Some days I feel like Cinderella, imprisoned in a bad story that has me bogged down with labor and dressed in rags. I married my prince, but he is now deteriorating before my eyes.

Peering out the window and feeling trapped in my castle, I thought to myself, “Can anyone see the silent pain that I carry deep inside? I need someone to hold me tight.”

The room was quiet, lit only from the morning sun spilling through the glass. The silence was broken when I heard a Man’s voice behind me, “I see you and your pain.”

When I turned, Jesus was standing there. The room was filled with the power of His presence, mingled with compassion. Holding out His right hand, the Lord said, “Join your hand in Mine and dance with Me.”

Captivated by His gesture, I moved toward Jesus. All anxiety melted away as we began swaying to the soft melody that He was singing over me. Consumed with unspeakable joy, I began to twirl like a ballerina. Smiling at my child-like faith, the Lord said, “Look down at your garment, for I have adorned you with My glorious robe of Righteousness. Your jewels sparkle as you spin in joyful abandonment. Rest in My love, for I rejoice over you, My dear.”

My heart racing, still swept-up in the moment, I said, “You have shown me the wonders of Your love and my heart delights in You. Will You meet with me again tomorrow, Lord?”

Looking at me with eyes that pierced my soul, the Lord said, “I will hear you in the morning when you call My name. Wait expectantly, for I will come to you.”

Comforted by Genesis 16:13; Isaiah 61:10; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 5:3, 34:15

The snowstorm has caused the atmosphere to become thick in a composition of white, gray, and black; colorless, like the canvas of my soul. Out of nowhere, a beam of light cuts through the clouds, radiating in a spectrum of colors.

“I know that is You, manifesting Your glorious presence, Lord. Thank you for being present with me in my pain.” I said, wiping tears from my cheek.

“Your spirit is so heavy; what is weighing down your heart?” the Lord asked rhetorically, fully aware of all things hidden.

Looking down at the ground, not proud of my answer, I said, “I have no peace in my heart, Lord.” After a short hesitation, I continued, “I know You are The Prince of Peace, but I can’t seem to keep my heart calm. It keeps getting tangled in the reality of this world.”

Looking at me with His kind eyes, the Lord said, “I offer My perfect Peace to those who choose to abide in Me, but you must make room for My Words in your heart. My Peace will keep your heart and mind secure when nothing in life makes sense.”

Moving toward me, Jesus placed His arm around my shoulder and continued talking while we strolled along the path. “Cling to Me, for there are forces that will try and steal your peace.”

“I can sense my peace start to fade when I fill my heart with other things, allowing darkness to encroach.” I confessed.

“Ah.” The Lord said with a smile. “Do not be troubled by this, for I am also The True Light which lights every person that comes into the world. All darkness must bow in My presence and it obeys My Word. Stay in My Light and you will be flooded with the Light that gives understanding.”

Turning to face me, the Lord said with a more serious tone, “Stay close to Me so you can fulfill what I have called you to do. I have placed you in the middle of this crooked and perverse nation where you can shine as My Light, in spite of your pain. You are My prism set high on a hill, bending My Light and dispersing a rainbow of colors that cannot be hidden. I am spellbound by your beauty of obedience, for it pleases Me. Continue to follow Me and you will not walk in darkness but will have My Light of Life.”

“You are my Light and my Salvation, the strength of my life, Lord. May I bring You honor and glorify our Father in Heaven as I walk as a child of the Light. I pray Your face shines upon me and Your peace rules in my heart at all times.”

Comforted by John 1:9, 8:12, 12:46, 14:27; Isaiah 9:6, 26:3; Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15, 4:7; Psalm 36:9, 45:11, 119:130.

This decision is too much for me. Closing my eyes to rest my mind, I soon found myself running down a narrow tree-lined path. Something was chasing me and the horror I felt seemed real. Shadows began casting their long images over the pathway, but I noticed a Light in the distance. I kept pushing toward that Light until the trail emptied into a courtyard and my feet landed at the threshold of a gate.

There was a Man standing at the post of the gateway, whose eyes were filled with light. Smiling, He said to me, “I saw you coming from a long way off. The winds of your storm have captured your sweet-smelling fragrance, filling the air. The aroma pleases Me greatly.”

Collapsing on my side of the gate, I could only sob. “What is your request of Me?” He asked.

Standing to my feet and raising my eyes to meet His, I whispered, “I do not know what to do, Lord. My husband has reached a point of decline where I need to determine next steps. No option is a good one, but what is the best option, Lord? I cannot make this decision on my own. I need You to show me what is the right decision.”

“People plan their lives.” the Lord answered. “But they never know their own way because I am the One who directs their steps.”

Still standing in the courtyard, the Lord swung open the gate that stood between us. Extending His right hand toward me, the Lord said, “Take My hand and walk with Me.”

Stepping over the threshold, we entered a spacious garden. I felt Peace come over me as the Lord said, “I know this journey seems bleak, but I will not leave you alone. I will guide you and help you along the way, bringing about success in all you do. Take refuge in Me. I will be with you for the duration, watching over you and guiding you back into a fruitful land.”

