UPLIFTING BIBLE VERSES A N D I D E A S TO R E F R E S H YO U R S O U L By Paula Short Do you feel like the weight of the world is weighing you down? Do you feel a heaviness in your soul? Does your body feel offset, like a counterweight is throwing you off balance? I’ve been there too, friend. It’s okay to have off days; we all have them. You may ask yourself, “How do I get myself out of that rut?” Will you join me in reflecting on a few uplifting Bible verses to refresh your soul? “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19 NIV) “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV) “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3 NIV) “But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14 NIV) “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Now, let’s explore ten ideas to help refresh your soul. • Slow Down. As the saying goes, take time to stop and smell the roses. • Laugh and be silly. Sometimes, we need not take ourselves so seriously. • Relax. I know easier said than done, right? Read, color, make a craft, do puzzle books, word search, solve crossword puzzles, or sit on your porch. • Learn something new. Lookup How-To’s, DIY projects, or study a language. • Sing a song out loud or dance. And it doesn’t matter if anyone can hear you or is watching. • Practice gratitude. Make a gratitude journal. One line a day is all you need. Start simple; list three things you are grateful for at that moment. • Go outside. Spending time outdoors in creation allows us to use our senses and marvel at God’s handiwork in His living world. Also, it will enable us to practice being still and quiets our hearts. • Take a nap. Sometimes, a brief rest of about 30 minutes is all we need to recharge. • Listen to calming music. Listening to music can reduce stress and anxiety and relax our minds and bodies. • Quiet time. Having a little quiet time can refresh your soul. You may read God’s word, pray, meditate, practice relaxation breathing, or sit quietly in the Lord’s presence. Take Away Our shepherd knows the green pastures and quiet streams that will restore and refresh us. Ask him to show you how.
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