I’m as close as the mention of My name. Not even an inch can separate us. I blanket you with everything in Me and all I want is your love.
You don’t have to jump high hoops to reach My approval. I approved you the moment I made you, and I don’t make mistakes.
Here’s what I do with mistakes when you slip them in my hand: I turn them into dazzling diamonds—God-glorifying gems in the crown of your tested testimony.
The more you see how much I treasure our closeness, the more you’ll treasure Me and rise to the perfect place of peace I designed for you.
I’m in everything, even in the mist that rides the waves of your turbulent circumstances. When you don’t understand, know this: I delight in using the good and bad to show Myself strong in you and you in Me.
One of life’s mysteries is My Sovereignty. No need to fear when the Prince of Peace hovers over you with joy-songs and delights in you more than life itself.
Someday you’ll see Me in the fullness of My bigness. Until then, I invite you to see today’s trial as an opportunity to grow your vision and see Me as your closest, most dependable friend.
I don’t want anything to come between us and I’ll fight for you all the way, moving heaven and earth to shape you holy and use you mightily.
You don’t need to outgrow me like a security blanket. Depend on me like a little child and let me weave Myself into the fabric of your life until you’re like Me, stitch by stitch, hemmed in fully, safe and wild.
[box] “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7[/box]
Such a beautiful expression of His desire for us! It’s just so reassuring to know we don’t have to perform for Him. He desires relationship with us just as we are … He knows us inside and out … created us … and wants us to share our hearts with Him …
This was a great way to start my day! Sharing … I have friends who are walking through some difficult challenges.
Blessings to you Cheryl!
Oh, thank you, Barbara. It thrills me to know I blessed your day. I pray your friends will be blessed as well. God is SO good. May you hear His beautiful reassuring voice throughout the day. “I’m for you, Barbara. I work all things together for good, Barbara. I’m holding you today, so let’s enjoy the adventure together!”
Thanks so much for this today. I needed to hear it! Last October I moved my parents from Georgia to Ohio to be close to me. Their health was bad and as an only child I needed them closer so I could take care of them. After just one week in my house I realized they could not live alone. Buying them a house was out of the question since they both had severe dementia. They can still get dressed and come to the table but that’s about the extent of what they can do. It’s a full time job to take care of them. Last February Ron’s widowed mother contracted cancer. She lives alone in Iowa on a 365 acre farm. He is living with her to help her through chemo. There are days I feel so alone. I’m exhausted and I miss writing. Reading your post today was such a blessing. Thank you.
Debbie,
I pray right now for your strength and the strength of your husband. Bless you for caring for your elder parents! It is so heart wrenching to see our parents grow old. I am next up to bat since both my parents are gone, and right now I need to make a decision about moving to be nearer the remnant of my family or into a local 4-staged nursing home/senior community or staying put. I’m a widow with no children to depend on as one is in heaven and one is bi-polar and estranged. I have a grandson who is 9 years old. As Billy Graham said, “Everyone taught me how to die, but nobody taught me how to grow old.”
Your Sister in Christ,
Linda Greer
I will pray a special prayer for you Linda. I will pray for God to send you brothers, sisters, daughters and sons in Christ. Too many Christians forget that we are to be family to other Christians. I prayed that God would provide for some friends of mine in another state and God answered in a beautiful way. A young family adopted them as grandparents and took care of them until they passed. It was a beautiful story of God’s love. I pray right now that God will give you the opportunity to share your story and that he will provide a loving family that will be with you through all your health issues. I know that God uses others to be the skin on his arms. Dear Jesus wrap Linda in your love and provide your best for her in her hour of need.
Reading your comment was a blessing to me, too. My life has been filled with some pretty heavy-duty complications and disappointments. Focussing on the beautiful simplicity of Christ’s presence helps me a ton.
It also helps me to remember that Jesus walked in the flesh, so he understands what it’s like to have family issues. His own earthly family had its own ups and downs. And I’m sure He missed His Father and the beauty of His heavenly home He’s always known. Don’t we all long for heaven some days?
Father, we thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to be with us always. I pray a special blessing over Debbie today. May this peace she feels as she reads my post only continue to grow throughout this day and the day’s ahead. In Jesus’ Name.
Thank you Cheryl. I’ll be praying for you too.
Dear Cheryl,
I stand in the midst of a crossroads, knowing not which way to turn. I need my God to guide me, but my spirit is so unsettled, I can’t stop long enough to hear Him. I am refreshed knowing He understands even this about me. Cheryl, please pray that He gives me the holy discernment I need about which direction my life will take next.
Your Sister in Christ,
Linda
Father God, I lift Linda before you right now. You tell us if we ask for wisdom you’ll give it to us without finding fault. Oh God, Linda needs wisdom at her crossroads. Please comfort her with the truth of Your Sovereignty. Remind her that no matter where she goes, you go with her. She can’t really go wrong when you go before her and hem her in all around.
Because she has accepted you, she is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore she can rejoice. “The steps of a righteous person are ordered of God.” Plant these truths deep in her heart, in Jesus’ Name–thank you, Jesus!
Start thanking Him in advance, Linda. There’s power in praise. The enemy can’t stand it because God inhabits it. Thank God that He directs your steps all the days of your life. {{hugs}}
This was simply beautiful, Cheryl. There’s nothing better than communing with our Lord and allowing his truth and love to be our covering for our day.
Thanks so much, Judy. That means a lot, coming from you. We both love to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His beautiful voice, don’t we? I continue to love your book, The Listening Heart, and all its uplifting words, all its deep treasures gleaned from spending time in His presence. Hope you have an awesome joy-filled day in the Spirit! XO
Such beautiful, powerful words, as always! And so timely. I run to God in my distress and He hears me and answers me.
Blessings and peace,
Leanna
Thanks, Leanna. May the comforting sound of God’s voice overshadow any of the enemy’s growls today. God has a plan. His plan is greater. And His plan will prevail!