“My heart is etched with Your Words and drawn to Your love, Lord. May I be found entering in at the King’s gate of Righteousness, sitting at Your feet with thanksgiving. Strengthen my resolve as I trust in Your provision and guidance.”

Esther 5:1-3; Philippians 4:18; Song of Solomon 1:12; Psalm 118:19-21; John 10:9; Genesis 28:15; Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:28; Proverbs 20:24

Pulling my injured foot from a salt bath, I noticed a perfect image of my footprint resting on the bottom of the black metal pot. Not trusting what I was seeing, I reached down to stir the water. To my surprise, the faint impression of my foot would fade in and out, disappearing and reappearing with the water’s movement and the light’s reflection.

Still marveling at the molecular interaction, the Lord interjected, “I crafted your DNA and set your genetic code to form your individual blueprint. You are My created masterpiece. I know the unique pattern of your footprint, every ridge on your fingerprint, and the curves of your face. You have been set apart for My purposes.”

“I marvel at Your love, while humbled that You created me to be unique. What purpose do you have for me, Lord?” I asked.

“You are made in My image.” the Lord answered. “Specifically crafted to reflect your Maker for the world to witness. Those beautiful feet of yours were made to carry My peace and good tidings to others. But there will be a day when I will receive unto Myself your last breath, ushering you into My presence where I have a mansion prepared for you. I was joyful in My creation of you, but I also delight in bringing you home to Me.”

“May I be found faithful in the purposes You have for me, Lord. Enable my feet to always carry Your message of love and peace while reflecting Your image to the world.”

John 1:1-5, 4:13,14:2-3; Psalm 139:14; Galatians 1:15-16; Romans 10:15; Genesis 2:7; Hebrews 1:1-4; Romans 11:36; Ecclesiastes 3:2; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Psalm 116:15

I am questioning my abilities as this trial keeps unfolding, Lord. It feels as though I am missing the mark at every turn, falling short of my expectations, becoming a judge in my own court of self-condemnation.

“What do you see?” asked Jesus, sitting on His throne. The question ushered my mind into overdrive, quickly identifying certain failures, some real and some perceived, each one looking back at me with contempt.

My thoughts were interrupted when Jesus declared, “I delivered Myself unto death, freeing you from all condemnation. You belong to Me. Yes, maybe your offences are many, but My grace is greater and abounds. Through Me, the only true Judge, you have been justified to live abundantly. Do you really want to reject My free gift of Grace and put yourself back under bondage?”

“No, Lord. I do not.” I said with a sigh, stepping down from my imaginary judge’s bench.

“Place all your transgressions in this container at my feet.” said Jesus as He was reaching down to open the lid on the box. I noticed it was stained with His blood and written across the top was the word Refined.

Placing my guilt-laden sins inside the chest, the Lord said, “This container belongs to Me and the contents are Mine. Do not attempt to take back what now belongs to Me. Sin will deceitfully hold you captive, forcing you to yield to its ways, causing spiritual death. But I have freed you from its power and made you alive unto God. When there is a new offence, place it in My hands, making room in your heart for what is pure. Walk in the newness of life to which you have been called.”

“Thank you for Your great compassion, Lord. For it is You who has blotted out my transgressions, washing away all my iniquity and cleansing me from my sin. Cause me to always call upon You out of a pure heart, Lord, enabling me to see You.”

Comforted by Romans 4:25, 5:4-20, 6:4-23, 7:6-23, 8:1 & 15; Galatians 4:3; John 3:17; 1 John 1:7; Matthew 5:8; Psalm 51:1-2; Psalm 75:7; 1 Corinthians 6:20

I feel trapped between yesterday and tomorrow, trying to make sense of today. On one hand, life is painfully slow but on the other it is barreling toward an ending that appears to be inevitable, casting me into an eerie time warp.

“Time lies within My hand.” declared the Lord. Moving toward the windows overlooking the forest, He continued, “In the beginning, I laid the foundations of the earth and created the heavens. I have always been in existence, but human interpretation of time is measured by the cycles of My sun, moon, and stars. Your duration and destiny falls within My plan.”

“Every day brings such a struggle. It all seems unproductive; just going through the motions, with no beneficial outcome in sight.” I said with a hint of hopelessness in my voice.

Jesus took my hand in His. Waiting for our eyes to meet, He said, “Nothing is wasted, My dear. There is a time to every purpose and your present suffering cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed in you. I formed your spirit and prepare a place for you in My Kingdom. Humble yourself under My hand and love wisely for your set time to rejoice will come.”

“You sit enthroned forever and my soul praises You, Lord Jesus. I rejoice in Your Righteousness and trust in Your faithfulness to complete what You have started in me.”

Comforted by Genesis 1; Psalm 102:13, 25; Zechariah 12:1; Matthew 25:34; 1 Peter 5:6; Romans 8:18; Ephesians 5:16; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Proverbs 31:25

I am covered in dirt as I comb through the rubble of my life, seeking to find any familiar remnant from the crumbled walls of normalcy. Wiping my eyes, I catch a glimmer of something shiny buried under the wreckage.

