The River

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self control." 2 Timothy 2:7

Every day, fear whispers to you. Calling you to rehearse the "what ifs"; telling you that you can't face this or that; urging you to try to plan for every contingency. Learn to identify fear's voice so that you can shut it down. 

My Spirit is in direct opposition to fear. 

My Spirit gives Life, while fear drains you. 

My Spirit frees you, while fear enslaves you. 

My Spirit mobilizes you, while fear causes you to freeze. 

My Spirit enables you to exercise tremendous self control, while fear keeps you as a victim of your own urges and cravings. 

My Spirit gives you strength, while fear convinces you you are too weak to cope. 

My Spirit empowers you to make wise choices in spite of exhaustion, while fear confuses you. 

Let the voice of My Spirit drown out the voice of fear. My Spirit speaks in Love. Fear would like to keep you dry and dehydrated, stuck out in the desert. Come to the River, Beloved. Come, drink and live! Can you hear the River roar? My Spirit is Life. Hear the gushing of the water, and come near. The River is powerful and flowing fast, and fear would keep you away. Hear Me calling you and come. Come, dear one, and jump in! 

Hope in the Living God

Dear one, you need to let go of the resentment you feel about being woken early day after day. Stop trying to fight for an extra hour or two of sleep and use the time to seek Me instead. Remember - your hope is in the Living God, who is your Saviour (1 Timothy 4:10). Your hope is in Me for eternity, but also for each day here on earth. In your exhaustion, your hope is in Me to carry you through this day. You do not journey alone. I am with you in the chaos and confusion of each day. I know your deep, aching weariness and I am your salvation. 

Lean back into My arms, Beloved. To truly Hope in Me is to surrender all your anxious thoughts. All of your plans. All of your energy. I can multiply your yielded energy tenfold. I can rearrange your plans so that you can focus only on what is needful. I can transform your anxious thoughts into peace-filled trust. Put your hope again in Me, the Living God, for this day.

Bundle of "Shoulds"

Just receive My Love afresh this morning, Beloved! Let your mind be still, and focus on Me. 

Drop that heavy bundle of "shoulds" at My feet. You picked that up all by yourself. It is not My intention for you to carry that around!

When you are "too busy" to come away with Me, you invite "D.I.Y. mode" to rule your life. 

Beloved, you need daily cuddles with your Daddy. My embrace actually impacts on your neurological development. Intimacy with Me changes the wiring in your brain. You can always make time for this!

Nothing is Wasted

Yes, I am the ultimate Up-cycler. 

You bring Me the broken, messy, ugly parts of yourself and I will transform them into works of art. Bring the shameful, dysfunctional, hurting bits. Give Me your circumstances and situations that seem all messed up and wrong. I love to work beauty out of brokenness. 

This is not a once-off exchange at the time of salvation; but a many-times-a-day exchange. Just keep handing it to Me. Nothing is too much. No bit is too small. My creativity knows no limits. Nothing is wasted.

The Ultimate Up-cyler

Just trust Me, Beloved! I know it seems that life is spinning out of control, but I have it all in hand, just as much as when you feel in control. Breathe deeply and trust Me!  

Trust is grown in the small moments of life. For example, when your plans for the week are thrown into havoc by yet another unwelcome illness, or when your plans for the next half hour are thrown into havoc by a sudden toddler toileting accident. These are not the disasters that you perceive them to be! Gritting your teeth to push through on strained nerves is not the solution! 

When you look to Me in expectant joy, and ask, "What now?", you give Me the space to turn your perceived disaster into something else entirely. This is real life - the training ground for victorious living. I am the ultimate up-cycler! Genuinely ugly mess surrendered to Me can become a thing of beauty! The trenches of motherhood surrendered to Me can become the heights of joyous adventure and discovery. Yield the mess and the unutterable exhaustion to Me, and watch Me re-purpose it!  

Spend Time Deliberately

You know how important it is in your marriage to spend time deliberately remembering the reasons that you fell in love with your spouse. You know how important it is to spend time deliberately recognising and appreciating your husband for who he is right now. You know how important it is to spend time deliberately dreaming together for the future. So it is in your relationship with Me. 

Take time regularly to deliberately reflect on and remember what I have done for you, and how I won your heart. Take time regularly to deliberately recognise and praise Me for who I am and what I am doing in your life right now. And take time regularly to deliberately dream with Me about the future. 

Just Listen

Listen. I know that you are fretting about many things these last few days. Every time you plan to come away with Me, you are interrupted. I know, Beloved. I hear your fretting. In the  moments you grab to be with Me, you feel that you are not getting any answers. Just listen.

When your baby is fretting, what do you do? You hold her to your chest, where the sound of your heart beat and the sound of your  breathing calms and relaxes her. This is the safest place on earth for her!

Listen. Rest your head on My chest and listen to My heart beat. Listen to My breathing, and just relax. This is the safest place on earth for you, Beloved. Just listen.

Truly Rely On Me

I know you are weary, Beloved. These nights with a newborn and sick kids are so disrupted. But what if you allowed those disruptions to be times of connection with Me? How this would change your attitude towards having to get up! It would also solve your problem of trying to find a consistent time to seek My Presence. This can change the whole tone of your days. Just because you are tired, does not mean that you need to be irritable.

This season is so useful, My Darling, for you to learn to truly rely on Me to get you through each day. Not on coffee, sugar, entertainment, technology, craft, or your own strength. Truly rely on Me. When you have moments of weakness, turn to ME, not to any of these other gods.

Consistency and Constancy

Discontent. A telltale sign that your eyes have slipped from My Face to your surroundings. Your salvation is not in how clean you keep your house! you are already saved by My sacrifice, Beloved. 

When your eyes slip from My Face, you all-too-easily start believing the enemy's lies: "You will be happy if you can just...keep your house clean/ run a successful business/ raise obedient and charming children/ be fit and healthy..." All of these are lovely, but will not satisfy your heart's longing. 

This is not a new message, My dear. But I will repeat it until it sinks in. Until a habit is formed. And then, I will repeat it again because there will always be distractions. Fix your eyes on Me!

You long for consistency and constancy in your good habits. Remember the adage, "Live with them, get like them"? Well, the more time you spend in My Presence, the more you take on My characteristics. It's that simple! I am the one Constant of the universe. Spend time with Me and you will grow in constancy. Not through striving, not through your own strength, but by the power of My Presence.

Sit and Just Wonder

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

It is good for you to take time to sit and just wonder at My works. 

Like opening a treasure box and slowly taking out each precious gem, one at a time, admiring each one. This practice stirs up gratitude in your heart that cannot and ought not be contained. Let this gratitude spill over into songs of praise and thanksgiving to Me. 

Remember, dear one, how I carried you through difficult months. Remember how I healed your girl's broken heart through creative miracle AND medical intervention. Remember, wonder, and thank Me on a regular basis. Let the tears of gratitude flow, and don't hold back!

