How Coloring Helps Me To Meditate on God’s Word

Christian adult coloring book

Have you ever sat down to read the Bible and found your mind wandering?

I certainly have, and I know I’m not alone. Over the years I’ve found that traditional study of God’s Word can be challenging for me. I’m easily distracted by sights and sounds and all the thoughts swirling in my mind. Even the rays of morning sunshine filtering in through my window can draw me away from reading or praying. Next thing I know I’ve followed the sunbeams outside and I’m racing off to run errands or walk my dog. Come to think of it, I’m very much like my dogs. I’m owned by several darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This breed of dog is known to be easily distracted and chase butterflies or run off to greet anyone passing by if not on leash or very well-trained. I can never be upset at them however. I can totally relate! Well, This year I found a way to acknowledge and accept my creative whimsical side and still meditate on God’s Word—Coloring! It’s really the perfect activity for someone like me. While I color I feel more calm and focused and more able to hear from heaven. Now if only I could teach my dogs to color!

I loved coloring with my kids when they were younger. It was a great excuse to acknowledge the child in me. But for some reason when they grew up I stopped coloring, until recently. I realize now that I don’t need an excuse to color. So when I found this book on coloring through the Psalms I couldn’t resist! This morning I’m continuing to color Psalm 1 and thought I’d take a photo of my progress. I started it a few days ago and love that the process of coloring is forcing me to linger longer on this page and re visit the words of Psalm 1 . . .

Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked!

They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

Sinners will have no place among the godly.

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,

but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Next time you sit to meditate on God’s Word, take along some coloring pencils and a sketch pad. Who knows, you may get inspired to doodle an image that reminds you of the passage. I’m sure you’ve also noticed that there are loads of coloring books out now for adults, and even Bibles that you can color in! I’m so glad that we can be free to be ourselves, and to know that God loves the child in us!