In grade school, I routinely feared the unstructured summer months. New schedules, new responsibilities, new commitments—the “newness” of summer life always unearthed my deepest anxieties, leaving my head spinning as I wrestled with the transition. Once I had fully adjusted to life beyond the classroom, I began preparing for a different change: the advent of a new school year. Overcome by anxiety, I regularly battled feelings of fear, doubt and uncertainty.

Now in my mid-twenties, and beyond my grade school days, I no longer dread the back-to-school transition. I no longer loathe final exams and 20-minute presentations. And I no longer shy away from new teachers, new classmates and new classrooms. But as I consider the anxiety I encountered as a child, I am reminded of the challenge change presents—for both children and adults.

To this day, new situations leave my head spinning, just as they did so many years ago. New teachers have been replaced by new bosses, new classmates by new co-workers and new classrooms by new workplaces. Each of these transitions evokes memories of late August mornings, when the start of a new school year felt crippling. But in these moments, I hear the words of 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way…” (GNTD).

No matter how your “first day of school” looks, God will always walk beside you. When you follow a job to a faraway location, he provides comfort. When you move into a new home, and your once-familiar daily routine feels overwhelmingly unfamiliar, he offers assurance. And when you join new social groups, and connect with new friends, he delivers peace.

The next time you find yourself in the midst of a head-spinning transition, meditate the comforting words of the Lord. These verses will get you started:

1. The Lord walks with us.

Even if I go through the deepest darkness,

I will not be afraid, Lord,

for you are with me.

Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. ­– Psalm 23:4 (GNTD)

2. The Lord defends us.

Leave your troubles with the Lord,
and he will defend you;
he never lets honest people be defeated. – Psalm 55:22 (GNTD)

3. The Lord does not want us to worry.

Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. – Phillipians 4:6-7 (GNTD)

4. The Lord does not want us to be afraid.

Do not be afraid—I am with you!
I am your God—let nothing terrify you!
I will make you strong and help you;
I will protect you and save you. – Isaiah 41:10 (GNTD)

5. The Lord delivers peace.

You, Lord, give perfect peace
to those who keep their purpose firm
and put their trust in you – Isaiah 26:3 (GNTD)