Perfect Parenting Tips

When your children are being resistant and even hostile towards you, look to Me. I am the perfect Parent, and I long to share My parenting tips with you! Look at how I deal with you, My darling daughter, and learn from this.

When you withdraw from Me or act in a hostile manner towards Me, I do not come down hard on you. In these times, I know that you need extra reminders of My unceasing Love. You need extra time in My Presence. You need extra "hugs". 

Try showering your children with love. Give them the gift of your time - they value this so highly. Little sessions of time that is purely focused on them. No distractions. Just love on them. 

Blessed are Those Who Trust

"Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - he remains faithful forever." Psalm 146:5-6

Reflect on My Faithfulness. Take today, for example...how many incidents can you count when you chose very deliberately to put your hope in Me, and I came through for you? Not always in the way that you thought best. Sometimes in a much better way that you had not even imagined. 

I want you to live in close dependence on Me, Beloved. Breathing through each anxiety, each fear, each "How am I going to face this?" moment by reasserting your trust in Me. As you do this, you invite Me to manage the details of your life, and allow Me a greater degree of creativity in working solutions to the everyday challenges that you face. 

Too often you long and pray for My involvement, but then try to strictly control the outcome. This is not trust, my dear. Trust leaves outcomes in My capable hands. Trust remembers that I made heaven and earth. Trust knows without a shadow of a doubt that I love you completely, unreservedly, unconditionally.

Blessed is the one who trusts in Me. 

Call on Me

"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them." Psalm 145:17-19

When you can't think straight, just call on Me. Call on Me in truth...not crying out, "O Lord, help me!" with every intention of carrying on in your own strength (or lack thereof). Cry out to Me in Truth...in order to seek My Face. Cry out to Me in surrender. Cry out to Me in praise. Know that I hear your cry, and I will save you from yourself!

Stop Negative Declarations

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143:8-10

I see your desperation, Beloved. I know how this lingering illness in your household gets you down. And now you can feel your own body succumbing to it again also. Oh my darling, I know how confused you are about My healing power, and how and when I heal the sick and injured. You do not need to understand everything about it in order to pray for healing. You do not need to worry about getting the wording "just right" - it is not a formula! 

I want you to move forward in this area, dear one. What you fail to realise is that you hinder your own prayers by the frequent negative declarations. I know you do not grasp the power of declarations, or how to speak out declarations in faith without constantly feeling like you are trying to will something into being; or trying to control Me. 

Let's start here: stop negative declarations! You pray desperately for healing, but then your thought life is rife with negative thoughts. You focus on how awful you feel. You think, "I feel rotten" over and over. You speak it out repeatedly through the day. If you started replacing your fixation on how awful you feel with a fixation on Me, you would notice a marked difference in how you feel.

Each time you catch yourself thinking or speaking about how sick you are - STOP and ask for Me to heal you and your family. This will shift the focus off of yourself and onto Me. This is a good start!

Lord of the Mundane

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door to my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity and let me not eat of their delicacies!" Psalm 141:3-4

How you live your life matters, dear one. In the everyday little details, especially. Turning your heart and mind towards Me in the exhausting, frustrating and irritating moments of your day will change your response entirely. Life is made up of the little moments, Beloved. 

So the little moments matter - big time! I do not remind you of this to shame you or force you into legalistic rule-keeping! I remind you of this Truth so that you can realise the importance of letting Me into every area of your life. This is a choice you have to make again and again and again each day. To let Me be Lord of the mundane. 

Surrendered Weakness

The enemy would have you believe that just because you are seriously sleep-deprived, that you will therefore struggle to make it through today. Take a stand now - reject this lie and speak out My Truth. I AM your strength and your song!

Remember that I can work most effectively with surrendered weakness!  Too often, your "strength" gets in My way. So, do not feel defeated before the day even begins! Instead, rejoice that you have yet another great opportunity to let Me come through for you. Surrender your weakness to Me, and watch Me do My thing!

Share It All

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast the sum of them!" Psalm 139:17

Here in the secret place, I share My thoughts with you. This time is so precious...give Me a little longer, Beloved. There is so much I wish to share with you!

There are certain friends with whom you love to hang out without clock-watching. The exchange of ideas, opinions and deep feelings is worth fully committing to. Time is irrelevant when you are genuinely connecting on a deep level with another person. 

Dear one - this is how I intend our interactions to be. Come with the same expectation and anticipation. Open your heart and mind completely to Me. Pour out your thoughts and feelings to Me. I want to hear you express yourself. I want to respond to you. I want there to be a genuine back-and-forth exchange of thoughts! On any and every topic! Don't limit Me by only sticking to "spiritual" things. I am interested in every area of your life - your finances, your business, your marriage, parenting, friendships, physical health, emotional life. Your dreams, frustrations, the things that make you laugh, the things that make you cry. I want to share it all with you. 

And get this - I want to share with you My thoughts about each of these areas and more! Yes, I do have opinions. Do you want to go deeper with Me?

Strength of Soul

"On the day I called you, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased." Psalm 138:3

You look at yourself and see flaws - the ways you are failing to carry out what I am telling you, and the areas you are falling short of My best for you. But when I look at you, I see the righteousness of Christ! I see the change in your heart, wrought by Me, not by you, and I rejoice! 

Not only that, but I also rejoice each time you call on Me. Each admission that you need Me. Each time you draw near to Me. I love you so dearly. 

As you struggle with weariness today, call on Me and I will answer you. I will increase the strength of your soul. 

Truly Fix

In every challenge you face, the solution is the same...fix your eyes on Me! Don't just give Me a passing glance. Truly fix your eyes on Me. 

You need Me every moment. The sooner you truly comprehend this with your mind AND your heart, the sooner you will experience a greater degree of freedom. 

Let every frustration, irritation and inconvenience that you face today be a reminder to fix your eyes on Me. Face the small, everyday trials in the same manner as you face the giant, life-changing trials - for they are no different in My eyes.

It Is Pleasant

"Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!" Psalm 135:3

There is a deep hunger in you, Beloved. Hunger for Me. And yet, at times you still seek to fill it with "junk food", rather than partaking in the feast set before you. Some things seem pleasant to you in the moment, but leave you feeling dissatisfied. 

One thing always satisfies - My Presence, dear one! You were created to worship and cannot be satisfied unless you are living in intimate, worshipful relationship with Me, giving Me the praise due My Name. This is not a chore - it blesses your heart even more than you know!

In obedience, you praise Me because I deserve it. Because I AM GOOD. But as you do this, you realise how pleasant it is. One thing you can be sure of - praising Me will never leave a bad taste in your mouth. There will be no detrimental side-effects. There will be pain at times; but it is healthy pain, productive pain to cleanse your heart. 

Today test your cravings...whenever you are craving something, turn your face to Me and connect with Me. See how I will satisfy you!

Desperate Hunger

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning." Psalm 130:5-6

Bring Me the daily sacrifice of your time, dear one. I know how dearly it costs you to carve out time to spend with Me amidst the busyness of life with young children who are so dependent on you. 

