this phrase:

Pause. Breathe. Pray.

Ask:

• “Is fear running this moment?”

• “What would love look like right now?”

It builds self-discipline in real time.

 

4. Celebrate Courage, Not Just Success

If your child:

• Tried out but didn’t make the team

• Is nervous for their performance in this week's musical

• Took a hard test

• Introduced themselves to someone new

Say:

“That took/takes courage. That’s God’s power in you.”

Reinforce bravery over outcome.

 

5. Practice Love in the Community

This week, intentionally:

• Write a thank-you note to a teacher.

• Encourage someone who didn’t make a team.

• Invite someone new to sit with you.

• Thank a coach or volunteer.

Ask at dinner: “How did you choose love today?”

 

6. Build a "Sound Mind" Habit

Before bed, ask:

• What worried you today?

• What helped you feel steady?

Then remind them: “God’s Spirit helps you think clearly and choose wisely.”

You’re helping them recognize emotional patterns early.

 

7. Speak Identity Over Them

Especially during change (new principal, new seasons, new challenges), say:

• “You are brave.”

• “You are loved.”

• “God’s Spirit lives in you.”

• “You can handle this with God’s help.”

Kids borrow confidence from parents before they build their own.

 

Why Practicing This Verse Matters

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s repetition. The more they hear it at home, the more they’ll remember it at school and when they're going about their day anywhere God leads them. You are building emotionally steady, spiritually confident Knights.