Today, I feel as if we could all use some encouragement, some little glimpse of hope. I have been in need of this for a little while. I have decided to turn to the one Person I know provides hope, and more than encouragement, He fills the soul. So, instead of just me writing a bunch of stuff about me and my journey, I thought we'd join His today. Let's listen to Him as He speaks truth over us. Are you with me?I chose you and have not rejected you.
Isaiah 41:9
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Since you were precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you.
Isaiah 43:4
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being praise His holy Name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and who crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5
She is clothed with strength and dignity.
Proverbs 31:25
Remember Susan, from Narnia? If anyone from those stories/movies is a picture of being clothed with strength and dignity, it's her. She was afraid of everything, until Aslan empowered her and showed her her value and when she believed what she was capable of, she who once was timid became a mighty warrior.
Last night, I was watching "The Chronicles of Narnia: the Voyage of the Dawn Treader", the 3rd movie, and it's like parts of it were written for me, but especially this part:
"You doubt your value; don't run from who you are."
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
Isaiah 41:9 (Yes, I know I already wrote this one out, but it bears repeating after that great scene with Aslan, don't you think?)
You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71:21
A friend posted a quote from John Piper on Facebook today and it ministered to me so much, I wrote it down and want to share it with you now:
"God is plotting for your joy."
I LOVE that!! My last thing I want to leave you with, and it's something I've been pondering ever since last night, is:
Think like Edmund.
If anyone knew what it was like to give into the temptations of evil, it was Edmund. But once he got it, he never backed down and he was the quickest to dispel evil because he recognized it. I have been working through some lies I have believed all my life and Edmund to me is a picture of how we fight lies. Once we taste truth and the freedom therein, we cannot back down. We must stand up and not let the enemy of our God, who prowls around like a lion, we must not let him win any strongholds in us. We must recognize him and live like the royalty we are and proclaim victory for ourselves. It's ours. So let's take it.
I don't know what your struggle is today, but I know what mine is. And I know that the only way to win the fight for our lives is to follow Jesus. Do what He does. Fight the way He fights. Live the way He lives. And rebuke His enemy the way He rebukes His enemy. Wield the Sword (His Word) the way He does.
I have put my words in your mouth and and covered you with the shadow of my hand.
Isaiah51:16
"No weapon forged against you will prevail and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me." declares the LORD.
Isaiah54:17
Did you catch that? That's our heritage!!! No matter what our history is, no matter the mistakes we've made, we have a new heritage. Narnia is just a picture. You and I have our own Kingdom and our God lives there. Until He takes us to be with Him forever, He lives in us. Even Aslan wasn't that close!
Are you tired? Worn out ? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me- Watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30
Be Still. Don't worry, you'll get everything done in life you need to. But, in your soul, in your mind, in your heart, be still. Everything falls into place.....don't trust me, I'm still working on believing that!! But trust Him. He says so, and what He says, we can trust.
Jesus replied, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37
Amen, Priscilla! Thank you for sharing. I can relate to this. I know how it sometimes feel - like you have been in a battle of the mind for a long time. You have tried so many things to “stir your gift up” and yet it is like you are still on Empty. But through the thick clouds of darkness - every once in a while I get a glimpse of how God IS working behind the scenes on my behalf. And how much He Does care about everything in my life - big problems - for sure - But little ones too!
ReplyDeleteThis is one scripture that just caused my heart to leap when I first read it - and every time since: "The LORD your God is With You - He is Mighty to Save. - He will take Great Delight in You - He will Quiet you With His LOVE
(THIS is what thrilled me) He Will Rejoice OVER You With Singing." I can just imagine how much pleasure we must bring God that He would Sing over us! That is amazing!
In that passage you wrote – from Isaiah 43:1 “Since you were Precious in My eyes - * you are Honored, and I LOVE You” – is one of my favorite passages that speaks to my spirit.
But the part that also moves my spirit is this one from the same passage - Isaiah 43:1-5: When you pass Through the Waters, I Will be With You - And Through the Rivers, They shall Not Overflow You - When you Walk Through the Fire - You shall Not be Burned, Nor shall the Flame Scorch You. For I Am the Lord - your God, The Holy One of Israel - your Savior . . . Fear not, for I am with you.
No matter what we will ever go through – He will go through it with us. What a great comfort that is. Especially when I don't really feel Him and my spirit is going though that empty valley!