A rainy and cool month of June, plus a hotter and more humid July have given me the summertime blues. All the rain and now the heat have affected this girl’s love for walking outdoors. My summer rhythm looks more like participating in indoor activities instead of my usual trail walking and photographing beauty along the way. For someone who loves routines, I’m feeling a bit like a fish out of water.
I know every season has its challenges but the summertime blues have me in a slump. Anyone else feeling this way too??
If I let myself, I can easily lose sight of the beauty around me and the joy one little detail brings to my day. I have a vase of beautiful flowers from my local grocery store brightening up my living room. There is a sweet picture of Baby Jack that sits on the end table next to my favorite spot on the couch. And nearby, laying on a tray on the ottoman are my favorite books just waiting for some love.
The days when the weather cooperates I venture outside to one of my favorite parks to hike and take photos of the hidden beauty God leaves just for me. I have a choice to focus on the summertime blues or look for the details left behind.
Maybe it has been hot and miserable where you live too. Or maybe summer is a season that you either love or hate. No matter the reason we all can find challenges in any season. Let’s intentionally choose joy over struggle; hope instead of trouble and the grace to be kind to ourselves when the blues intrude.
I’ve put together some Bible verses to help us overcome the blues.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10)
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)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3)
There are so many good verses to remind us of God’s strength, hope, grace, and power in our weakness. These are just a few that speak to me.
The promises laid out in the verses show me who God is and how He will care for me.
God says:
- He will restore me and make me strong and steadfast
- He will renew my strength and I will run and not grow weary
- The work He begins He will complete
- My troubles will lead to eternal glory
- And when my faith is tested God provides the perseverance I need
I love that the same promises God has for me, He also has for you. These sound like the perfect cure for the blues to me. What are some promises from God that help you through when life throws you a curveball? Please share in the comments.
Join us at #TellHisStory for some cures for the summertime blues. While you are here, share one of your own encouraging posts. #linkup #newpost #summertimeblues Click To TweetBlessings,
Here are several links to posts about why I love summer. Click HERE and HERE.
***Sometimes God drops amazing opportunities into our laps and we know without a doubt we are supposed to say “yes.” Next week I am headed to Bethel for their Wonder women’s conference. I would love your prayers but also your grace as I will take the week off from writing and hosting #TellHisStory.
Hello Mary. It’s been a while since I have stopped by but good to read your words today. I must admit that I love summer and the heat, probably because I so hate the winter and suffer with the winter blues during those month.
I have not been good this summer with getting out for walks though, or sitting out on the porch to read a good book. I miss that and do hope August is a little less busy.
I’m like you and thrive very much on routines so when they are off, I’m off.
Thank you for the verses!
Blessings to you, friend.
Beth
Hi Beth! I am blessed to see you here. I also love summer but have struggled a bit this summer. It is definitely my favorite season. I love seeing pictures of you growing family. What a blessing!
Good morning dear Mary, as someone who struggles with depression, I can relate to the blues anytime that want to steal my joy. I am thankful for your post and the deluge of truthful promises to stand upon. The idea of God renewing our strength is hope for me to hold onto today. Praying for you to have His peace dear sister. In Christ, Julie
God is the truth I want to stand on for the good and bad times. It is easy for the enemy to steal our joy. May you feel God’s hope and strength in His word and in the beauty He lives behind just for you. Thank you for your prayers.
I’m choosing Joy over trouble! Thanks for this post Mary! I love summer – not super hot summer – but the sun is out and it’s warm – but living in the PNW it’s often dreary, some-what cold and sometimes rainy during the summertime so I totally relate to your post. Blessings
Someday I’ll visit so I can experience summer in the PNW firsthand. I am joining you in choosing joy. Good to see you here today!
Love, love, love all of those promises! Blessings to you on your trip to the conference!
Good to see you here today, Amy! God’s word has a way of telling truth while reminding us of His promises. Thank you for sending me forward with blessings to the conference.
Our preacher actually asked us on Sunday to quite complaining about the heat. It’s July and we live in Texas. Ha! laurensparks.net
You all bring a new meaning to heat in Texas. It does not help to complain so the reminder is a good one. Have a good week!
