There is something so calming about scripture and it’s effect on our minds and psyche. To clarify, words can heal or destroy, bring life or injure, so I choose to share life and plant some scripture seeds.

Those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

For instance, the encouragement of Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us to put our hope in the Lord.

I have to admit that in the last few years, my previous scripture absorbing life has suffered a little. As a result, I have less ammunition against anxiety. If I see the news or other political garbage, I tend to carry it around. Every social media feed is fraught with traps of negative angry sound bites, so I have started to avoid sources of negative. Personally, I need something to erase the anxiety of todays news.

In stark contrast to the media, scripture is a healer and source of  strength and peace.

Since the whole point of Barefoot Inspiration is to energize, encourage and inspire everyone who reads here, I want to pass on the best mind healers on to you.

Many scriptures come to mind when I personally need a spirit boost, but the verses from Isaiah 40 give me goosebumps. The imagery speaks to something deep inside.

Read the whole thing here slowly and let the familiar words sink in.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 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 faint.

When we put our hope in God, he renews our strength. We don’t have to dredge it up and force any part of it. He will renew our strength.

If our hope is in the Lord,  we will soar on wings like eagles. We will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not faint.

Hope in the Lord is life giving. It is a promise. We can and will endure when our HOPE is in the Lord.

(For more on hope, read Hope Creates and be reminded of how much hope plays a role in the life of a Christian.)

In addition to strength, some of us need relief from the anxiety that comes from the world of negative.

Phillipians 4:6-8 are verses that encourage us to pray, be thankful, and allow prayerful relief from anxiety.

Furthermore, meditating on the honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent with transform your mind.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

If you are tired or worn down, or if the constant negative political discourse has affected you, renew your mind with these or your favorite scriptures.

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding…will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.

Like a warm blanket, his words are poured over me, settle my soul, and give me peace.

It is my prayer that you too will put your hope in God and let God’s peace guard your hearts and mind.

Barefoot, renewed, and gaining strength,

Kim

You might also enjoy: Trade anxiety for scripture, another post from Barefoot. 

For help with coping:  From the inside out, coping in difficult seasons. 

Or you might enjoy this post from another inspirational blogger and friend: Need Hope?

Be anxious for nothing.