{"id":3910,"date":"2017-05-16T15:30:59","date_gmt":"2017-05-16T20:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedisciplemaker.org\/?p=3910"},"modified":"2017-05-16T15:30:59","modified_gmt":"2017-05-16T20:30:59","slug":"break-out-the-crayons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.navpress.com\/sites\/thedisciplemaker\/2017\/05\/break-out-the-crayons\/","title":{"rendered":"Break Out the Crayons"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

I could write songs and sonnets about my affection for crayons. I\u2019m smitten, and I have been since before kindergarten.
\nThere\u2019s a special place in my heart for a new box of crayons. The cleverly named colors, even the waxy smell \u2026 the endless possibilities very nearly intoxicate me.<\/p>\n

Instead you thrill to GOD\u2019S Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You\u2019re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. Psalm 1:2-3 (MSG)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The great news for girls like me is that coloring isn\u2019t just for kids anymore \u2014 and even simple coloring can be an act of worship. I recently dove into a new readable coloring Bible, and it\u2019s changing the way I read Scripture. As I opened the pages, I found a beautiful invitation to meditate on the Word of God.
\nThe words of Scripture are the living words of God (Hebrews 4:12), and they hold eternal wisdom. God wants us to dive into His Word, to discover the rich treasures of truth about Him and guidance for our daily lives.
\nThe problem I\u2019ve found, and maybe you have too, is that it\u2019s so hard for me to actually slow down<\/em>. Meditation simply can\u2019t be done in a hurry.
\nMeditation takes time.\"Devotion<\/a>
\nMeditation is a blend of studying, rereading, repeating, thinking, analyzing, investigating and enjoying<\/em> the Word of God. It\u2019s a physical, intellectual and emotional activity that welcomes every part of our being. The practice of meditation doesn\u2019t fit well into the pace of our culture, let alone my busy life. It\u2019s a challenge to overcome the obstacles of busyness and distraction to welcome the space meditation requires. Enter coloring.
\nThe psalmist writes in today\u2019s key verse that to meditate is similar to how one would \u201cchew on\u201d something \u2014 letting God\u2019s truth into our lives and digesting it into our system. \u201cInstead you thrill to GOD\u2019S Word,<\/em> you chew on Scripture day and night.<\/em> You\u2019re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 1:2-3).
\nColoring is an activity often associated with children, so as we grow older, it\u2019s easy to set aside our crayons and colored pencils in lieu of more sophisticated tools, like pens and highlighters \u2014 especially for Bible study. But I\u2019ve learned coloring can be beneficial for adults, creating a sense of wellness, quietness and even meditation.<\/em>
\nThe reason? Coloring has a natural de-stressing effect. When I focus on what my hands are doing, I lift my focus away from busyness and worry. The same is true when I focus on the words of God.
\nThe end result is meditating on Scripture helps me quiet my mind and my spirit. When I settle into a book of the Bible, a page or even a single verse, I can find stillness, meditation, trust, peace and creativity, all centered on the Word of God.
\nThere\u2019s no way to avoid the strife and turmoil in the world around us, and it\u2019s so very difficult to step away from the busyness of everyday life to focus on God and His Word. But, the Lord promises to meet us there, restore our peace and give us a steadiness and sense of stability that only comes from Him.
\nDear Lord, thank You for gifts of color and beauty in the world you\u2019ve created. Thank You for giving us Your Holy Word, a book that gives us every truth we need. Please, Lord, help me to slow down to create the space that meditation requires, so I can fix my thoughts on You. Grant us Your perfect peace. In Jesus\u2019 Name, Amen.<\/em>
\n

\"\"<\/a>
Join the confidence conversation!<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\nTRUTH FOR TODAY:<\/strong>
\nPsalm 73:23-24, \u201cI\u2019m still in your presence, but you\u2019ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.\u201d (MSG)
\nPsalm 73:27b-28, \u201cBut I\u2019m in the very presence of GOD \u2014 oh, how refreshing it is! I\u2019ve made Lord GOD my home. GOD, I\u2019m telling the world what you do!\u201d\u00a0(MSG)
\nRELATED RESOURCES:<\/strong>
\nColoring and journaling Bibles can help create space to meditate on Scripture. The Message Canvas Bible<\/em> uses the vivid language from Eugene Peterson\u2019s popular translation and pairs it with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations and hand-lettered verses. Seven illustrators from five different countries around the world help bring out Scripture\u2019s incredible beauty. Learn more or get your pick of two covers at TheMessageCanvas.com<\/a>.
\nCONNECT:<\/strong>
\nConnect with Tricia Lott Williford for more inspirational ideas on her website<\/a>.
\nHer new book You Can Do This<\/em><\/a> will be the confidence booster you need no matter what circumstances you are wrestling with. Start reading for free.<\/a>
\nREFLECT AND RESPOND:<\/strong>
\nDon\u2019t miss the beauty God has created all around you. Reflect on the past 24 hours. When did you catch a glimpse of beauty? Take a minute to thank God for giving you that gift.<\/p>\n
\n

This post by NavPress author Tricia Lott Williford was originally published on Proverbs 31.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I could write songs and sonnets about my affection for crayons. I\u2019m smitten, and I have been since before kindergarten. There\u2019s a special place in my heart for a new box of crayons. The cleverly named colors, even the waxy … <\/p>\n

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