By Your Side

Psalm 23:4 (VOICE) Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted.

Beloved, there is nothing I will not walk through with you. So in your darkest moments when you struggle to believe I’m there, rest in the knowledge I AM by your side and will not ever leave. 

So press into Me. Allow Me to sustain you and be your strength, for I AM able and I AM willing, and I AM greater than you know. Be comforted by My right hand, and guided by My eye. Trust in Me, and rest assured. 

Walk with Me in Righteousness

Ecclesiastes 12:14 (GW) God will certainly judge everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad.

Beloved, I’m not hovering, waiting for you to mess up so I can smite you. Nor am I eagerly awaiting seeing you stumble or fall. But the fact remains, I see all and I AM righteous. I AM the righteous judge and I don’t grade on a curve. Yet I AM slow to anger and rich in mercy. 

What this means is don’t simply do your best – deciding for yourself what seems right or wrong, but rather know My Word that you might understand what is expected and the measure by which all is judged. Then look to Me to help you walk out My will. 

I AM a good father. I AM patient and kind. Let Me help and let My Spirit teach you. And in the moments you fall short, don’t delay in repenting and realigning with My heart. Put your hand in Mine and walk with Me in righteousness.

Let Joy Blossom

Psalm 5:11 (VOICE) But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did; let them break out in joyful song. May You keep them safe— their love for You resounding in their hearts.

Beloved, let joy resound in your heart. You are loved. You are seen. You are accepted – flaws and all. You are safe with Me. For My heart towards you is good, so you need never doubt My intentions toward you. 

Hiding yourself away is not where safety is found, for fear too easily grows in dark, quiet corners. So invite Me into your space. Include Me in your tender moments and times of trial. Trust Me to be a tender, safe place for you to rest. And let joy blossom as you dwell in My presence. 

Make the Most of Each Day

Psalm 6:5 (VOICE) I’m alive for a reason — I can’t worship You if I’m dead. If I’m six feet under, how can I thank You?

Beloved, make the most of each day and each breath. Spend each wisely, treasuring them as the priceless gifts they are. Resist the urge to take them for granted or waste a single one. Rather cherish each with intentionality. 

Choose to pursue the talents and passions I’ve given you. Choose to build up. Choose to rejoice. Choose to bask in the beauty of My creation. Choose to praise Me. Choose to forgive and receive forgiveness. Choose to rest. Choose to love well and to speak life. Whatever you do and however you spend your moments, do so with wise intention that honors the Giver. 

We Will Win the Day

Psalm 89:21 (VOICE) My strong hand will stay with him and sustain him, regardless of trial or foe. My mighty arm will be his strength and shield.

Beloved, be not concerned for the battle ahead, for victory is assured. The trials – though not easy – are surmountable with Me. Strength and character are honed in the fight, and singlemindedness of purpose. 

Embrace these blessings rather than simply longing for it to be over, which only seems to drag out the process. Trust that I AM sustaining you and My hand is at work for good, and that we will win the day. 

Knowing When to Save Your Breath

Proverbs 23:9 (VOICE) Do not waste your wisdom on a fool, for he doesn’t care for anything you have to say.

Beloved, sometimes walking in humility looks like knowing when to save your breath rather than wasting wise counsel on one who will not listen. Pride will urge you on so that later you may say, “I told you so,” but there is no benefit in doing so. 

Instead humbly hold your counsel, and pray that their eyes might be opened. Be moved with compassion knowing that there have been times when you yourself have been the fool. So be grateful that day is past, and pray for theirs to pass quickly too. Continue reading “Knowing When to Save Your Breath”

Be Prayerful and Expectant

James 5:16 (AMP) …The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

Beloved, allow yourself to dream and hope. You know who I AM – the God of the impossible, so don’t hesitate to bring to Me that which stirs in your heart. Resist the urge to qualify your heart’s desires to determine their “worth” because I love to hear the desires of your heart. No petition is too outlandish or outrageous – I love when you think big because I AM a big God. Nor is any request too small or insignificant. What is on your heart is important to Me, and I hear the requests of My children.

So allow your heartfelt requests to come forth in prayer and expectation. Trust Me to move. There is great power as you team together with Me. So don’t be one who “has not because they ask not.” Ask, seek, and knock; then wait expectantly for Me to open the door.

Be certain to ask in faith. What is the point of asking if you expect no response? Would you knock on a door without expectation of it being opened? Be sure to be expectant that I will hear and respond. It may not be in the way you’re hoping, but I don’t ignore the petitions of those I love (and I love you). So be prayerful and expectant, beloved, and watch as I move.

Those Who Trust Me Will Not Be Put to Shame

Psalm 2:12 (VOICE) …blessings await all who trust in Him. They will find God a gentle refuge.

Beloved, regardless of who may have hurt you in days past, I’m not them. I AM faithful and true, and I fiercely guard My children. Rest in Me and trust Me to have you’re best interests at heart – even when you cannot see it. 

Those who trust in Me will not be put to shame, for I cover them with My blessings and walk with them through each trial. The presence of hardships in your life does not mean I’m not faithful, for character and faith are built in those moments. But know I AM with you – sustaining you through your darkest hours, and I promise joy comes in the morning. So trust in Me. 

Penetrating Love

Psalm 4:6 (VOICE) Crowds of disheartened people ask, “Who can show us what is good?” Let Your brilliant face shine upon us, O Eternal One, that we may know the undeniable answer.

Beloved, feel the warmth of My love shining on you, and allow its fervency to mark you. Let it change your innermost being. Let it keep you from moments of discouragement and despair. For I AM good and I love My children. 

See Me as I AM, and know My heart toward you intimately. I don’t simply love you, I AM love. So receive My love and allow its penetrating intensity to change you to the depths of your soul. For you are Mine, beloved. I have accepted you. 

Dwell in Safety with Me

Psalm 18:19 (TPT) His love broke open the way and he brought me into a beautiful broad place. He rescued me—because his delight is in me!

Beloved, even on your darkest day, I still delight in you. My love for you is unchanging. I do not grow tired of whatever hardship or the pain you are experiencing, but rather I patiently and steadfastly walk by your side until the morning comes. 

So let My love expand a place of joy and beauty and truth for you to rest. And take My hand and let Me rescue you from the one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He is no match for Me. So dwell, beloved, in safety with Me.  Continue reading “Dwell in Safety with Me”