Look at your tiny baby daughter. Look at the desperation that she exhibits when she is hungry! Nothing will satisfy until she is at your breast being nurtured. There is an urgency, a "nothing else matters" quality to her hungry cry. 

I want you to hunger for My Word and My Presence with the same intensity, the same single-mindedness! I want you to need My Word and My Presence so desperately that you just cannot put it off! 

Oh, Beloved, the need is already there. You just have to realise it. Open your mind to it.

Bursting Forth

The dawn has arrived. See it bursting forth in brilliance? I told you of this day. I told you that dawn was coming. It is now arriving in brilliant splendour! 

This dawn I speak of is not describing circumstances going your way. The dawn is the opening of your heart-eyes to see things from My perspective as being MORE REAL than the earthly perspective. 

I dearly desire to reveal this Truth to you in a fuller capacity. Keep on drawing near to Me and you will gradually grasp this Truth more deeply. This is the natural consequence of spending more time in My manifest Presence. 

Work From Rest

"Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labour in vain." Psalm 127:1

All work you do for Me must flow from this place of rest with Me. Otherwise it is in vain. Work that flows from true soul rest is productive. When your heart is right with Me, your hands will be able to work with My strength, in My purpose. Rest and be refreshed.

Abide In Me

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever." Psalm 125:1

Trust Me, Beloved. How quickly fear creeps in and tries to win control of your heart again. Reject fear, call on My Name, and fix your eyes on Me. Abide in Me.

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

You must learn to abide in Me.

Look To Me

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

Beware "D.I.Y mode", Beloved. Remember all that I have taught you in these past few months. Do not let the journey be wasted. I have shown you your own tendency to try to do everything in your own strength. In times of great difficulty,  your own strength is clearly inadequate. But as the crisis passes, you quickly start grasping for control again. 

This is a big deal, dear one. This tendency is directly at odds with My plan for you. While you are striving in your own strength, you cannot be living yielded to Me. This is what I desire for you - a yielded life. Victorious living can only come through constant yielding to Me. 

Lift up your eyes. Remember to be consistently fixed on My Face. I AM your help - I, who made heaven and earth! Help for every moment, not just for crisis. 

Look to Me, Beloved. Look to Me. 

Treasure Trove

"I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil." Psalm 119:162

My Word is a treasure trove under your very nose. Countless priceless gems, waiting for you to discover and possess them! How I love to witness your joy upon encountering golden Truth and gems of Wisdom. How I love the way your heart lights up when you make a connection between My Word and your own life. 

Cherish My Word like precious treasure. Keep it close to your heart always. Spend time pouring over it, examining it in great detail. 

Love My Word. 

Steady Steps

"Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over  me." Psalm 119:133

I desire faithfulness in My children, Beloved. I love steadfastness. Do not let the busy nature of this season draw your eyes away from Me. Now that the urgency of the crisis has passed, do not give up turning your face towards Me. 

Remember, you need Me just as much in the smooth sailing as in the rough waters. Be steadfast in seeking Me daily, dear one. Continue to make this a high priority each day. 

Testimonies As Heritage

"Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart." Psalm 119:111

For a child so very young, Verity already has a substantial heritage. An eternal heritage. A story of My Goodness at work in her young life! Her life has already touched so many hearts, including your own. 

Take some time to stand back from the daily ups and downs and see the bigger picture here. Celebrate My healing work that has given her Life! I have a plan and a purpose for her. To give her a hope and a future. Just see what I shall do!

Eat and Be Full

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth." Psalm 119:103

Feast on My Words! They are food for your soul. Never underestimate the importance of My Words in nourishing your soul from day to day. You cannot live on scraps from yesterday. It is not my intention for you to starve. I set out a feast for you, each and every day. It is up to you to partake of it!

You are getting impatient with Verity not eating enough. You know she needs more, and it hurts you because it will be detrimental to her health. You have an abundant supply for her, and it physically hurts you to have her not eat enough! How you long for her to stay close to your heart and eat until she is full!

This is My heart for you too. Eat and be full, Beloved!

Our Secret Garden

"Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word." Psalm 119:74

You need to make space for Me amidst the busy hospital setting. Clear your mind of all the distractions - beeping alarms, the buzz and hum of equipment and machines, crying babies, staff talking. Come away with Me to our secret place, our secret garden.

You are walking this journey too solemnly. Throw off that solemnity, and indulge in some joyous relaxation. I have offered to carry your burdens, so why do you persist in carrying them yourself? Cast them aside and dance with Me among the flowers. Rest and rejoice in My Love.

This is My Promise

"I entreat your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise." Psalm 119:58

I will never leave you or forsake you. This is My Promise.
My Loving-kindness reaches to the skies, and My Faithfulness is like a mighty mountain. This is My Promise.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through the fire you will not be burned. This is My Promise.
I work ALL THINGS together for the good of those who love Me. This is My Promise.
I am your shelter, and underneath are My everlasting arms.  This is My Promise.
When you wait on Me, you will renew your strength and rise up on wings like eagles. This is My Promise.
I will cover you with My feathers, and under My wings you will find refuge. This is My Promise.
If you make Me your dwelling, no harm will overtake you. This is My Promise.

Soak in My Promises. Here, there is rest. Here, there is Life. Here, there is deep refreshment for your weary soul. It does your heart good to meditate on My Promises.

Promises that Give Life

"Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." Psalm 119:49-50

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Me, your hope is a sure thing. Your hope is securely anchored to Me, the Rock of your salvation. Remember that your hope does not rest on the flimsy shifting sands of circumstances or desired outcomes. Your hope is securely based on Me - the Way, the Truth and the Life!

My Word is Truth. My Word is Life. My Word is not full of false hope and worthless optimism. My Promises actually give you Life, and comfort you in times of hardship. When everything else is uncertain; when everything else is unpredictable; when everything else is in a state of flux...I AM constant. My Word stands true and solid. Cling to Me, and you will not be swept away in the storm.

Turn Your Eyes

"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. " Psalm 119 : 37

Beloved, there are some things you fix your eyes on that are just not helpful.  This "I just want her home!" cry of your heart is, of course a legitimate desire. But to fix your eyes on this desire is worthless. Pining after something that cannot be in the here and now is futile and even harmful to your heart.

I long to be your heart's foremost desire! Pining after Me is never harmful to you! I always make myself available to be found by you.

Chase after Me with the intensity and passion you feel towards your newborn daughter.

Fix your eyes on Me, dear one.  The more desperate you feel, the more helpless, the more your heart aches - focus your whole heart on turning towards Me.  Focus your longing on Me. Focus your desperation on Me.  Fix your eyes on Me.

Life is found here in My Presence.  As precious as cuddles with your newborn are, they cannot compare to cuddles with your Daddy God!! My Embrace soothes your aching heart. My Embrace imparts abundant life. Rest here in My Embrace.  Don't rush away.

Your Food

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law... Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors... My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!"

