The warning center sounded the alarm – a tsunami of grief was barreling toward the shoreline of my heart, generated by a disturbance, and driven by a powerful force. Apprehended by the undertow, I was dragged into open sea and pulled down into dark waters. My lifeless body hung in suspension while my mind bore witness to the silence within the aloneness.

My senses were disrupted as a shaft of light split the darkness and a sound penetrated the stillness, traveling upon the waters like a melodious lullaby.

The ballad attuned to my heart and called me by name, pulling my body to the surface, where I recognized my Savior’s voice singing over me.

“Come back to Me.” the Lord whispered in my ear as He cradled my limp body in his arms.

The spoken Words of Jesus awakened my spirit, my body aware of the betraying sand eroding from beneath me with every crashing wave on the shores of my heart.

“Peace. Be still.” spoke Jesus, Son of the Most High God.

The wind immediately ceased and there was a great calm, across the earth’s atmosphere and over the influences in my heart. My words escaped me, but the Lord answered my thoughts.

“I am here.” Jesus said, rocking me back and forth in His arms. “I will hold you as long as it takes. I will not leave you.”

Exhaling, I felt pain and grief leave my body as the Lord continued to speak Life over me.

“My delight in you is profound. You have set your love upon Me, acknowledging My name, and capturing My heart. I am your Mighty Warrior who will come to your rescue and protect you, remaining by your side throughout your troubles. All souls are mine: the soul of every living thing and the breath of all mankind lies in My hand. I will replenish and satisfy your longing soul with excessive goodness. Rest in My arms as I restore you.”

Comforted by Job 12:10; Psalm 23:3, 91:14-15, 107:9; Jeremiah 31:25; Ezekiel 18:4; Mark 4:39, 10:13-16; Hebrews 4:12, 13:5; Psalm 18:16 & 19, 29:3; Zephaniah 3:17; John 6:63, 20:11-18; Matthew 18:12-13

The sky was dark with the absence of the moon, a single star emerging on its vast canvas of space, twinkling to a tempo in silent rhythm. My existence felt tiny as more stars began to show their faces across the firmament. I shivered as the night chill settled upon my skin. The rawness cut through me, but my heart was numb to sensation.

The sounds of nature grew silent as my Savior appeared on the scene. His voice commanding, but yet soft toward me.

“What are you searching for among the stars?” asked the Lord.

Glancing over at Jesus, I trembled at His glory as He admired the stars as if for the first time. Unable to form my words, the Lord quietly took my hand and gently squeezed my fingers.

“Speak your heart to Me.” Jesus said, softly kissing the back of my hand.

Put at ease by His Love, my confession poured out like water. “Everything seems just out of reach, Lord. I see potential shining in the distance which lures me close, but my heart holds back, unable to trust the outcomes.”

Placing His arm around my shoulders, Jesus directed my attention back to the heavens.

“Those stars are the work of My fingers. I created the energy that fuels them and ordained their existence, each one named and numbered by Me. But My greatest work is being done in you.”

Looking away, feeling a tinge of shame, I replied. “Life has wounded and splintered my heart. I fear that sliver has turned to dust, broken beyond repair.”

Jesus pulled me close, whispering in my ear. “Is anything too hard for Me?”

I could feel the warmth of Jesus’ breath on my neck as He spoke. My legs went weak, realizing that same breath spoke the world into existence. The God of the universe was concerned with a fragmented piece of my heart. Again, I felt tiny; but somehow, highly valued.

“I am the Lord of Hosts who creates from nothing, to whom the whole host of heavens and earth must obey. When I call unto them, they stand up together. Every cell, atom, and molecule will execute upon the sound of My voice and the power of My Words. I will gather you into My arms as I command each particle of dust from your splintered heart to become whole. Keep your heart fixed on Me as you take hold of the hope set before you. It may seem just out of reach, but I have prepared unimaginable things for you, which you will not understand. Abounding hope is alive with Me because I am the anchor of your soul and the keeper of your heart.”

Comforted by Hebrews 6:19, 12:2; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:3; Luke 12:7; Proverbs 31:10; Psalm 8:3, 147:3-4; Isaiah 48:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9

The four seasons are moving through their course, set in motion by the Creator and observed by the month on our calendars. Spring has ushered in warm breezes heavy with pollen, new life emerging from every aspect of creation. My heart also senses a disruption unfolding deep within itself, as the calendar moves forward but my life stands still. A paradox unraveling.

“The time and season have arrived for the new purpose I have planned for you.” said the Lord.  “I am tilling the soil of your heart preparing you to walk in the fullness of who I created you to be. Do not dwell on the past or be confounded by your pain. Do you perceive the new thing I am doing?”

“Not really, Lord.” I replied, a little confused. “But this I do know; I am your witness and apart from You, there is no God.”

