scripture

Refuge

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“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

So often, I find refuge in times of stress, loneliness, or mental fatigue in the midst of nature. It feels safe to be surrounded by the very things He created and called good; tucked into the living things that He spoke into life. I find that being in nature breathes new life into my weary soul – the breath of Jesus soothing, healing, renewing, and clearing away the debris that my spirit collects just by living in this world.

I imagine His delight when we step onto that forest path, the sandy beach, the wild backyard garden, and our breathing calms, heart rate slows, and our worries lift on the breeze.

I picture His gentle smile as we whisper our amazement at the beauty and thank Him for being our refuge. Oh, how He loves us!

Holding His Hand

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I’m so grateful that no matter how many times I stumble, wander, and become distracted Jesus NEVER lets go of me. He never lets go of you either.

Rest a minute with the imagery of Jesus holding onto your hand gently, but with absolute power and extravagant love for you. Nothing will separate us from Him and that brings me such hope and joy this morning.

Peace be with you. You are loved.

Fruit of the Spirit

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What fruit of the spirit would like more of in this life season you are in right now?

For me, I need more peace and glimpses of joy regardless of the chaos swirling around me and the circumstances that I cannot control.

Father,

I pray that you surround us with Your presence as we venture out today. Guide us into the plans You have for us. Thank You for being our guide and protection. May we leave the people that we cross paths with better than before. Give us open eyes, ears, and hearts so we may discover the treasures and delights You have scattered along today’s journey.

In Your holy name,

Amen

Mountain

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“God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”

Is there a mountain in front of you today that seems impossible to climb? With God as your Guide and Shepherd you will get to the top of it. You will stand upon that mountain and see all that He brought you through. You won’t lose your footing because He is right there protecting you. Rest from the climb is coming and the view from the pinnacle will be breathtaking!

Shoulders of God

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“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”

Quiet your mind a moment. Imagine how it feels to rest between the Lord’s shoulders. I feel joy, delight, peace, and so much safety wrapping me up tightly in warmth and the scent of Heaven. It’s beautiful.

We are shielded all day long. We can rest, we can let go, and we can be ourselves because He wants us that way – just how He created us.

I can think of no better, safer, more joyful, and freeing place to be then in God’s presence – resting between the shoulders of the King of Heaven’s Armies.

As you navigate all that today holds in store, I pray that you pull up this image of being tucked in and held by the One who’s footstool is the heavens. Let that wash over you and bathe you in peace and confidence. He’s got you and yours. You are so loved. Peace be with you.

Psalm 91:4

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Life is heavy, frightening, uncertain, and smothering right now. Shelter your soul, mind, and body under the all-powerful wings of Jesus. He is so faithful and kind. He is the Mighty Warrior. He is the only Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent One. You are safe in the shelter of His presence and so are the ones you hold dear. He’s got them and He’s got you. He is the Prince of Peace and Emmanuel, God with us, is His name.

Joy in His Presence

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Psalm 16:11 NLT “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

So many things can happen in a given day – surprises, delights, setbacks, and frustrations. Remember that the joy of His presence is right there with you in the middle of all of it. He will make a way over, around, under, and through and He will go with you. May the delights and joys be greater than the frustrations and difficulties.

You are so loved by the One who knows you best. Peace be with you.

Prayer over You

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Father,

I pray for the one who is wrestling with uncertainty. They are at a crossroads right now and have choices to make. Voices of friends and family are coming at them from all sides. Noise, chatter, and strong opinions are overwhelming, and they can’t hear themselves think. They want so much to do the right thing, to follow You, and please You.

I pray that You will silence the noise and bring them out into a spacious place where they can rest their mind in stillness and peace. Give them a safe place to truly hear Your voice. You have guided them in the past, and You will do it again. Please speak to them in the unique way that You created them to hear Your voice. May they encounter You in intimate and startling ways as You reveal their next steps and show them how to proceed. Remind them that You are the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end. You see their entire journey laid out before You. You know the way.

I pray this beloved one will trust You, will believe that they hear You calling them forward, and will respond with belief that You are for them. Thank you for filling them with confidence and purpose. Thank you for guiding them along the life-road You created for them.

In Your beautiful name, Jesus,

Amen

Isaiah 30:21 NIV “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

From Divine Presence… https://a.co/d/cdfAcB9

Photo credit: Pixaby

Eyes on Him

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I came across this verse this morning. The gentle and sweet way it landed on my heart, bringing a pinprick of hot tears to my eyes, reminded me that Jesus knows what is going on and how it ends.


For many of us there are seasons, however long or brief, where we simply do not know what to do. These 13 words were a soothing and compassionate balm to my soul – healing, hope, and rest. He’s got this. There is nothing I can do and nothing that I have to do.


He will sort it, He will heal it, He will protect us from it, and He will get us through it.
Keep your eyes on Him, my friend, just that. Nothing more is needed. We can rest.


You are so loved. Peace be with you.