My Light is absolutely dazzling all around you. No matter how dark the world may seem, or how monumental or oppressive the tasks before you may feel or appear, My ways are able to overcome all challenges. Like fresh, new-fallen snow lit by winter sunlight outside, it is almost too bright and blinding for you to take in fully. You can get a glimpse of it, though! Be amazed by My brilliant love and power in your life. Absorb this word: POSSIBLE. All things are possible with Me. Let My Light remind you that you are not alone, and you are able to bear much when we work together in harmony. I am bigger than any challenge or obstacle you face. Turn your face to the Light, and absorb My strength intended to help you today.
devotional
Time for a Break
Let Me speak to you. You carry a lot around inside of you: worries, responsibilities, lists, and occasionally, resentment. I hear it, and I know it all. You are always striving to be on top of things, or ahead of the game. I don’t mind you being busy, and using the talents I’ve given you well, but I don’t like it when you approach the day as a drudgery, – resenting each task before you. When you get like this, it’s time for a break. Sit down in front of Me, and let’s talk it out. I’m not a slave-driver. I will speak to your depleted heart, cushioning you with permission to find Grace in rest, or to prioritize things that will recover Joy in you. Balance is essential for a with-God life. Alone time helps. Break time does, too. Come to Me, and re-fill your soul.
The Repairman
You must learn to lean on Me with more trust if you want to be at peace. All of this scrambling in your head, trying to plan for the unknown and figure out answers for things unseen is useless energy spent. I designed you to truly live one day at a time…with Me in charge. I am networking all around you, consistently weaving paths that cross with others as needed. Work on trusting the pace that I set for you today. Take on only one thing at a time, and see how I help you sort out the tasks. Notice when I send help in the form of unplanned delays, or offers to assist you. Lean in to My sturdy frame when the list before you seems unwieldy. I can bear the brunt of it all. Do your part, and know that it is enough in My eyes. Your sanity and your peace of mind are important to Me. Stop trying to fix everything, and stop thinking everything is up to you to handle. Let me be the Repairman, hired by your investment of trust in Me to do what is best.
Let Your Guard Down
I call you to console one another. There are many who are hurting. (Even you, sometimes). You may be surprised at how I can still use you for My Good, even when you are at a low point. Find tenderness by reaching out: either as the giver, or when you need to be on the receiving end. Let your guard down. It is important to stay connected to others. I send companions for the broken-hearted (and for the anxious, too). It is when you are most vulnerable that others are drawn closer to you. You don’t always have to ‘tough it out’, or go solo. Share honestly with others I place near to you. Attend to your weariness, stress, and grief, allowing time for rest – and even for your sadness. I won’t leave you in that place, but I will meet you there. Weep with Me, and together we will move toward healing.
The Shepherd
I am your Lord and Shepherd. I love that analogy of Me, but people tend to picture a “cleaned up” image instead of My original design. Shepherds were weathered, with imperfect skin, unfashionable clothes, and sore muscles. They not only endured storms, but had to live in the middle of them. Rough terrain was familiar to the Shepherd, as was getting by with limited shelter or resources. Why would I choose such a difficult life? Because of My love for the sheep. I choose to be your ultimate Protector and Guide. I have a destination in mind for you, and am accompanying you the entire way. Difficulties don’t scare me off. I face off anything that tries to hurt you. Trust the curve of My staff, pulling you in the best direction. Follow Me eagerly, knowing I am your safety and we are in this together.
Be Gentle on Yourself
Your pain – physical and/or emotional- is from stress. Take one thing at a time, and go back to being gentle on yourself. I chose this path for you, and I will absolutely give you enough strength to handle it. You have endured many trials before, and there is great Joy ahead. I know you are a hard worker and can handle much, but you are way too hard on yourself. I give you My Spirit to go with you, always, so look to Me for guidance. Take breaks. Listen. I will support you. Be content with the fact that you are doing all you can, and know that is enough for Me. I will take care of the rest of the details. Take time out to experience comfort. Your pain will recede as you become more gentle with yourself.
Inherent Beauty
You seek perfection, but I do not. You seek beauty, which I surround you with! Others see your beauty all the time, but you avert your eyes to their gaze. Your inherent beauty is actually one of your gifts – that is part of what draws others to you. I use you to draw others in and experience compassion, encouragement, tenderness, and joy – all present within and bestowed upon you. I want you to feel confident, but not only with your outward appearance. I want you to use your inner confidence to draw others in to My loving Presence within you, showing I am available in this way also for them. It’s a whole different way of looking at yourself. See with My eyes. Inspire others. Trust your evident beauty.
Ultimate Measure
You are good and lovely, inside and out. Others view you as strong and capable. They see you as smart. Sometimes you doubt the truth of your value. But no matter what, I own the ultimate measure of your worth. Only My opinion matters, and I consider you an irreplaceable treasure. You can be confident and reassured by this truth. I have you and those you love cupped in the palm of My hands. I hold you with amazement and love, and you are greatly valued by Me.
Right Path
Be true to yourself, and the Goodness will follow. I mean what I say! Follow the Holy Spirit, who is showing you the way. Much healing has been done to you so that you may also bring much healing to others. I have such grand plans for you…My design is intricate and amazing! Keep sight of me. Hold onto My garments whenever you encounter anger or fears, and I will help keep your sight on peace. When you follow Me, you will continue to be protected and surrounded in LIGHT. Things of the dark will fade and retreat into the shadows off to the left, but we will veer untroubled on to the right path, bathed in Light.
Plentiful
My kingdom is full of saints and sinners alike. You are precious to me regardless of your past. I will give you an abundance of what you need to make it through your day, like the basket overflowing with fish and loaves. Trust Me. Trust in My ability to care for you. You are holy, too, and I call you to important work. Quiet yourself daily to see My vision for you. Turn to me, and I will show you the way to walk. Dwell on this word: plentiful. I give you all you need. Behold My Son. Receive the Paraclete sent to bring you peace and remind you of My words set down to guide you. Appreciate My bounty for you today. It is more than enough.