Being a teacher is not easy. (Yes, I’m biased.) While I won’t deny the profession has some nice benefits, there are many things beyond my control lawmakers now expect me to control. Yet no matter who wins elections or what decisions legislators make, here are some principles I choose to remember.

I’m serving God in my profession. Colossians 3:23-24 helps me refocus in times when I disagree with changes. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” I may or may not reap benefits on Earth, but there will be a reward in heaven.

God is faithful, even when conditions around me are uncertain and overwhelming. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds me, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

I must not worry, and for a natural worrier like me, this is challenging. But Jesus told us in Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Each day I have to teach to the best of my ability without fretting over future policies or standardized test scores.

Finally, I must choose an attitude of peacefulness and thankfulness. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) Allowing peace to rule in my heart when circumstances are difficult is a witness for Christ, and counting my blessings gives me a proper perspective.

There may be many new policies in the teaching profession that remain beyond my control. But remembering I serve a faithful God who wants me to have a peaceful and thankful heart without worry is the best form of reassurance that exists.