Whether your child is preparing for the end-of-year exam season or bracing themselves for their results, it is natural to have some anxiety as parents. 

And if your son or daughter is sitting for one of the major exams such as the ‘O’ Levels or ‘A’ Levels, you might even be experiencing the jitters yourself.

What should you do if your kid does not seem to care very much about his or her studies? Or what if your kid is overly stressed to the point that it worries you?

Living Room by Salt&Light suggests turning to these 12 Bible verses to help you and your child keep your eyes on God instead of the giant that is before you.

For the child whose future you worry about 

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

When you look at how your child is struggling, or think about all that he or she has achieved so far, perhaps it fills you with concern.

But remember that God has prepared a plan that is just for your child.

Even if their path in life does not look like the one you had expected them to take, or is different from the one their friends are walking on, know that God can turn it into something good.

For the child who is stressed by expectations

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters … (Colossians 3:23)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Constant comparison and competition can kill one’s joy.

Why not point children towards the Creator, who has lovingly and intricately made them just the way they are?

Your child — with all his or her strengths and weaknesses — was created by God. There was no mistake in how he or she was made.

As students, their role is to discover the unique gifts and special abilities that God has put in them, and then to learn how to use these for His glory.

Ultimately, your child needs to be reminded that studying is not to please teachers, parents or even themselves.

It is to serve and honour the Maker, who has given them life and has a good purpose for their time here on earth. 

For the child who feels inadequate

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

For the child who has failed too many times such that he or she is demotivated to try, or the one who thinks that all hope is lost despite their efforts, call to mind God’s power. 

When they think they have exhausted all of their own resources, He is more than able to meet them at their point of need and supply whatever they lack.

Who knows, they might even be surprised by the outcome! 

For the child who is anxious

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Urge your child to do his or best, and then to entrust the rest into our Heavenly Father’s hands because He cares. 

After all, there is only so much that one can do (or study).

Also encourage them to give thanks for different things that happen along their journey because cultivating gratitude brings an awareness of God’s goodness.

This will then help to build faith instead of fear.

For the child who has grown regardless of results

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b)

Finally, God sees not as man sees. We may look at grades, but He looks at godliness. 

Your child may or may not be academically successful, but you can always affirm the growth that he or she has made in the past year.

Has your son or daughter improved in self-control, learnt how to be kinder towards others or strengthened their prayer life? Praise them for that! 

If your conversations largely revolve around how your child is faring in school, then this will inadvertently send a signal that results is what matters most to you. 

Whether you stick these verses all over the house or slip a note of prayer into your child’s bag, you can be assured that the Word of God is powerful (Hebrews 4:12).

When wielded, it is a weapon that can be used to fight the darkness of doubt and discouragement (Ephesians 6:17).

So remember to turn to it and trust that God can use these spiritual truths to encourage you and your child – in ways that human words cannot. 

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