“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
You are my dear one. Every act of love, every term of affection, every caress, every high-five, every smile is because of Me. I create everything good. I create love. I bring forth love.
You are not like trees pushed over, roots pulled up from the ground. They lie there, roots exposed, vulnerable, thirsty and desperate, drying up for lack of care, lack of nourishment, attention, love.
I bring forth love in you, dear one.
I bring forth goodness, and I raise you up to stand, to not cower and hide, but to stand. You can lean against Me when you stand. You can feel like crying and hiding and running and turning far, far away, while I stand.
You stand because I stand with you. You are a warrior, a gentle, fierce, mighty, heroic, beautiful, glorious warrior in my name. I foster in you beauty and gentleness and humbleness, a full heart with Me. And this is all, only because . . . with you, I stand.
I stand amidst storms and droughts. I stand through heartache and sickness and loss and death. I stand when you cannot. I stand because you cannot. I stand because I want to.
I like being here with you.
I come, rescued one. I come, beautiful one. I come, delightful one. I come, fierce one. You stand because in you I’ve placed roots nourished by my love. Held steadfast by my love.
My love is what is strong. My love is what holds you secure. Keep thinking on Me, eyes on Me. I can help you lean on Me. I can help you love Me. I am the creator of love.
There is more than enough love to go around.
So, ask Me.
Ask Me for more love in your heart.
Ask Me to help you lean into Me.
Ask Me to help you see what I see—what your roots look like, how I care for you, how I do more than just help you to stand.
|| More Resources For You ||
Looking for a Bible reading plan? Rapt has a free one (you can download it here). It offers 30 days of Scripture, coupled with short exercises, questions for reflection, and prayers to carry you through your day. Each day is designed to deepen your experience with God’s Word and presence.
Dear sister, what are you afraid to hand over to God? What are you worried might become lost if you let it go? Years ago, Lysa TerKeurst felt God moving her to give her note-riddled Bible to a businessman sitting next to her. She didn’t understand—but she did it. Twenty-four years later—after a divorce, health crises, court battles, and other trials she had prayed so hard against—the man’s daughter approached her, Bible in hand. It’s a touching story, which you can read in Lysa’s own words over at Rapt. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.
The world tells us that aging is a disease we must fight and hide. It provides us with a never-ending list of things we should use—facial creams, fasting methods, exercise tools, fad diets … But the Bible offers such a different perspective. “Gray hair is a crown of glory,” says Proverbs 16:31, “it is gained in a righteous life.” Aging—and the wisdom that comes with it—is something to be revered and protected. Watch as Jen Wilkin shares how Christians can respond to a culture that worships youth.
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