My Word is your food.  You need it daily, even hourly. My Word is what nurtures your heart, helping to strengthen you to face the challenges of each day. I give your manna - nutrients for just one day.  You cannot store it up, Beloved.  Come to My Word each and every day. Come in your hunger, ready to eat and be nourished. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you can do without it. You know what happens when your skip physical meals, especially in times of busyness... You feel weak, weary, burnt out! You cannot run this marathon with no nourishment.

My Word and My Words

"In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.  I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." Psalm 119:14-16

When the path gets rocky, you start looking down at your feet, as if that can help you avoid stumbling. That might work in the physical world, but My Kingdom is an upside-down kingdom. If you want to keep from stumbling, you must keep your eyes fixed on Me. Watching where you are going will trip you up for sure!

Store up My Word in your heart, and keep referring back to it.  My Word is the lamp to your feet, the light to your path.  Meditate on My Word, fix your eyes on My Ways, and you will keep moving forward.  Delight yourself in My testimonies as in all riches. Keep My Word at the forefront of your heart and mind. Regularly review the words I am speaking to your heart, as you forget them far too quickly!  Delight yourself in My Word and in My words.

Because I AM

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes... Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: The Lord's right hand has done mighty things! The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!" Psalm 118:8-9,15-16

In this society where science is highly regarded, the "princes" are the scientific minds; the doctors and surgeons being amongst them.

Although I use them, the doctors should not take My place. Your hope does not rest in them. Which is just as well when they give you different, even opposite opinions of what is best for your girl.  Remember: your trust is in Me, your Refuge. Not in the doctors. Rest in this Truth - I AM Jehovah-Rapha, God your Healer. I AM the Divine Physician. I hold your tiny girl in the palm of My hand. I love her even more than you do - and you know how much that is!

As you take refuge in Me, you are agreeing with the higher Truth that I AM. Circumstances must bend to My Will. Things are not as they seem. Keep your eyes fixed on My Face, and My Reality will be MORE REAL to you than the appearance of your circumstances. You will have no fear of bad news, your heart will be steadfast, trusting in Me. Your heart is secure, you will have NO FEAR! (Psalm 112:7-8) Bad news cannot shake you when you cling to the Rock who is higher than you.  (Psalm 61:2)

Keeping your eyes fixed on Me, you can see beyond the circumstances.  Not to see a desired outcome, but to see the eternal Truth that I AM! Then you will burst forth with shouts of joy and victory! Get this, Beloved...You are not celebrating because things are going your way.  You are celebrating because I AM. You are not willing things into being, but you are rejoicing because I AM. Every step of the way, I AM. Regardless of what happens, I AM. You cannot be shaken, because I AM.

Where You Were Always Meant To Be

O dear one. I see you. I feel how your arms ache to hold your precious daughter. She has come from your body, and belongs in your arms. I know your pain, Beloved. I know how wrong it feels to see her lying there, and not be able to pick her up. I created you to need each other. I created your body and emotions respond to her needs, and I created her body and emotions to respond to your touch. So of course you are both suffering while these needs cannot be met. 

In your pain, cling to Me, Beloved. Your Mummy heart is created in the image of My Daddy heart. I know all too well how it feels to see your child suffering; knowing that they need you, but being prevented from intervening. I created you to respond to My Touch; and My Heart is moved by your needs. My arms are constantly outstretched, waiting for you to throw yourself into My Embrace. This is what you need most, dear one. Nothing else comes close. There is no substitute for the healing that happens as you let Me hold you, nurture you, feed you. Relax into Daddy's arms - just where you were always meant to be.

"Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear...It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man...I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Psalm 118:5-6,8,13-14

Always Worthy

"Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 117

We've talked about this before, but let's go over it again. Praise is not situation-dependent. You do not praise Me when things seem (to you) to be going well, and then withhold it when you are unhappy with the way your circumstances are progressing. 

In psychology, you have been taught to use praise as a reward. You praise to reward behaviours that you want to see more of, behaviours that you approve of. You withhold praise and ignore behaviours that you want to see less of, behaviours that you disapprove of. But you cannot train Me, Beloved. I do not bend to your will by strategic use of praise. You cannot make Me love you any more than I already do - that is an impossibility! 

I will not jump through a hoop for a treat, dear one. You praise Me because I AM. My Presence, My Existence deserves praise. I AM always worthy, regardless of what I do or don't do. 

Moreover, praise moves your heart. When your eyes have slipped from My Face, praise restores the connection. When you are feeling helpless, praise restores Truth of My Sovereignty. When things are not going the way think they should, praise realigns you with Me, with My will. 

So, declare with the psalmist right now: "Great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever! Praise the Lord!"

It Is Well

"Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 116:7-9

You have cried, prayed and surrendered your precious daughter entirely into My Hands...know that this is THE SAFEST place she could ever possibly be!! Be it on the operating table, or at home in your arms, she is safest when yielded to Me completely.

For your Hope does not rest on the surgeon or the anaethetist or any other medical professional, no matter how wonderfully talented they may be. Your Hope rests absolutely securely on the Truth that I AM GOD! This Truth is not affected by circumstances! It stands, Unchanging and Unchangeable! It is the reason that you can say, "Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." It is the reason you can say, "It is well with my soul."

 

You Need Me

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness...You who fear him, trust in the Lord - he is their help and shield...he will bless those who fear the Lord - small and great alike. It is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord." Psalm 115:1,11,13,18

Come to Me, Beloved. Come spend time in My Arms. You cannot face this alone, nor in just remembering My Presence. You need Me. Time in My Presence. Rest for your weary soul. Refreshment for your aching heart. I AM all you need! I AM the supplier of ALL your needs, dear one. I AM your strength - apart from Me, you would collapse in a heap. This burden would be too much for you to bear. But I AM here to carry it for you, dear one!

Keep your eyes locked on My Face. Remember, My gaze imparts so much to you - Hope, Strength, Peace, Patience in the waiting. Don't let your eyes slip from My Face, even for a moment. For then you may see the waves and believe their power to be greater than Mine. Keep your eyes glued to My Face, and I will cause your feet to walk on the water. I will not let you slip and be overcome by the waves. I will not let you drown.  

Tender Presence

"Tremble, O earth, at the Presence of the Lord, at the Presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water." Psalm 114:7-8

My Presence is powerful, and My Presence is tender. I long for connection with you, Beloved.  As you sit and watch your precious daughter sleeping - willing her to open her eyes and turn her face to you - you are longing for connection with her. You hover over her, never forcing that connection, but longing, waiting for her to be ready. You know it is what she NEEDS - to be held by you, to stare into your eyes. Yet you long for this for your own heart as well.

I have created you with your mother heart in the image of My Father Heart. There is much you can learn about My Love for you as your heart aches for Verity.

I hover over you all day, every day, precious daughter.  Longing for you to wake from your slumber and turn your eyes to My Face.  Never forcing that connection, but pining for it.  I know that it is what you NEED most - to be held by My arms, to stare into My eyes; and I long for this connection for My own heart too.

