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