In my closing devotional thought in the Weekly Schools Note for 2015-2016, I referenced the Lord's command to Moses to leave Sinai. Moses was troubled, confused, and maybe even lacking in faith prior to the journey. God's response was "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). So, where did you go this summer? Did you rest? Perhaps you found rest at the end of a pier watching the sunset over the lake. Or, maybe you found some rest in a hammock in the backyard. Some of you rested your minds while golfing, playing tennis, or participating in some other sport. Regardless of the method, I pray that you were able to find some rest this summer while remaining in the presence of God.

But, we are no longer at the beginning of summer. The start of the school year will be underway soon and you will no doubt find times when you are dreaming of that pier or the lake. When Moses was doubting his journey, God promised that His presence would go with him into the land of milk and honey. As Moses was preparing the next leader of the Israelites, Joshua, it was now Moses who was dispensing the advice and counsel. He told Joshua, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8). And so, we take this admonition from Moses with us to the start of this school year. The Lord goes before us. The Lord is with us. With these promises we can start our school year with faith, hope, and confidence.