How it thrills your heart when she does open her eyes and turn her trusting gaze to you.  When she is fretting, you pick her up and she relaxes into your embrace.  Precious moments to savour!!

When you are fretting, relax into My Embrace, dear one.  Turn your trusting eyes to My Face and let Me comfort you with My tender Presence.

Praise!

"Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised."

As you sit watching the sun rise, let your heart be filled with praise for Me. This is your natural response to the beauty you find when you turn your eyes to Me. My beauty and My Goodness cause praise to rise in your soul.  Speak it out, declare it, sing with joy of your love for Me!

While praise is a natural response to reflecting on who I am, it is so much more than this.  It is a fact that praise is due Me - always and forever.  It is written into the laws of the universe - My name MUST be praised. It is written into the very structure of My creation. So when you choose to praise Me, you are standing in agreement with Heaven and all of earth's creation.

The ruler of this world would have you believe that it is unnatural for you to praise Me, especially when facing difficult circumstances.  He would have you blame Me instead. But he is the father of lies and there is no Truth in him. 

As you face this day, choose to do the most truly natural thing in the world, and PRAISE ME with your whole heart!

Mighty In The Land

"Praise the Lord.  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.  His children will be mighty in the land;  the generation of the upright will be blessed... Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate man... He will have no fear of bad news;  his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." Psalm 112:1-2,4,7-8

What joy there is to be found in soaking in My Truth!  My Words are Life, restoring your soul. Your hope rests secure in My Truth... Not in doctors' opinions which change from day to day.  Not in your emotions which shift from hour to hour.  But on MY TRUTH!

I have a mighty plan for Verity Hope.  I told your all along that her name is prophetic.  See if you can imagine how I will use this precious girl! Mighty in the land, Beloved! Mighty in the land.

The dawn is coming, My darling.  Do you see it? Dawn means NO FEAR OF BAD NEWS;  because you are walking in My Reality rather than earthly "reality". I am steadying your heart, Beloved, casting out fear.  "Bad news" may still come,  but you need not fear it.  I AM GREATER!

Wondrous Works

"Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.  Great are the works of the Lord: they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever." Psalm 111:1-3

I am the Lord your God. Set your heart to remembering what this means, Beloved.

Look at your precious brand new daughter - her sheer existence is evidence of my wondrous works.  Celebrate her life, wonder in her beauty. 

There is so much more that I want to show you in the days to come.  As you pine to hold her, rejoice in Me that she is alive on this earth. Rejoice in what I am going to do. Then rest secure, knowing I hold her life in My Hands.

But On My Power

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." 2 Corinthians 2:4-5

You do not know what today holds. Such mixed emotions welling up in you heart.  Keep your eyes fixed on Me, dear one.  Now, more than ever.  Your faith does not rest on men's wisdom, but on My Power. Fix your eyes firmly on Me, and do not look to the left or to the right.

Let me hold you in perfect peace, as you keep your mind fixed on Me.  I love you dearly, you know this to be true.  Rest in My Love.  Any time you need, you can retreat to My Presence and rest in My Love.  Remember this, Beloved.

Light-Radiating Presence

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15

Rest here in My Presence. Refresh your aching, weary soul. Be still and know with all your being that I AM God! Let this Truth permeate your whole existence. 

As you go forward from this place, you carry My manifest Presence with you. I am resplendent with Light. I clothe myself in Light. It radiates from My Presence. When you walk into thick darkness, My Light-radiating Presence goes with you, and shatters the darkness! Darkness cannot remain in My Radiant Presence, so you can expect to see circumstances shift. 

It starts here, Beloved. Here in the secret place. You cannot fake this or force this. This is where you invest time, learning to steward My Presence well. Most of all, it takes TIME and REST. Let yourself completely relax, and soak in My Presence without guilt. The to-do list can wait. Rest here with Me and wait awhile. 

Awaken The Dawn!

"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn." Psalm 108:1-2

I have told you that the dawn is coming. It is coming, Beloved. Can you sense the anticipation? Though the night feels long and dark, the dawn is coming. Listen for the first sounds of birdsong. Watch for the gradual lifting of the darkness...But you need not remain passive, dear one. "Sing and make music with all your soul!" You can awaken the dawn! 

The darkness cannot remain in the Presence of Light. You can call forth My Light when you sing My Praise with all of your might. Do not be shy or self-conscious about this - let go of all reservations and SING! Sing declarations of My Goodness, My Love, My Faithfulness. Defy the darkness of your circumstances by joyfully singing to Me. The darkness loses all power to oppress you when you sing out in faith. 

Declare Truth. Sing out in the Spirit. Sing out prophesy over your daughter, as I lead you. Wield this beautiful weapon of Light and watch the darkness retreat, and the dawn arrive in brilliant splendour!!

My Love

"Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord." Psalm 107:43

Never forget My great Love. I know each and every intimate detail of your life and of the challenges you are facing. Lean into My Love. Let it wash over you, cleansing away the fear that stains your mind. 

Meditate on My Love, dwell in the Truth that My Love is unfailing...that is, it cannot fail you. My Love cannot leave you, and it is impossible for My Love to let you down. 

My Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It defied and conquered death, once and for all. My Love carries you. Stop kicking and flailing, struggling to walk by yourself. Just lean back into My Love and relax. Let yourself be carried by the tenderest arms in existence. 

Let all of your anxiety melt away in the Presence of My Love. I've got this, Beloved. I really do. There is no uncertainty from My Perspective. Rest in My Love, knowing I'll take care of all the details - big and small.

Control

You are grasping for control again, Beloved. That is why you feel so very put out when things don't go your way. Let go of your attempts to control - even your own domain. Everything is about to be thrown into what seems like chaos to you. Things in your home will not be "your way". This is okay. This is right. 

Turn your desire for control to your own behaviour! You can control how often you turn your face to Me; how often you lean into My Presence; how you respond to changes in your plans. You are going to need to be flexible in the days and weeks to come. The only thing worth clinging to is the Rock that is higher than you. I AM the unchanging, the unchangeable. I AM steadfast in the uncertainty you face. Cling to Me for dear life. 

Remember that this is not chaos to Me. It is not uncertain to Me. I see all, I know the outcome already. I see the bigger picture, and this all fits together so beautifully. Put your hand in Mine, and step forward with Me, dear one. Trust Me with your whole heart. 

Fearfully and Wonderfully

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All of the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

I created you, and I created your precious daughter. I knit her together, Beloved. You know My works are GOOD! She is fearfully and wonderfully made, regardless of what mere man says about her. I do not make mistakes! Her life is precious to Me, and has purpose and meaning; a hope and a future. This is Truth, regardless of how circumstances appear. Regardless of what happens. Hold firm to this Truth. 

The enemy seeks to use circumstances to "prove" to you that I am not Good, that I am a liar, that I am not Love. Refuse to entertain the enemy's lies, even for a moment. Keep your eyes fixed on Me, and you will see through the exact same circumstances just how much I love you, and how much you matter to Me. 

