A Polished Arrow Hidden In His Quiver

And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword;

In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me,

And made Me a polished arrow;

In His quiver He has hidden Me.

~Isaiah 49:2

This scripture was referenced in one of last week's devotionals in the Streams in the Desert book I'm using during my quiet time this year. The author talked about the polished arrow and how polishing is the result of grinding off the sharp edges until the arrow is smooth and ready for use. Just like the arrow, we often need to be "polished." Our polishing is the result of difficulties in our lives; we may not understand at the time, but these difficulties smooth us and prepare us to serve the Lord when He calls.

I wanted to remember this idea, so I took time to illustrate it in my Bible using bits & pieces from the Sweet to the Soul I Am Not Alone Bible Journaling Kit, which contains a couple of arrow die cuts. I also included letter stickers, a "God is With Me" sticker quote, and a decorative paperclip from the kit. Then I added some creative lettering and doodling along with handwritten journaling to complete the page.

I had a previous illustration in the margin next to this scripture, so I simply added this new illustration and journaling on the opposite page.

I love these reminders that God is polishing us and preparing us and protecting us and is always with us!