Reaching down and brushing away the dust, I discover a lovely trinket, unknown to me. A little bewildered, I whisper to myself, “I wonder where this came from?”

“I placed it there.” said the Lord. “It is My hidden treasure just for you: beauty in exchange for ashes.”

I felt the worth of the possession rise in my heart, becoming invaluable to me. Looking around the room for a container to keep the item safe my thoughts were interrupted by the Lord.

“I created a special storage place for your treasures, My dear. It is your heart. I will fill the treasure chest of those who love me but be attentive to what you store inside. Your treasures and your heart are linked together. Wherever one is, you will find the other. I have set you as the ruler over your treasury; preserve the treasures that I give you and release the ransom of this world. Be wise with what you store in the secret place of your heart.”

“All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in You, Lord Jesus. Give me a clean heart so when I pour out its contents before You, the bounty is found pleasing in Your sight.”

Comforted by Isaiah 61:3; Isaiah 45:3; 1 Chronicles 26:22; Matthew 6:20-21; Proverbs 8:21; Psalm 62:8; Colossians 2:3

My days are filled with unforeseen surprises, Lord. The kind of events that are never pleasant and are often carrying the message “but what if.” A message packed with an invisible force of temptation, taunting me to succumb to the uncertainty, all under the disguise of another mislaid dream. I feel lost in the middle of an unending cycle of desperation.

“There are no surprises with Me.” said the Lord. “I am the beginning and the ending of all things, seen and unseen. I also occupy the middle. Nothing exists without Me because I hold all things together.”

“I am not holding together very well, Lord. How does my anguish fit into Your perfect cycle of existence?” I asked.

“There is a battle at midpoint, where you reside.” said the Lord. “But I have gone before you and will cause My Goodness to pass in front of you. Stand on The Rock as I fight for you, so you can witness My Glory in the center of your despair. I am perfecting you. Yield to My creative work: do not resist it nor try to speed it up.”

“Cause me to humbly fall into Your redemptive work, Lord God. Give me eyes to see Your Glory and Goodness in the middle of my battle. You are my Rock, Lord, and I will take refuge in You.”

Comforted by Revelation 1:8; Colossians 1:16; Exodus 33:18-21; James 1:4; Psalm 94:22; Romans 8:28

Dawn is breaking and doubts start rising on the horizon of my heart. My spirit lifts with the possibility of a miracle emerging with a new day, but my soul is hiding a secret hope that my hard service might be completed.

“I will lower the height of the mountain.” said the Lord. “And raise the depth of the valley, but you will still need to make the climb. The ascent will be difficult, but I will help you reach the peak. You will find that I have smoothed the rugged ground so you can withstand the hardship.”

Burdened with shame, I cried, “I want to be convinced that You will fulfill what You have promised, Lord. But my heart struggles to believe at times. My life experiences tip the scales in the opposite direction, making me struggle to see where You are working in the mess of my life. Please help my unbelief, Lord.”

The Lord moved closer, drawn to my humble brokenness, “My Words will never pass away and they are completely reliable; you will do well to pay attention to them. Cry out to Me from your desert and I will gather you into My arms. When you are approaching the summit and cannot press on, I will carry you close to My heart until we reach the mountaintop together. Remember My Words, for My mouth has spoken it.”

“You are the Shepherd & Overseer of my soul, Lord. I will trust You as I scale the mountain. Direct me to Your Words and help me claim them with confidence. For You have spoken them, Lord.”

Comforted by Isaiah 40:1-5, 11   Matthew 24:35   Psalm 34:18   1 Peter 2:25

I am clutching Your promises in my hand, Lord. They are the only thing pushing me forward into tomorrow. My soul and the wellness of my heart lie in Your palms.

The Lord’s hands enclosed around mine, gently moving my clenched fists over my heart. “Hold tight to My promises while waiting for their fulfillment. Keep them hidden deep inside your heart so they can take root.”

Staring into His kind face, I replied, “The uncertainty of this battle makes me anxious for the future, concerned for what it holds for me, Lord.”

“Your struggle tugs at My heart, but those difficulties will allow Me to work within a seemingly impossible situation. There has to be unfortunate things in life to contrast the good I will bring from it. Trust Me with your future and everything that unfolds until that day arrives.”

Holding me in His arms as I sobbed, the Lord said, “Be confident of My Words and rest in My hope: wait patiently for what you do not yet have. None of My Words will ever fail, My dear child. Remain close to Me and I will strengthen your heart. Remember, I always see you and hear you.”

“Intercede for me in my weakness, Lord. Strengthen my resolve. Lead me to special people who will encourage and assist me with nurturing the promises to which I am holding in my heart. May I be found worthy of Your trust, Lord, as I wait for the fulfillment of the Words You have spoken to me.”

Comforted by Romans 8:24-25, 28   Psalm 33:18   Psalm 31:24