Jesus took my hand, walking me into the deep woods where the trees were dense, and the air was heavy. Turning to face me, the Lord continued speaking.

“From your perspective, life took an unexpected turn into the wilderness filled with darkness and loss. But My eyes were always upon you as I led you out of that wasteland to the border of your promised land, where you now stand. Are you ready to cross?”

“I want to have confidence in moving forward, but I am now alone in this journey, which causes me to hesitate.” I replied, hanging my head in shame from my lack of courage.

The Lord raised my head to meet His gaze. “You are never alone. Wherever you go, I will be with you.”

Placing His hands on my shoulders, Jesus slowly spun me around. We were standing on the threshold of a beautiful clearing, but everything seemed to be just out of reach. “You must choose whether or not you will cross over to take possession of your promised land. Do not allow fear to forfeit the blessings I have waiting for you.”

My breath was labored, heavy with the weight of the moment. “Lead me to your banquet table so I may feast on your provision of Love which subdues all fear, Lord.”

Standing on the boundary line, both of us facing my promised land, I felt Jesus’ face brush against mine as He whispered in my ear.

“Unfathomable to most, My Love is the greatest element in the universe, infinite and abounding. It conquers all and never fails. My eternal banner flies over you bearing a special inscription of Love written in My blood. You are My cherished treasure and promised land. I will never leave you, for you are My inheritance.”

Comforted by 1 John 4:9-12&18; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Joshua 1; Isaiah 43:12, 18-19; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 & 13; Song of Solomon 2:4; Isaiah 44:8; 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Hebrews 3:7-19, 13:5; John 3:16-18; Ephesians 1.

Sleep escapes my eyes as the clock mocks me reading 3:00am, my soul yearning for answers from The Living God. There is a conflict rising in my soul between my belief in Your faithful promises and the unfulfilled miracle that looms in my heart, Lord.

“I am Faithful and True.” said the Lord. “My promises are not bound by your concept of time and My miracles may manifest in front of you but remain unseen due to your distracted heart. The earthly realm runs parallel with the Heavenly realm, separated by one human heartbeat and a single breath. A person steps from this realm into the next but My promises stretch across space and time. From My Sovereign position, I choose which domain My promises will be fulfilled; but be assured, they will be achieved.”

I promptly felt exceedingly small within the expanse of the Lord’s universe; my faith also reflected the same measurement as I replied with a meager voice. “I now realize the miracle may manifest differently from what I originally envisioned. Give me strength to wait expectantly, never craving more while in the desert, nor testing You while in the wilderness.”

Sensing my wounded spirit, the Lord moved-in close to comfort me. I felt His hand gently caress the side of my face, resting under my chin, softly raising my head to meet His eyes.

“When you look with earthly eyes, you only see loss. Do not focus on the perceived absence of your desire, but rather focus on the inclusive miracle I am doing in your midst. Engage your Spiritual eyes to see the multitudes around you waiting to be fed with only five loaves and two fish. Gather-up the fragments which you believe to be useless, for they are treasures of excess permeated with My Power, which you now hold in your hands.”

I could not pull my eyes away from Jesus’ strong gaze as I pleaded. “Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. Make my heart beat with Yours, Lord.”

“I am the Faithful Witness, the Ruler of the kings of the earth, the God of abundance. I have chosen and called you to ignite and multiply those fragments, accomplishing more than you could ever imagine as I strengthen your inner being with Power. Be ready and surrendered to Me, for I will move swiftly at the appointed time. Be the miracle, My faithful follower. Future generations are depending on you for their miracle.”

Comforted by Revelations 1:5, 17:14, 19:11; Psalm 106:13-14; Ephesians 3:20; John 6:5-13, 69; Hebrews 11; Ezekiel 12:1-2; Nehemiah 9:13-21

The ground beneath my outstretched body was dry and strong with its earthy scent, my tears moistening the dirt as they fell from my cheeks. A steady wind caused the trees to sway in synchronism, echoing like rushing waters. Caught-up in my agony, I failed to notice the sounds of nature fall silent, succumbing to a shift in the atmosphere as the Lord appeared at my side.

My body tensed and my breath became shallow, as I felt Jesus touch the back of my neck.

“What troubles you, My dear?” the Lord asked, softly sweeping my hair to one side.

“My eyes fail looking for Your promises, Lord.” I answered, face down and frustrated. “How long must I wait?”

A pause in the conversation caused me to lift my eyes toward the Lord for my answer. Standing there was Jesus, full of compassion, majesty radiating around Him.

“I see the depth of your discontentment.” the Lord said, extending His hand. “Now rise to your feet.”

Upon surrendering my will, Jesus touched my hand and set me upright, now face-to-face with my Savior.

