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. 

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. 

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. 

Put to Great Use

Your Spirit is connected to Me. I guide your footsteps to carry out My Will. It is Me who inspires, Me who creates – yet I do so in LOVE, not out of “demand”. My Will is to THRIVE in you with abundance and Joy! Your talent will be put to great use for Me. I am so happy with you. Remember that first and foremost. When you doubt that, you grow fearful and anxious, worrying about unnecessary things. I love you, – completely. I am not disappointed in you! You have great value to Me. Find Joy today in how you are being put to use for Me and for My world. I want that for you! 

Change of Heart

I will grant you a change of heart. Sometimes when you choose to live My ways of love, it feels like there is an unbearable price to pay; but the end result is always worth it. I want you to know I have heard you, and your life is in My capable hands already. I am working in your life, and in the life of those you love, as well. You will find loving them to be easier. Take comfort in that. I need you to continue leaning into Me. You are not strong enough to do this on your own. I will carry your burden. I will refresh you. I can help form a change of heart to the one who needs it. I have known what you needed even before you named it. I hold you tenderly, gingerly, — like a small and frail bird. I will not fail you. My love never fails, remember? 

New Direction

If I need you elsewhere I will lead you there. You haven’t “failed” here if things aren’t working out where you are. It is simply time for a new direction. See?! I make all things NEW! Jump on to the excitement of a new venture, a new train. Climb aboard! Remember Who has called you. You don’t have to earn or buy a ticket from Me. I want you to come along for the ride in complete faith, and show gratitude for the day ahead no matter what it holds in store. You may not understand why I have you where you are, but I know. I place you exactly where your worth is of value to Me. You can be confident in that, knowing there is a purpose for Good inherent in My plan.