You have said yes to all I have asked. I am so pleased with your heart and your good intentions. I am laying everything out for you: the people to connect to and interact with, the vision for how things can be. Continue to answer My call with willingness. Remember, though, it doesn’t all rest on you. Others will see your desire to serve, and they will want to jump on board. Look to the East, from where your help will come. I am the Shepherd, in charge of the flock, so you can stop fretting. I will provide all you need.
reassurance
Be Ready…
Look to Me to find rest and direction. The joy is already in you, ready to spring forth. You’ve been bringing joy to others, but I think you’ve forgotten that. I am so pleased with you, and eager for the days and weeks ahead where you will celebrate a new beginning: doing things you love, with I in you and you in Me. Be ready to shine, eager to serve, and excited to meet and interact with people. Listen for My message, and take My lead when the way that’s been paved for you opens up. You will be nurtured and blessed simply by your willingness to be a part of things. Remember that I am in charge, and you need not be anxious.
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.
Concentrate on Today
There is so much ahead in store for you! But I need you to pull in the reins and concentrate only on today. Everything will unfold in due time. I don’t want you to miss a single thing. Focus on your surroundings and interactions in this day only, noticing My intentional encounters put in your path these next 24 hours. Every time your thoughts try to jump to the future, reel them back in to the present. This way, you can find Joy and Peace in the moment. My Presence is here. You don’t need to worry about trying to figure everything out in advance. See how I am taking care of you, meeting your need of daily bread for body and soul. Relax, and receive My love for you today, – and always.
Just Go
It is time for you to just go. Go where I am leading you today, keeping focus on your gifts and all you have to offer others. Don’t stay back, reluctant or unsure of yourself. You don’t have to hesitate or stay stuck in indecisiveness. Place yourself with confidence at My altar, and see that I have prepared you well for where you are needed to be today. Be excited about this! Allow yourself to feel positive without worrying about everybody else’s reaction. Place them and the situation in My hands; let Me take care of the outcomes.
In Good Hands
I know you are hurting. I have noticed all along. I know you say you will do anything for Me, but will you actually trust Me? I am making way for something new, and My plan is full of Goodness. I will lead you to great pastures. Work on knowing and trusting that I am present, and you are in Good hands.
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.
Spoken to Me 