“It is never wise to ask why the old days were superior to your current days, for it can quickly provoke your spirit to anger. Be patient while things unfold because the end of a matter is better than its beginning. I AM working in your good days and your bad days, training you to operate simultaneously within the two dimensions of abundance and suffering.”

Humbled by His Grace and Kindness, I whispered softly with my eyes turned down, “Be gracious to me as I am clay in Your hands, Lord.”

Communing with my heart and soothing every part of my wounded soul, I felt pride break within me, and my spirit come alive as I heard these Words of my Lord ring in my ears.

“You are My witness. I have given to you this promised land on which you stand, but you must endure mountains and valleys to take possession. My eyes are continually on you, caring and providing for your needs. Is there any God besides Me? I will accomplish all that I please. For I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Watch for Me, for I am coming soon, and your reward is with Me.”

Comforted by Revelation 22:13; Isaiah 44:8, 28; Deuteronomy 11:11-12; Philippians 4:11; Ecclesiastes 7:8-14; Psalm 119:58, 82-84; Daniel 8:18.

There is a sweet smell in the air as I stand surrounded by creation. Clouds are rolling across the light blue sky, riding the Holy Spirit’s gentle breeze. All creation is in flight, moving to the music of Your heart and swaying to the rhythm of Your Spirit as You sing over me. I am waiting for You Lord: please meet with me to renew a Right Spirit within me.

As the rays broke the horizon, I could feel the warmth of the Son on my skin. The presence of My Savior was strong, consuming every part of me, leaving me breathless.

“Shhh.” said the Lord. “I am right here.”

I sensed the Lord’s arms around me and His breath on the side of my face as He whispered.

“Release everything to Me. I heard you the moment your heart longed for Me, even before you called My name. I feel the desire in your heart.”

“Will You stay here with me, Lord?” I asked, fully absorbed in Jesus’ loving embrace.

Softly resting His cheek against mine, the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ settled deep in my heart.

“I will abide with you forever, as you remain in My love. Afterall, I am the One who chose you. I will respond to the posture of your heart, but always call upon My Name which is far above any other name in heaven and earth. Doing so is not for Me to hear you; for I am already aware. Call upon My Name so everything coming up against you will hear and bow their knee to Me. For I AM God and there is no God besides Me.”

Comforted by John 15; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 51:10, 91:15; Philippians 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:12; Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:20-23, 54:17.

I woke up a prisoner inside my own mind, held captive by a vortex spinning up at the collision of two fronts advancing upon my soul.

“It takes two opposing forces for a storm to develop.” said the Lord. “In My realm, Love is the greatest active Power which never fails, unless you introduce another force into the mix.”

Jesus’ statement left me unsettled, already aware that I had interjected fear into my equation.

“You are asking me to move in a direction that feels risky, and it scares me, Lord.” I responded, embarrassed at my weakness.

Drawn to that same weakness, Jesus moved close to me, taking my hand in His. “Fear is torment and if you allow its strength to become the dominant force, it will fuel a disturbance in your heart.”

Grasping my other hand, Jesus pulled me closer as He continued speaking. “You are either going to trust in My perfect faithful love for you, or you will allow fear to be the object of your faith. I am always working toward your best interests, but you control which force will have the greater influence over you.”

I stood silent before my Lord, keenly aware of my unworthiness, yet fully alive in my Savior’s consuming Love.

“In the middle of the storm, I will approach with your solution. Watch with eyes of faith so you can recognize Me. Do not fear your next move. Whether you take the risk and step outside the boat, or whether you remain inside the boat, I will not leave you. I can work from either vantage point, but fear will sink you.”

“You have always been faithful and gracious to me, even when my heart stumbles, Lord. I will trust you with my whole heart, for You are Love.” I confessed.

Kissing my hands, Jesus started to move back from me. “What I am doing is obscure to you, but you will soon understand.”

Our eyes still locked upon each other; the Lord’s voice rang throughout the room as He disappeared out of sight. “No force is greater than I AM, for all power in heaven and earth has been given to Me. Nothing can separate you from My Love. Call upon My name to summon My Power and I will show you My Strength.”

Comforted by 1 Corinthians 13:1,8,13; 1 John 4:8,18; Romans 8:28,10:13; John 13:7; Luke 8:24; Matthew 14:26, 28:18; Exodus 3:14.

Here I sit in the waiting room of life, stuck between what was and what is to come. Nothing seems to be happening in this place of suspension. An area filled with people while feeling strangely alone.

“It is more like a staging area than a waiting room.” said the Lord.

“A staging area?” I asked, my question laced with dissatisfaction and fueled with restless aspiration.

“It feels lonely here.” I continued with my complaint.

“You are not sitting alone.” said the Lord. “I am always in the waiting room with you, and it is crucial for you to find Me here. Draw near to Me while in this place.”

