O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. – Psalms 5:3 ESV
Every parent knows the adjustment that comes after summer vacation. Suddenly, we’re not only keeping up with schoolwork, homework, and tests, but also soccer practice, band rehearsals, tutoring, and a host of other activities. Routines change, and it can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: every season of change is also an opportunity. When we reset our routines, we can also build in habits that don’t just help us “get through the day” but also strengthen us spiritually. The Bible reminds us that “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). What if part of our back-to-school reset was carving out time each morning for a short devotion or prayer, setting the tone for the rest of the day?
God values order and rhythm. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). That applies not only to our family schedules but also to our spiritual lives. When we make prayer, Scripture reading, or even a moment of quiet reflection part of our daily routine, we’re training ourselves for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7–8). Just as an athlete disciplines themselves with consistent practice (1 Corinthians 9:25), we too can develop spiritual strength through small, daily choices.
So as the school year kicks off and life gets busy again, let’s not only adjust our schedules for school and activities, but also intentionally build in space for God. Morning devotions, family prayer before bedtime, or even praying together in the car can become anchors in our day. These small habits can shape our families more than we realize.
The start of a new school year isn’t just about new schedules, it’s an invitation to set routines that will carry us closer to God.
Jeremy Lee