Oh Mary, we are cut from the same cloth! I’m a woods woman too, and this rain has been stifling! Add to it, we just added a newborn baby boy to our little family, and my hopes for long, sunny afternoon stroller walks and taking all 3 kids to the creek every day have melted with this rain! But God has been teaching me the same lessons: HE is my joy, my rock, and my replenishment….he is teaching me to give thanks for all that is good, even when I can’t get to open skies….and he is so good all the time! I really appreciated these words from you today! May we find our joy in him, even in the rain!
There is nothing like the beauty and peacefulness of a walk in the woods. I am praying we both find many days ahead that allow us to hike and enjoy time with kids and God. Your new son is adorable. What a blessing from God.
So much truth in this post! It’s winter here in Australia right now (my favourite season!) and I love it… but when it comes to the harsh Aussie summer, I find myself feeling horrid and negativity seems to take root in my life with greater ease… I’ll remember this wisdom for all seasons. Thank you for this post!
x Anastasia
Thank you for joining in the conversation. I am not a winter person but love knowing the it is your favorite. Praying we look to God in every season because He is our hope and joy!
We are in the middle of our winter here in Australia Mary, it’s freezing! But the sun keeps shining through it all!
I suppose I could put that another way ‘the Son keeps shining through it all’….
‘Let go & relax, knowing that I am God’ Psalm 46:10 is my favorite for the blues in all seasons of life.
Bless you,
Jennifer
Yes, the Son shines even when the world doesn’t. It is amazing to me to think that the other side of the world is in a different season. Psalm 46:10 is a favorite of mine too. Thank you for being here!
I blogged about how summer is not my favourite season just last week! And how we can hold ourselves back from the God’s promises. May we walk into His promises in all seasons, even when weary as He strengthens us and is the One too, to rest in.
The interesting thing is the summer is my favorite season, just not this summer! 😉 I am looking forward to reading your post. I am standing in agreement to walk into God’s promises in all seasons.
I’m sorry you’re experiencing summer time blues, Mary! Praying that your time away at the conference is encouraging and refreshing. Several of the Bible verses you share are my favourites too. They are so helpful to focus on to get a truer perspective on things!
I’ll be away the first week in August, so I’ll “see” you in a few weeks time!
It’s weird since summer is my favorite. I love that God’s Word is not only refreshing but a perspective changer. See you in a few weeks! Hope you have a good couple of weeks.
Summer is my favorite season, even though it has been very hot where I am, too (Alabama). Today we’re in a cold front (it’s only 80 at 1:30pm!). I appreciate you sharing these scriptures, Mary. So many good ones here! Praying you have a wonderful time at Bethel for the conference. I’m sure it will be amazing.
Summer is my favorite too. Not exactly sure why I feel off this summer. I’m happy for your cool wave. Right after this post went live, we had a cold front come through too. I am looking forward to all God is going to teach me next week!
This is very much a “right on time” post, Mary. Northeastern Ohio’s weather has been much like yours and the joys of walking, photography, sitting on the deck after dinner in the evening, and more have been absent most days as we race toward the end of July. Thanks for sharing these great reminders.
I would think that northern Ohio would remain cooler than southwest Ohio, but it sounds like people all over have been experiencing abnormal summer weather. Hopefully, you ended up with a break in the weather this week like we did. Thanks for being here!
We have to choose joy or we will give in to the blues and blah’s. Our weather is warm most of the year here in Georgia, but summer heat can be unbearable. I am thankful for the many days of summer rain, the afternoon showers that will let you nap, and the smell. It is spiritual and refreshing like His Spirit. So walk on out and let the gray clouds pass you by.
Amen to choosing joy! I am complaining about the heat and you have more reason to complain than I do. Thank you for pointing me back to the joy that leads me to God. Blessings, my friend!
You’re not alone friend! Summer gets me all outta sorts. Plus I have expectations that it should be magical and carefree. Choosing to look at the joyful things around me today:
my girl baking cranberry muffins all by herself, my newly crowned teen boy enjoying some lego building, my hubby painting the bathroom, my oldest girl glued to a book, a delicious breakfast out with all 5 of us this morning.
Thank you for reminding me to see the blessings!
I love that you think summer should be magical and carefree. I have always thought that too. Turning to joy somehow makes all the difference in how my day goes. I am glad that you found the joyful to make everything better. Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Mary.
Thank you for this post. We do need to be deliberate about choosing beauty sometimes. As an elementary teacher I’m at the end of summer break, when I’d really prefer to stay home and keep writing. But that is not the season God has for me write now. I’m choosing to be content. I appreciate the encouragement!
