Puffing out his vest of reddish-orange with his open beak pointing to the skies, a robin posed in praise to his Creator and heralded hope for new life after a long, bitterly cold winter.

When I saw and heard this creature’s delight, singing his heart out on a rooftop this past week, bubbles of hope sprang to life in my weary heart. But then I began to ask myself: But what if I didn’t watch for it? What if I didn’t keep my eyes and ears open? What if there was so much noise within and around me? What if I totally missed out on this ray of hope offered to me?

My heart ponders these questions also in regard to the whispers of hope God so freely offers me. Do I watch for His signs? Do my eyes search wide open? Have I attuned my ears to listen to His channel? Am I so busy talking about my wants to Him that I don’t hear what HE has to say?

So in light of this, I am trying to hear God’s gentle whispers of  hope and direction in my life. Ever since I read Faith Barista’s writing prompt for this week, God has been nudging my heart to STAY.

GOD WHISPERS

STAY real, My child.

My child, stay in this place of being “real.” Don’t try to be anything different from who you really are. I have created you in a specific, unique way. I have given you gifts and passions. Dig deep into your heart and resurrect them. No matter what anyone says, no one besides Me knows your heart more than you do, so listen to it. Don’t listen to that lie that you will never be enough to make a positive difference in this world. Believe Me. Your voice matters, your story is important, and your life has a purpose. Because I created you in My image.

Don’t seek approval of people. It doesn’t matter how many blog followers, comments, likes, or hits you have. You don’t need validation from people. You need validation from ME. What matters is – Are you writing for ME? Are you concerned more about your own elevation or about promoting Me, to further My life-giving cause? Drink from My fountain of grace and love, not from the never-fulfilling cisterns of people approval. 

Just be “real,” My child, just be “real.” Be genuine. Don’t put on an artificial front, trying to live your life according to the expectations of others. Trying to be strong and not allow your true feelings to surface. Don’t shut off your God-given authenticity. Your voice matters, even though experiences have indicated it doesn’t. Don’t be ashamed of bringing deep instincts within you to light, but treat them as jewels of My making, meant to be polished and to shine. Not everyone is going to like what you write or speak, but that’s ok. That doesn’t make you less of a person. You still are My specially created child. My beloved child. Trust Me, rest against Me, and rely on Me. You are safe in My grip.

Concentrate on My love for you, and love Me above all else. Don’t sacrifice MY TRUTH or My creation of YOU to gain conditional love from people. Speak the truth always, truly from your heart, from My Word. Not peppered with judgment but seasoned with grace. Speak the truth in LOVE. Because I AM LOVE. My LOVE for you is where it all began. Let My love ooze from you to all who cross your path. Look at each person as through My eyes, and you will have compassion. This doesn’t mean you need to tolerate abuse from anyone. Love justice as I do and defend the rights of down-trodden souls. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Proclaim hope, healing, and freedom in Me to those who are shackled and broken. 

STAY with ME, My Child.

My child, stay in this place of remembering what I have already done for you. I gave My life for yours. I suffered an excruciating death so that you may be set free from sin and shame, death and destruction, the devil and his lies. I have already won that victory, so don’t keep condemning yourself. Don’t keep living in shame. Lift up your downcast eyes and see Me. Unblock your ears from listening to all those negative voices and hear My gentle whispers of love, peace, and promise. Open the door of your fearful heart and welcome me in as a safe Counselor, Friend, and Savior with intentions only to rescue you, heal you, and guide you.

Trust Me enough to believe My full forgiveness has already been given, never ends, and is available to you continuously.

Trust Me enough to believe My grace is so complete that you don’t need to beat yourself up or think you need to do more to earn My favor.

Trust Me enough to believe My power is so limitless that there is nothing I can’t give you the strength to do.

My child, My love for you never exhausts itself. You cannot do anything to deplete it. It remains full and free. Undivided, unconditional, unfailing.

Let Me STAY, My Child.

Stop running, My child.
Stop pushing Me away.
Stop locking Me out of the deep places in your heart.

Let Me in.
Let Me love you.
Let Me stay.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I am your Rock of Refuge,
Your Bright and Morning Star,

I Groan and Plead on your behalf
When you are so broken you cannot think of what to pray.

Don’t you understand, My child, how I earnestly long for your presence?

Don’t you know how I rejoice in you as the most precious, priceless pearl?

Don’t you realize, My child, how much I truly care and how safe I really am?

Trust Me, My child,
Your heart is safe with me.
Invite Me in,
Let Me STAY.

Are you being true to who you really are?

Do you know how much Jesus loves you and longs for you?

Will you invite Jesus in, let Him love you, and let Him stay?