The other night, the sun was on its downward slide and was shining through the leaves onto my amazing white hydrangea blooms.
I started to play with the camera on my phone and angles with the sun, and caught some really amazing pictures! Like this one, that looks like a hydrangea candle!
Makes you look twice, that's for sure!
Something about the picture looks unnatural and causes you to look again. You know that something isn't right! Once you look more closely at the picture, you can determine that it is probably the sun dancing through the leaves and caught with the camera just right.
It still makes for an unusual photo.
I started thinking about how it could be a picture of us when try to portray ourselves as all put-together and lovely, yet we are frazzled and at the end of our patience and strength. We might look good on the outside, but at a closer look, the weariness cannot be hidden, and it doesn't match what we are portraying.
When we are tired and weary, and feeling burned out, there are many Bible verses on strength (from NET). Here are just a few:
Philippians 4:13 "I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me."
This one encourages us by reminding us that we don't have to do things on our own and in our own strength. As Believers and followers of the Word of God, we know that it is His desire to be our Help.
Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord's help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles' wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired."
These verses remind us that the Lord knows who/what we are, and that even the strongest among us get worn out and tired. The Lord is the only One who is always ready to help us "rise up" and keep going. He encourages us spiritually so that we keep going. When we are beaten down in our spirits, we are REALLY low! It is a huge help to know that He is there FOR us and WITH us.
Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you! Don't be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you - yes, I help you - yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!"
Oh, HOW ENCOURAGING this is, my Friend! If you are frightened and anxious, weary and weak, look to THIS God - Who is your salvation! He is waiting to pick you up, dust you off, wash you off, and stand you up. He WANTS to be your Shield and Protector and Strengthener.
We might feel alone, yet we are never alone - if we believe in the saving work of Jesus on the cross. What wonderful promises He has given us in His Word! We can encourage ourselves with His promises and claim them as our own. It will change our mindset and focus.
So be encouraged with these verses today if you are feeling burned out.
And this is part of my "why" for designing the designs that have on Loraine's Faith Place. Maybe you will find something there that will encourage you from Bible verses for strength.