No Safer Place

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God." Isaiah 43:1-3

Fear has no place in your heart, though your circumstances are screaming at you to be terrified. Fear not, Beloved. I AM WITH YOU. There is no safer place to be than in My Presence. You carry My Presence with you as you pass through the waters; as you walk through the fire. Think of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednigo - My Presence with them defied the laws of physics. Is this so hard to believe? I created the laws of physics, so of course they are subject to Me. They walked around in the fire "unbound and unharmed" (Daniel 3:25), and not a single hair on their heads was singed! 

Beloved, you carry My Presence with you. You will carry My Presence into the operating theatre, into intensive care units, into hospital wards. Where you are, there am I with you.

Eyes Off Circumstances

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:1-4

Circumstances appear bleak. They are demanding your attention, like a storm raging around you. You feel like your shelter will come tumbling down around you at any minute. Nothing is sure except for Me. I AM the Rock that is higher. Cling to Me, Beloved. Lift your eyes from your circumstances, and fix them firmly on My Face. Over and over, as often as you can during this day. Every time your circumstances appear bigger than Me, remember: EYES OFF CIRCUMSTANCES, EYES ON JESUS! Look to Me and My Strength, seek My Face always. 

Fear can only cripple and drown you so long as your eyes are on your circumstances. When your eyes are fixed on Me, you can walk on the waves. Be absolutely doggedly persistent and resolute in keeping your eyes fixed on Me. This is your most important task today. Eyes off circumstances, eyes on Jesus!

King of the Uneven Exchange

Breathe deeply here in My Presence. Just let go of all the busy thoughts buzzing around in your head right now. Yes, you have a big week ahead, but I am bigger. I can carry you through each and every scary appointment by My Grace. As always, your best preparation is to invest time here, in our secret place. 

This is where you bring your own agenda and striving and lay it at My feet in total surrender to My will. Here, you take My yoke upon yourself, after giving Me yours. I am King of the uneven exchange - it is My delight to bear your burdens for you. Remember this!

Sure Thing!

"I'm sure it will all work out fine." How it grates when people say this to you. On what basis are they able to be so certain? Just some vague "feeling" or wishful thinking? You know people say this because they do not know what else to say, or because they are trying to be "positive". 

It grates on you for a reason, Beloved. You know that these are empty words when separated from Me. But I am not empty! I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life! You can place your Hope securely in Me. Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see. Walk by Faith, dear one, not by sight. 

Hope in Me is a sure thing! You are not placing your hope in an expected or desired outcome or set of circumstances, but in a Person. I promise to never leave you or forsake you. This way, whatever circumstances you face, you will be able to say, "It is well with my soul."

Just Be Held

O Beloved, you are weary and anxious about many things. Come sit by Me awhile. You are trying to plan far too much again. Remember your best preparation - to practise dwelling in My Presence. 

Your head is spinning with the things left on your to-do list; and you have no energy to face any of them. Just stop fretting, My dear one. Be still and know that I am God. Let Me cover you with My Love - let that be enough for you!

Your extensive planning is an attempt to hold the fear at bay. When you sit with Me, you can admit to yourself that you are still terrified of the unknown in the coming days and weeks. Let me cover you with My Love. My Perfect Love casts out fear. "Stop holding on and just be held."

Soul Restoring

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles." Psalm 103:1-5

When your soul feels weary, and is reluctant to praise Me or seek Me, you need to talk to yourself! Remind yourself of who I am, and what I have done for you. When you truly dwell on the vastness of who I am and what I have done for you, you cannot help but burst out in grateful praise. This kind of reflection is restorative for your soul. Make time for it, Beloved. Do not allow the enemy to distract you from it - especially not now! You need this more than ever right now.

First Thought

How your heart treasures and anticipates the mornings. The beautiful of sound of thump, then pitter-patter of your son jumping out of bed and running out of his room. With such delight, you wait for his appearance by your side with his arms outstretched, his voice full of love, calling your name!

It seems that his first thought upon waking is to immediately run to your arms for long, warm cuddles to start the day. How you both love and cherish these moments.

Let us be this way, Beloved. Oh, that your first thought upon waking would be to run to My arNo other agenda other than to share arms for long, warm cuddles to start the day. No other agenda than to share our love with each other. This brings joy to us both. Moments to treasure. 

 

Master Embroiderer

"But you remain the same, and your years will never end. The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you." Psalm 102:27-28

I AM the Beginning and the End. Unchanging and unchangeable. The Eternal One. I live outside of the constraints of time and space. Dwell in this Truth, and be amazed. 

I have loved you since before you were. I dreamed you up and laughed in wonder. You are My Handiwork, like the vast galaxies. Dwell in this Truth, and be astounded.

I am creating a work of art with your yielded life. There is not a thread out of place, though you look and see ugly knots and snares. There is no bad luck, no random chance - everything is subject to My Hands, as Master Embroiderer. I am able to create a beautiful masterpiece that astounds and amazes the viewer by the clever use of knots and matted threads. I love to work with your yielded life. 

Choose Wisely

"My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me." Psalm 101:6

Choose your companions wisely, Beloved. Don't allow just anyone access to your heart. Seek out others who are seeking Me wholeheartedly. Encourage each other to press in, to not give up. 

How you spend your time does matter to Me. Choose to surround yourself with people and activities that increase your desire for more of Me. Limit the access of people and activities that dull your appetite for Me. 

Don't listen to the enemy's lie that it doesn't matter. If you truly want to tune into My voice more consistently, it is vital that you tune out more distractions.

Open the Gates

"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs...Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:2,4

Beloved, you know by now that thanksgiving opens the gates to My Presence; praise ushers you into the courts of My Presence. It does your heart good to worship Me with gladness, especially when your heart is downcast. 

Do not be discouraged by the appearance of your circumstances, but know that I am God; it is I who made you, you are Mine, the sheep of My pasture. I am Good, and My Love endures forever; My Faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:3,5) 

Dwell in this Truth. This is the irrefutable Truth that your Hope is securely anchored to. Speak it out, sing it out, shout it out - declare your agreement with it! Make this your daily practice - start each day with joyful songs of praise to Me. 

Love

I have loved you with an Everlasting Love.  Lean back into My Love in your weariness.  You cannot fathom the depth, breadth or height of My Love. You anthropomorphise Me - give My Love human qualities it does not possess.  I cannot be unfaithful.  It is in My very nature to be completely faithful, trustworthy and Good. I cannot lie. I cannot cheat you.  I cannot stop loving you. 

I love your daughter with this same Love.  I have created her, she is Mine.  Any delight or joy you have in thinking about her cannot possibly begin to match Mine. You cannot outlove Me, Beloved. 

Lean back into My Love and trust Me to carry you through. 

Planting Joy

"Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Know this: you can have JOY even in weakness, exhaustion and sorrow! Yes, it is true! This is not some kind of forced smile on your face, but joy that radiates from the inside - from our secret place, the garden of your heart where you meet with Me hourly, daily. 

