Marydean Draws

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June 1, 2017 depression•featured•rest•weakness

He bears us up + Psalm 68:19 Phone Screensaver

We kicked off our summer this week, although my daughter is insistent (under her daddy’s tutelage) that we can’t call it summer until precisely June 21. I see it more of a fluid kind of thing, but we shall agree to disagree. 

I was expecting a feeling of freedom as the weight of educating my children was lifted (formally) for a season, but I wasn’t expecting a kind of heaviness of spirit to settle in these last few days. Is it my old traveling companion, Depression, come to walk with me for a while again? Or maybe it’s the sudden loss of structure to our days that has thrown me off. 

I’m prone to jump to conclusions and blame when I feel uncomfortable like this. If I had a different vocation, I’d be happier. 

Then the Holy Spirit reminds. Remember how that’s His role (see previous post)?

He reminds me that my weaknesses would follow me whatever the situation. He reminds me that my weaknesses are under His faithful care and providence. That He is faithful to keep me tucked under His wing when I’d rather be soaring independent. That He is faithful to keep me just slightly crippled, so I don’t trip up on my ever-bubbling pride (see Psalm 91:4 and 2 Corinthians 12;7-8).

He reminds me that instead of being ashamed of my weaknesses, I can boast in them because they become the venue for His supply (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I am reminded of God’s patience with me, and His call for me to wait patiently for Him. His work is never hurried, but never too slow. A slow season where each hour feels burdensome and difficult can be a rich season of walking with Him.

(Card from the “Words of Life #2” printable set in the shop here)

A less productive season can be a season of letting the soil rest and grow rich in minerals for the next season of planting and harvesting.

God is faithful in His afflictions, we know that.

“I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75

I read this C.S. Lewis recently: ““We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”

I don’t know what this season hold for me. I may find tomorrow is lighter!

For today, I’m sharing this little screensaver from Psalm 68:19 to remind you that God’s presence and love for you are DAILY. To get the image, just right click on the image below, save, and then set as your device’s lock or home screen.


**I’m so happy for you to enjoy my coloring pages and printables for your personal (not commercial) use! All artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws. If you share this, you’re awesome (!), and as a courtesy,  please link back to this post and not the file. Thank you!!

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Previous The Helper + John 14:26 Bible Coloring Page (English and Spanish)
Next The recount + Psalm 9:1 Printable Bible Coloring Page in English and Spanish

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Welcome to the blog!

I’m Mary and I’m glad you’re here! Since 2014, I’ve been sharing encouraging words, fun Bible printables, and accessible art activities.

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In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my frien In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my friend Katie to talk about my Bible study pet peeves and best practices for leading Bible studies. We have both led and been part of small group Bible studies for many years, and we talk about how our ideas about the purpose of Bible study have changed over the years.

We discuss the importance of letting the Bible be complex, keeping Jesus at the center, dealing with the fear of the discussions going off the rails, and Katie’s hot take on the importance of actually praying in our small groups. You’ll also get to hear Katie’s answer to the question, “Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?”

It’s a wide-ranging discussion that I found really helpful and challenging. You might agree or disagree with us, but that’s okay, because that’s the point we’re making. Hope you enjoy the discussion!

Mentioned in this episode:

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering https://www.priyaparker.com/

Lectio style Bible study https://renovare.org/articles/lectio-divina-1 (for example)

Inductive study method https://www.precept.org/2023/02/what-is-inductive-bible-study/ (for example)

Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55

Orthodoxy vs Orthopraxy https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/nobody-turn-you-around/ (for example)

Moms in Prayer https://momsinprayer.org/

In case you missed it, I published the next Luke study on John the Baptist and the first part of Luke 3 this week. You can read it here:
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53

🖤

You can find The Pictured Word podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. You can also find me at www.marydeandraws.com or by searching for “Substack Marydean Draws.” 

All my Bible studies are available for anyone to read on Substack, but you can support my work by becoming a paid subscribers. Paid subscribers can download the printable study guides and coloring pages. 

You can also find my hymn art prints, cards, postcards, stickers, and Bible printables on my website. On my website or on Substack, you can sign up for my mailing list and get everything in your inbox, including new Bible studies each month and weekly newsletters.
The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a prev The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a preview of what's covered:
🖤 maps, I love maps!
🖤 Luke establishes the timeline
🖤 so many Old Testament connections
🖤 why does John have wings in this Syrian icon??

Read it all on Substack!
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53
These colors 😍. These colors 😍.
Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction an Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction and pure color play. 💕
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