The warning of His Words rang in my ears as I was looking around the room but did not see Jesus. I did, however, recognize His voice. “A fearful heart will make it difficult to see Me and it will cause a hindrance for the race that I am placing before you.”

Addressing the anxious state of my heart, I began to see the Lord moving toward me from across the room. My entire being was seized by His presence, only to be released as I felt His touch upon my hand. “Quietly wait on Me to renew your strength. I will do the renewing as you abide in My presence. Put your hope in My promises which are waiting for you at their appointed time in the future.”

Jesus continued as He gently clutched my hands in His. “This location is where I assemble and ready my people for their next mission. It may appear suspended, but it is highly active. You cannot fathom what I have done from beginning to end, for I have set eternity in your heart. Wait for My instruction.”

My heart now filled with anticipation, I replied. “I would faint in this place, if I did not trust in Your Goodness, Lord. I will wait and hope in Your Word.”

“Stand and do not faint.” said the Lord. “Watch and see this great thing that I will do before your eyes. Wait for it because it will surely come. It will not tarry.”

Comforted by Habakkuk 2:3; Hebrews 12:1-2; Acts 3:19; Isaiah 40:31; Luke 18:19; Matthew 14:24-27; Lamentations 3:26; James 4:8; 1 Samuel 12:16; Psalm 27:13; Deuteronomy 31:6-8.

The transition between winter and spring is upon us when everything is withered and faded while also hinting something new is at hand. I can smell the aromas unique to the season and feel an electricity in the air.

“Like My seasons, you are also experiencing a shift.” said the Lord. “Do you perceive the new thing that I am doing?”

His comment stirred excitement for the potential contained within His Words, but also slight anxiety for what it might mean. I replied with hesitation. “I sense you have planted seeds within the soil of my heart, Lord.”

The pause in conversation caused me to turn toward the direction of my Savior’s voice. Jesus was admiring the cut flowers I had proudly displayed in a clear vase, His hand gently touching the petals, like a gardener admiring the fruits of his labor.

I smiled as Jesus pulled a particular flower from the vase. His gaze still on the blossom, Jesus moved toward me. My breath was shallow as I waited for Him to speak.

“Your heart is My garden, filled with the seeds of My Words. Beware of the tares that have also been sown by the enemy. Let no one deceive you, starve those tares so they will wither and be swept away. My Words are alive, and My promises are set to germinate. Stay close to Me. Abide in Me. Remain in My Love.”

I could not pull my gaze from the Lord’s face as He continued speaking over me.

“I AM your Gardener. Your time of pruning is over. Forget all former things and do not dwell on the past. I am declaring new things in your life and they are springing up as we speak. I make everything beautiful in its time.”

Softly smoothing my hair, Jesus placed the flower behind my ear.

“You are like a lily among thorns, My darling. Strong and captivating, you are the object of My Love. I have set My Spirit in your heart. Step out, it is now time for the harvest.”

Comforted by John 15:1-9; Song of Solomon 2:2; Isaiah 40:8, 43:18-19, 61:11; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11; Galatians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Luke 8:11; Matthew 13:25-38; Genesis 2:8, 3:1,8; Deuteronomy 22:9.

The unpredictability of my life has planted me squarely in the center of uncertainty. This is not the first time I have been plagued with doubt, but I still found my heart being thrust into a place of secrecy.

“I did not create you to hide.” said the Lord. “Quite the opposite.”

Recognizing the Lord’s voice, I quickly pulled the cloak away, exposing my concealed heart. “I am not hiding from you, Lord. I am hiding from this world that is too painful.”

“I AM the Light of the world. No one can hide where I cannot see them, for My Light floods all of heaven and earth. I know you feel battered by life, but its pounding force is shaping you into a golden candlestick which will put Me on display. I created you to be My light-bearer, illuminating the dark skies of this painful world.”

The smallness of my faith suddenly became a big reality, filling my soul with sadness and my eyes with tears.

Jesus gently caressed my face, His thumb brushing a tear from my cheek. Leaning forward as if to reveal a secret thing, I could feel Jesus’ face scarcely resting on mine as He whispered, “I cherish the tears that flow from your tender heart. I keep them close to Me, contained in a bottle which bears your name.”

Moving to the windows, looking out to the horizon, Jesus continued. “I know your pain and your wanderings, but a day is soon coming when your tears will be wiped away and everything will be made new. When the doubtful questions arise, run into the safety of My secret place where you can rest in the arms of The Almighty. My Light will remain bright from within My fortress, but any other hiding place will camouflage My True Light.”

The Light was taken up and the room became splintered with sunshine as I heard my Savior’s voice saying, “Today you sow in tears, but one day soon you will reap in joy.”

Comforted by Ecclesiastes 2:14; Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 58:8, 91:1, 126:5-6; Matthew 5:14-15, John 8:12; Luke 8:16-18, Exodus 25:31; Revelation 21:4.