Mosaic (July 25)
- Amber Thiessen
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
"On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased" (Ps 138:3)
If you're like me, you've had seasons where you feel worn out and weary—wrung out and left hanging on the line. You go through the motions of life as best you can: keeping the house afloat, feeding your family, fulfilling your responsibilities at work, caring for those who need you.
Pulled in so many directions, with energy steadily draining, I read these words—“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased”—and I am filled with both longing and contentment.
“My strength of soul you increased.”
In the pouring out of daily life, depending on God is the only way through the muddled to-do lists and competing priorities. It’s the only way to answer that ever-present question: Am I being faithful?
But when weariness sets in, we might wonder: Is God really answering my prayers for help? Does seeking Him make any difference when I feel this way and have so much to sort out?
“On the day I called…”
The Lord is present with us. There has never been a moment he has disappeared or abandoned us. When our eyes are fixed only on our circumstances, it’s easy to miss his presence—but He is near.
“…you answered me.”
God answers. I’ll admit, there are times it’s been hard to see it stuck in the slog of daily life. But knowing this truth invigorates my prayers. Calling out to him isn’t an aimless pursuit—it’s a connection to my Savior who hears and responds, who loves and leads.
“…my strength of soul you increased.”
So often, we hear (or tell ourselves) to “just pull up your bootstraps” and keep going. We do keep moving, one foot in front of the other. Yet it’s not our strength that sustains us, is it? Looking back, I see how God has carried me through weary seasons—not because I was strong, but because I was weak and He was strong. This is where I find my heart content.
The Lord preserves our life and will accomplish His purposes for us (Ps. 138:8). This is a deep comfort when our roles and responsibilities feel crushing. We persevere not by gritting our teeth but by seeking first His kingdom and trusting that He has equipped us for every good work He has planned for our day.
And when we’re worn out and burdened, He calls us to come to Him: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-29)
Take heart—He hears you, He strengthens you, and He will carry you through.
On the Blog
✨ Can Christians read fantasy stories with magic?
From Narnia to Harry Potter, these conversations can get heated—and confusing. Some say avoid it all. Others say it’s no big deal. So what’s the right approach?
That’s why I appreciated Marian Jacobs’s new book On Magic & Miracles. Instead of giving quick “yes” or “no” answers, she equips us with a thoughtful, biblical framework for engaging with stories that include magic, miracles, and the supernatural.
In this review, I share:
📖 A chapter-by-chapter summary of the book
👩👧 How I’m using her 5-question framework to help my kids engage wisely with media
💭 My reflections on the supernatural from ministry and life overseas
If you’ve ever wondered how to approach these stories with wisdom and discernment, this book (and this review!) might be just what you need.
Ever since walking through the ancient ruins at Carthage, I can’t stop thinking about Perpetua—a young woman whose faith led her all the way to the arena. Her story has stirred my heart in deep ways, and I had the privilege of putting those reflections into words. GCD graciously published the article, and I’d love for you to read it. I hope her courage encourages you too.
In Articles
Okay, well it's better than saying "I didn't enjoy the sermon today" (because yes that happens too). So while he points out unhelpful things to tell your pastor, I found the most benefit from his suggestions for what TO say. I pray we have the courage to be as vulnerable and honest in this as well. (Also got me thinking about an article idea..."How Was Africa?" and Other Things You Shouldn't Say....stay tuned)
In Jonathan Haidt's bestseller "The Anxious Generation" he advocates fiercely for "risky play" and here Jen highlights how risk helps kids grow in physical strength, emotional resilience and faith.
We never outgrow the gospel. "The longer we walk here below with the Lord, we will become more sanctified and less sinful, yet we should grieve the lingering sin in ourselves all the more"
"How many times have you opened your phone, scrolled and surfed for 20 minutes, and then said to yourself, "I picked up my phone to do something...what was it?" Guilty? I know I've been. Here's some proverbs and applications to equip you in the battle for your attention.
I appreciated these principles and was reminded once again how dedentary life can be if we're not intentional about moving.
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