Blessings on your conference!
Tammy
We make so many choices on any given day that choosing to be intentional in seeking God and His beauty is the best thing to do. I am a retired teacher so I remember what it feels like to enjoy summer and then feel it slip away so quickly. I pray you have a wonderful school year and that you find a rhythm that includes time for writing.
Thank you for the beautiful Scripture reminders, Mary. I especially love that “He who began a good work in you…” verse. It’s been a staple for me over the years and reminds me of the Steve Green song based on those words. He will be so faithful to complete what He has begun. I needed these reminders too! Blessings and Prayers for a refreshing conference next week!
I shared just a few Scriptures but know there are so many more that could be added. It is such a comfort to know that God completes what He has begun and He works it for good. Thank you for your prayers for next week.
I hear ya’, Mary! It’s been a good week and a half since I’ve had a brisk walk and I’m feeling it in my bones … I miss it. I’m waiting for this morning’s rain to move out so I can grab my sneakers and take off.
A tornado warning and its accompanying storms lowered the temps last night. I’m so grateful …
I feel it in my bones too. Praying the weather cleared where you are so you could get out and enjoy the beauty God left just for you.
I am one of those people who love summer, even when it is hot and humid. Maybe because I was a teacher for all those years! 🙂 You have inspired me to get outside and search for some good summertime photos today, Mary.
I loved this line: ” Let’s intentionally choose joy over struggle; hope instead of trouble and the grace to be kind to ourselves when the blues intrude.” What a wonderful way to live our lives. And, of course, being a runner, the verse from Isiah is one of my favorites!
Summer is my favorite season but it has presented some challenges this year. I see all of your photos from after your runs and you inspire me. Isaiah has a beautiful way of saying it like it is. Thank you for your encouragement.
I’m more prone to the blues in winter than in summer, but every season does have its challenges. It’s been both hot and terribly humid here, and somehow pollen counts (and therefore allergy symptoms) are up. I’m so thankful for God’s gifts of respite along the way – air conditioning, cool drinks, fans. His reminders that these are “light and momentary troubles” compared to what’s ahead for us help to loosen our love for this world and increase our longing for the “eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Hope you have a great time next week!
I definitely get the blues in the winter, but summer has presented some challenges to me this year. It has not been a typical summer but through it all I find God is constant. I appreciate your words pointing me to the eternal that will outweigh all I am going through now.
Mary, it’s been a very different sort of summer weather-wise here, too. Our June was unusually chilly and wet. And July has been closer to normal. Summer feels short this year. And, with pre-driving teen boys, I am BUSY. Lots of driving. But, it’s also been nice to have some one-on-one time with each of them.
One of my go-to verses is Phil 4:6-7—”6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
I also find comfort in Is 26:3—”You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 41:10—”‘Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Jeremiah 31:3—”The Lord has appeared [a]of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
I’m sure I have others, but these are some that get/keep my thoughts where they need to be when I’m blue. 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful time at the Wonder women’s conference! I hear a story there in how this opportunity came about . . . . 😉
You shared some wonderful verses. I find a lot of truth and comfort in Isaiah. Such a rich book. It sounds like your summer has been busy but I also was amazed at how fast the days are passing by. I am praying for you as you experience sweet one on one time with your sons and also for patience as they learn to drive.
God’s unchanging promises don’t depend on the weather. Thanks, Mary! We wilt and fade, but he never fails! Thanks for these rejuvenating words. (And my garden is loving this heat…)
And I have wilted and faded this summer, but God is my constant. I am thankful your garden is producing a rich harvest and that God continues to remain patient as I push back during the more trying weather patterns.
Sorry you are experiencing summertime blues, friend! Believe me, I understand. Here in Texas temperatures have soared, so it is a fight to hold on to joy. I appreciate your verses.
Mary,
I hear you! July and August in the South can be downright unbearable. This year all the heat started even earlier. I feel like a wrung-out, limp, dish cloth. I have no energy or oomph. My get up and go got up and left. Every summer I go through this. Yes, the sun shines, but unless I walk at 6 am, it’s just not enjoyable. I love all your scriptural reminders. I think I haven’t sought out scriptures as much as I should for this season because I feel like I’m just being wimpy and need to get over it already. Thanks for the reminder that God is there in our weariness no matter what the reason. Needed this refreshment today!
Blessings,
Bev xx