I know this still confuses your rational mind. There is a lingering "martyr syndrome" buried deep in your heart. This part of you craves others' pity and sympathy for what you are going through, and admiration for how you are coping with it. This is sinful, prideful and ugly to Me. It is the part of you that tells you to put on a "brave face" - so long as it is one that shows how brave you are being. You must be serious...RUBBISH! 

I want to tear this poisonous weed out by the roots! I want to do a new work in you. I want to plant joy deep within you. Beautiful, unshakeable, abiding joy. My joy, which will give you strength for every difficulty you face, whether big or small. Joy that will grow up in you and flower over and over - petals falling and fragrance spreading into the lives of those you meet each day. 

Align Yourself With Heaven

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music." Psalm 98:4

There are times when the last thing on earth that you feel like doing is to shout for joy to Me, and burst into jubilant song with music. When your heart is overflowing with sorrow, not only do you not feel like bursting into song - it actually seems totally wrong and inappropriate. 

But remember this: singing praise to Me is not for when you feel like it. I am teaching you that it is a beautiful, powerful weapon of Light that pushes back the darkness, tears down strongholds, and sends the enemy packing!

When night seems to be closing in around you, it is an act of your will, a choice you can make, to throw your head back and sing with all your might of My Goodness. In this act, you join with the angels, you align yourself with Heaven, you position yourself in agreement with the highest Truth that I AM Sovereign, and that I AM Loving - even when your circumstances seem to say otherwise.

Personal Agenda

"Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." Psalm 97:11

How you react to frustrating changes to your plans for the day shows you are still walking in your own strength, operating in "D.I.Y. mode". To truly rely on Me, you need to lay down your own agenda. Pray with all your heart, then focus all your energy on trusting Me completely. 

When you do only the first part of this - praying with all your heart - you are praying with a personal agenda. No matter how good an agenda it is, it is still your plan. This leads to disappointment if My plan differs from your plan. And if you do not check it, disappointment leads to self-pity and bitterness. 

So...pray with all your heart, then trust Me with all your heart. I know your heart's desires, and I see bigger picture. I am for you, dear one. I am with you, but I am also before you and behind you. As you invest time and energy in trusting Me, you will walk in My Light, with joy in your heart, regardless of how the path differs from your desired route. 

A New Song

"Sing to the Lord a new song..." Psalm 96:1

You do not need to live with tired old thought patterns, tired old "stories" that seek to define you AND Me. In Me, all things are made new. The old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The "I can't cope with this" story is dead and buried, and replaced with "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  

The "God is no truly good, He is mean and wants me to suffer" story is dead and buried, and replaced with "God causes ALL THINGS to work together for the good of those who love Him."  

The "I'm hard-done-by" story is dead and buried, and replaced with "I am loved with an everlasting, unfailing love."  

The "I couldn't possibly face that" story is dead and buried, and replaced with "I can face anything, as long as I remain dwelling in the One who has incomparably great power, and can do far above and beyond all I could ask for or imagine."

Sing a NEW SONG of praise to Me today!

Soak in the Truth

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." Psalms 95:1-5

As the time approaches to give birth to your daughter, your emotions are so close to the surface. You need to soak in the Truth of who I am daily, hourly. The great God, the great King above all gods. I am the One who formed the seas, I hold the mountains in My hands. Dwell in this Truth, that I am strong, powerful, mightier than any other. Capable of deeds beyond your imagination. 

I am also the One who knows you intimately, and loves you without reservation or condition! Dwell in this Truth also - that I care so very much for you and for your precious daughter. I am completely invested in this situation, and My heart aches for every tear you shed. 

Remember this Truth - I AM STRONG, and I AM LOVING! (Psalm 62:11-12). Take joy in this revelation, sing out and celebrate the Truth of who I am.

I Am There

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping!' your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:18-19

It is not My plan to keep you on the brink of anxiety or panic! Just waiting for the next bout of bad news! That is not abundant life! My desire is to see you living in My joy each and every day!

In My Presence is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11) Fullness! It fills you to the brim and then spills out to everyone you meet! You do not need to dwell in a place of sorrow, grieving that which seems lost! This is an attempt to protect your heart from future pain. Let it go, Beloved, dance with Me in a wild dance of joyful anticipation. Your daughter is fearfully and wonderfully made, and I delight in her beauty! Don't hold back in doing the same!

Do not fear the strong emotions she already evokes in you. Do not fear the journey I am taking you on. I give you beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise instead of despair. (Isaiah 61:3) This beautiful exchange is always available to you as you dwell in My Presence. In Me, you can smile through tears, laugh in the midst of sorrow and be joyful in affliction. There is no guilt in this. I am big enough to contain simultaneous and seemingly contradictory emotions. 

Do not get hung up on externals. Whether your early experiences with her take place primarily in your home or in a hospital ward...I am there! I am able to transform a sterile intensive care unit into a place of beauty by My Presence, which you carry with you! 

Whether you get to hold her close from day one or not - I am there. Though your experience will be different from the last two new babies, it will be no less precious! You will experience moments of intense beauty that are made even more precious by the uniqueness. Trust Me in this. Let go of your fear, and let yourself look forward with excitement. She is so worth it! My Truth is irrefutable, My Hope is boundless - not constrained by mere circumstances. Let Me set your heart free to soar on wings like an eagle. 

Mightier than the Sea

"The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea - the Lord on high is mighty." Psalm 92:3-4

You have seen the power of the ocean. It seems so huge, unpredictable, mighty and powerful. Remember this: I am the Creator of the ocean. I can speak peace to the waves, and they obey My Voice. My Power and Might extend far beyond the ocean, to all of creation. You cannot possibly fathom this Truth in its entirety. But sit with this and let it blow your mind! 

Because I invite you into intimacy with Me, you sometimes forget that I AM the Beginning and the End - the Creator of All, through whom you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28). Do you not realise that I hold the world in My hands?

You can trust Me, Beloved. I am Good, and I am Powerful.

"That Makes Me Smile!"

"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High,  to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night... For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;  I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:1-2,4

What joy it gives you when your children praise you for your deeds - deeds that you do every day, often without acknowledgement. What delight it gives your heart when your young child thanks you for something specific that you do for him - especially when he says: "Thanks Mummy, that makes me happy! It makes me smile!"

How you love to make your children smile! And how much sweeter when they recognise and thank you for it. 

Oh My dear one - so it is with Me. I delight to hear your praise! What joy it gives Me to hear you say thank You! Especially when you share a smile with Me. So many ways each day I seek to bring a smile to your face. See how many you can spot today! And don't forget to thank Me, and sing for joy!

Any Difficulty

"If you make the Most High your dwelling -- even the Lord, who is my refuge -- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." Psalm 91:9-10

If you dwell securely in Me, walking daily, moment-by-moment in My Presence, you are protected from all danger to your soul. Trouble and hardship cannot tear you down when you dwell in Me. You can face any difficulty when you face it in My Presence. 

