A number of years ago, when I was neck deep in the midst of my most difficult time, I had an amazing occurrence in a time of journaling.
Feeling particularly depressed and empty, I didn’t even want to journal because I was sure there was nothing there to write, and that if I did try to journal, it would be entirely repetitive and very negative.
I had walked over to my mom’s house before daybreak—to cry and complain. I went so early she was still asleep. That means it was waaaay early because she is an early-to-rise morning person.
So I went to her spare bedroom, sat down at the desk, pulled out a piece of paper and was going to whine on the pages. Instead, I began writing what you will read here. I never hesitated once. As soon as the pen touched the paper I was off and running.
It was…amazing and wonderful and beyond my comprehension.
I knew for sure it wasn’t me because I was as in awe of what I was writing as anyone else would have been if they were standing nearby watching and reading the words.
I do believe that the Holy Spirit in us wants to personally speak to us.
And He will usually use our gift to do so.
Some people will feel His presence and anointing in the verbal words they speak.
Others when they are painting or sculpting.
For me, it’s writing.
Often, when I journal, it will segue from the whining into prayers on my part, and then what seems to be God speaking to me.
But this day it was straight-out pure God from the get-go.
I have read this over and over again for encouragement. A few people that I shared it with have done the same.
And I pray that it now encourages you, too.
Because this is straight from the heart of our Father-God.
It isn’t just to me. It’s to all His kids. I believe that. He never leaves ANY one out!
(By the way, I’m soooo glad my mom was still asleep! Hearing from God, instead of making her listen to my repetitive whining, was so much better for the both of us! God spared her! Ha).
Here it is:
“Can you take it day-by-day, child? Trusting me, your Shepherd, to lead you beside the still waters, to fields of green pastures where you can eat and drink and rest?
Can you do that?
It’s all I am asking.
Let me guide you as though you were blind. With my rod and staff I will guide you.
I know where we are going—yes, I say “we” because I will never leave nor forsake you.
I am leading you to places better than you can imagine.
Did I not tell you that if you would just trust me and be obedient that I would open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing you cannot contain?
Do you not believe that I can do exceedingly abundantly beyond all you can ask or even think?
I am your Lord, Your Shepherd, but I am also your Friend.
And I love you.
I love you with a love you find difficult to comprehend.
That is why you must suspend your thinking, step out of the realm of the mind, and step in to the realm of the Spirit—of faith—the place where miracles occur and prayers are answered and joy abounds even while you are walking in the midst of this fallen world and all its troubles and sorrows.
I will lead you in the path of righteousness.
And even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will not be harmed.
Even in death there is victory so do not be afraid, my child.
Physical death leads to a resurrection life like you have not known here on this earth.
But your time to live and move and have your being THERE is not now.
The time will come–and you will rejoice, oh, how you will rejoice—but the time is not now.
I have work on this earth for you to do. Lives I want you to touch—to pour my Love on.
Do not be afraid. I am with you.
Remember how we began this conversation?
I want you to walk & talk with me day-by-day—moment-by-moment, really.
Can you do that for me?
Again, remember, I gave you My Spirit to help you, so even in this request you do not have to muster up your courage or abilities.
You need only trust in me, rely on me, talk to me…listen…and then do what you hear.
Shall we try that together this year?
Don’t throw your life away in despair.
I really do have plans for you–plans to prosper you in every way, plans to give you hope and a future with me beyond your wildest imagination!
Trust me.
Take my hand NOW and trust me like a child walking with their big, strong, loving Father. Because that is who I am to you.
I am your Father.
And, believe me, child. I am big. ***joyful laughter–warm resounding joyful laughter rings out***
Laugh with me, child.
You are so much in this world. You don’t need to be.
You are carrying heavy burdens I did not design you to carry. And I don’t WANT you to carry.
Be free like a child.
Give me the big bag of burdens. They are NOTHING to me. Nothing at all.
And I want to carry them for you.
They aren’t even burdens to me.
I will take care of them so that the burdens become blessings. I can do that.
I have made the way for you to walk in this world surrounded and protected by a covering–my covering–to keep the evil one at bay.
You control the degree of protection with the words of your mouth and with your faith and obedience.
But don’t let this truth cause you to feel discouraged or dejected due to your knowledge and memories of past failures and your “today” weaknesses.
I am here to even help you with that!
I have 100% help for you for every single mountain (which are but tiny molehills to me. remember? I am BIG. ***joyful laughter again***).
Laugh with me, child!
Release your cares.
Walk free.
Unencumbered.
RUN free–like a child at play.
Let me take care of you.
Oh, how I want to take care of you.
Let me take care of your “problems” while you play.
I want you to play.
Even “work” can be play if you let me show you the way.
The “work” I have for you will feel like play.
Be free in the unforced rhythms of grace that I have waiting for you.
Walk in that natural rhythm in one accord with me.
It feels good.
It feels right.
There is no dis-chord.
No dis-harmony.
Just a heavenly rhythm and flow of my love, mercy, and grace…for you.
I have it for you.
Walk in it. With me.
Amen and amen.”
Selah.