The past month I finished the book of Job and started the book of Psalms. Landing in Job and Psalms during the pandemic and subsequent civil unrest could not have been more timely. The book of Job helped see me through some difficult times. Like Job, I questioned where God was as people all over the world suffered because of the lockdowns. Job was considered a godly man, yet he questioned God and wondered why he was suffering when he knew he had done nothing to deserve it.
Job never did find out why he was put through so much suffering, although he questioned where God was in all of it, his faith never wavered. Although I in no way suffered any of Job's losses during the lockdown, I too questioned where God was in all of it. I had faith in Him. I knew He had it all under His control. Yet, like Job, I was still sad and many verses in this book comforted me.
The verse on this page reminds me to put my faith in God and not in scientists or politicians.
I love this whimsical pre-printed page. After listening to Job lament for days, and Job's friends pathetic earthly advice to Job, God comes in like a storm and says "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" If God can create this amazing planet that we live on, we can trust Him to take care of our problems.
I love this verse. It gave me hope. The past few months have been so sad, and honestly, I don't see it getting much better. I know some things are opening up, but so many things are still cancelled, gone for good, or will never be the same. But this verse gives me hope that better days lie ahead, if not on this earth, then in heaven.
I must admit that although I drew a lot of comfort from reading the book of Job, I was so excited to start the book of Psalms. Psalms has always been one of my favorite books in the Bible. I colored the title page with colors that represent the sun and also the light that the book of Psalms brings to people's souls. Many Christians love to read a psalm a day to bring them comfort and encouragement.
I colored the background of this pre-printed image with pencils then filled in the words with gel pens.
Anyone as old as me may remember the Sandi Patti song based on this verse. I think the song rang continuously through my head as I colored this verse. It was a joy to color.
When I reached chapters 10 and 11 of Psalms, I could not help but see a similarity of the time period of David to today's modern society. I wanted to create a page to document this period of US history in my Bible. Three verses in these chapters really stuck out at me, so I wrote/stamped them on the page and surrounded the verses with a fiery image I created with pencils.
No matter what happens in this world, like David we can have complete assurance in ever lasting life.
Bible reading and family have kept me sane during these past few crazy months, but I also found so much peace and contentment being in my garden every day. I have never been more grateful for my country home and the large "Garden of Eden" I get to enjoy everyday. I don't know how I would have made it through without my yard. I felt so sorry for people who lived in tiny apartments during the lockdown and could not get out and enjoy nature. I love this verse because it is so TRUE! Nature always brings me so much closer to God. I just spend time in nature and all the worries of the world suddenly seem so small because I can see what He created and how truly powerful He is.
How about you? What sources have comfort have gotten you through the past few months? I'd love to hear from you!
Have A Great Day! Amy
Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!
God bless you Amy, you are a great witness to the power of belief. thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie!
DeleteYour pages are beautiful! I love how flipping through you are instantly reminded of the verses and the message.
ReplyDeleteI am spending time in Philippians these days.
Thanks so much Linda.
DeleteThis is wonderful thanks for sharing this post you made me reflect and brought tears to my eyes I also have been doubting why so many things happens but I have faith in God and I will always have faith Have a wonderful weekend Cris
ReplyDeletehttp://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=6691
That's awesome to hear! Thanks Cris.
DeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Amy and some great verses of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI've not worried much during our lockdown, tried teaching the kids to cook some of their favorite meals and help me in planting my vegetable garden a bit.
I always believe things happen for a reason and when it's out of our control I try to make the best out of it.
I do feel bad for my kids, especially my son as he's going into his last year of high school and at this time there really is no knowing how they will continue...Wish I could take his worries away from him!
Thank you! You are very brave that you cannot worry much. I too feel so bad for the kids, especially the kids who live in poorer communities and cannot receive on-line instructions.
DeleteIt has been a tough time recently! I've been doing a lot more bible plans with friends (on the bible app) and I've been enjoying the one about rest - we can't do everything at once, we need to take time to rest and be with God each day. I don't feel I got a lot of rest over iso as I was entertaining the kids so much, but I'm glad we had that family time and now things are mostly back to normal here with school and sports starting back up I'm trying to make more time to find rest each day :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a nice weekend :)
Away From Blue
I think Australia is more ahead than the US. Things are no where near normal here in the US here, and I doubt they will be anytime soon. I think a lot has to do with politics. The left does not want economic recovery. I think they are using this crisis for political gain.
DeleteWe are finding peace spending time on our patio lately. Being in nature does help during this stressful time. And I think maybe that was something we are supposed to take away from this. A return to a simpler life, examining what really matters in life.
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me with your Bible journaling. It hadn't occurred to me to work through my Bible, beginning to end. I am just jumping all over the place with my journaling.
You have such a beautiful pool and patio I'm sure it has brought you a lot of peace. I have heard many people express a similar sentiment "a return to a simpler life, examine what really matters in life". I think that's great if people got that out of the lockdowns. But for me, I have always led a simple life and I have always known what really matters in life, so I didn't have those feelings. I've looked at all of this more from a end-times biblical events perspective.
DeleteWhat a beautiful way to bring the Scriptures to life!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Deleteyou are so talented! these drawings are awesome! i love it! <3 have a great week <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, may you have a good week too!
DeleteThank you for sharing these pages from the Bible! So much love and creativity goes into your Bible Journaling Pages! The WORD of GOD is a powerful source of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteJob's faith in God never wavered and that is my testimony too! (Not that I've been through what he has!) I trust God completely. God is good and His promises are true! A scripture that comforts me is Psalm 31:24 - Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Blessings!
❤️carmen
Thanks Carmen. I love that verse. I've forgotten about that one. Thanks for bringing it to mind.
DeleteI’m not religious, but I love the bright colors you use in your Bible journal. I’m also glad that it brings in these challenging times.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with Creative Compulsions!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thank you Michelle.
DeleteThanks Marilyn.
ReplyDelete