Yes, any difficulty! Let yourself truly believe this! This is why it is so vital for you to take this journey of learning to walk and dwell in Me seriously. It truly is your best preparation for any coming storm. 

Not only that - it is also the best way to live. The only way to truly have abundant life - you dwelling in Me, and My Life spilling over into you!

Receive

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

There is a craving in you that cannot be satisfied by anything but My unfailing Love. How I long to satisfy you each morning with My unfailing Love. Come to Me in your emptiness, your heart-hunger. Come to Me with open hands and open heart to receive My Love afresh each new morning. 

As you receive, you cannot help but be filled with joy and gratitude. Let your heart respond by pouring out praise and thanksgiving to Me all day long. 

Learn To Acclaim

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exalt in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, by your favour you exalt our horn." Psalm 89:14-17

Walking in the Light of My Presence is something you must practise, dear one. You must learn to acclaim Me, to rejoice in Me all day long! This is a discipline that does not come easily at first. Especially when you are faced with many trials - your heart does not naturally rejoice in sickness and strife! But you are learning to walk in My ways, by the Light of My Presence. I AM your Strength, Beloved, but only as you yield your weakness to Me, remember. 

Practise rejoicing in Me all day long TODAY! Make this your number one focus today. As your other plans have been cancelled due to sickness, grab hold of this opportunity to spend THIS DAY continually turning your heart-eyes back to Me, and speaking out praise and thanksgiving to Me. The sooner you start taking this mandate seriously, the sooner it will become a blessed habit in your life. 

From the Inside

Fear is still your default setting when things "go wrong". Bring all your fears about this day, this week to Me. Lay everything down at My Feet. 

When something upsets your well-laid plans, you feel put-out and out of control. Fear tries to take over your mind, to cause all-out panic and confusion. 

Find space to rest with Me, Beloved. Trust that I will give you the answer to each dilemma at the perfect time. My hand is at work even here. Rest in Me, and be refreshed from the inside. 

Undivided Heart

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:11-12

Persist in thankfulness and praise, Beloved. Though your heart feels weary and wants to give up the fight, keep on pressing in in praise and thanksgiving. You crave an undivided heart - one free from this eternal battle. You are feeling battle-weary, but you do not realise that the fiercest battle rages within your own heart.

The enemy loves to divide and conquer, and this starts with your own heart. He appeals to your natural, sinful desire to be in control, to know all. But I am teaching you to surrender; to learn to truly trust Me in spite of your circumstances. 

One of the enemy's key strategies is to keep your eyes on the circumstances, and to keep pointing out how the circumstances differ from what I have said. He would make Me out to be a liar. He would have you believe that I am not trustworthy! He wants you to trust in the appearance of the circumstances more than you trust in Me. 

One of My key strategies is to teach you the way of thanksgiving. I know that it feels unfamiliar and contrived to you. But walking in thanksgiving requires faith. Speak out thanksgiving and sing out praise to Me, before you "feel" it. If you cannot find your own words, speak out Psalms of praise. My Word is a living and powerful weapon that the enemy would do anything to keep you from using! He knows all too well the power of speaking out My Word in praise and thanksgiving to push back the darkness. 

He wants to keep you grounded in earthly reality. Walking in eternal night. Keeping you from seeing the sunrise! 

Beloved, you need to step out in faith and start speaking out your agreement with My Truth, regardless of what your circumstances say. Declare that My Truth is higher. Agree with what I have spoken. Declare My Sovereignty over your circumstances. Refuse to allow your circumstances to dictate to you. Refuse to believe what you see before your eyes, but declare what you have seen with eyes of faith! Rejoice in My higher Truth before you see any evidence of it!

Lamp to Your Feet

When darkness clouds your mind, you MUST draw near to Me. Fix your eyes on My Face, for I AM the source of all true Light. Keep your eyes fixed on My Face, and the darkness cannot terrify you. The enemy would strike fear in your heart, but My perfect Love covers and protects you. 

Beloved, you are desperately grasping for control...with mountains looming in front of you, covered by the mist of confusion and the unknown, you are urgently trying to map your course by micromanaging the details of the steps along the way that you can see. 

Stop obsessing over details, my dear one, and remember: My Word is a lamp to your feet, and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Dwell in My Presence, speaking out My Word, and you will stay on track regardless of how much or how little you have planned. 

Hasten the Sunrise!

"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12

Everyone trusts in something or someone. For many people, it is science, "the laws of nature" and the tangible world. For others, it is the principle of "karma", or some vague higher being. Some people trust only in themselves, others trust only in someone else. But blessed is the person who trusts in Me! 

I am the only one who is 100% trustworthy. Everything and everyone else will let you down sooner or later - but this is no reason to get bitter or shut yourself off from others. Just accept that I am the only 100% trustworthy one, and do not burden others by trying to expect from them what can only be given by Me. 

I AM completely trustworthy! This is why you can praise Me in the midst of deep distress. You can say, like David, "I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:29-30)

To the world, this seems counter-intuitive and just plain crazy! It is, in fact, your best response to difficulty. Sing your way through every storm. Sing like never before. Sing with all your heart into the night. Declare the coming dawn! Your songs of joy and thanksgiving to Me will push back the darkness and hasten the sunrise!!!

I Am the God Who Gives Life

I gave you that word yesterday to prepare you to face today. So you already know how to face this news you received today...by pressing in to My Presence and praising Me! Praise Me for all that I am going to do here. Fix your eyes on Me, the great Unseen; rather than on the doctor's predictions, and the images of the heart that is not functioning as it should - this is just what is seen, and it is temporary. I am ETERNAL! 

 I am the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were! Be like Abraham, who against all hope, in hope believed in the Promise I had given him. He did not waver through unbelief regarding My Promise, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to Me, being fully persuaded that I had the power to do what I had promised. (Romans 4:17-21)

 Keep on placing your Hope securely in the Truth of who I AM. I AM the God who performs miracles! (Psalm 77:14)

Rejoice Before You See It

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca (weeping), they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, til each appears before God in Zion." (Psalm 84:1-2,4-7)

Make this psalm your heart's anthem - yearning and longing for My Presence! This is how your strength is in Me - by dwelling in My Presence, ever praising Me. As you dwell in My Presence praising Me, the valley of weeping you are passing through is actually transformed into a place full of LIFE!

Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning! (Psalm 30:5). Where morning dawns and evening fades I call forth songs of joy! (Psalm 65:8) Even in darkness light dawns for the upright. (Psalm 112:4) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18)

I tell you Beloved, dawn is coming! So do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in My sufferings so that you may be overjoyed when My glory is revealed! (1 Peter 4:12-13) Therefore, do not lose heart...for your light and momentary troubles are achieving for you an eternal glory that far outweighs them all! So fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

Day is coming! Rejoice before you see it, dear one. Hold fast to My Promise that dawn is coming, and rejoice!