When the darkness settles onto you, do not trust your perception. You are not trapped in a black cave.
You are standing instead in an open field. Look up. Even in the dark night, light persists. My light. My stars. The moon above. You are not in utter darkness.
The darkness of loss and despair threatens to defeat you. But I bring light to your darkness and you are not trapped. You are not alone.
Seek the light and run toward it. In those dark moments, remember my light.
I have never left you. The dawn is coming and my light will never be lost. Run to me.
In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help
(One day early in my grief, I prayed to God: “Today I hurt. A piece of me wants to run far away, to hide in a deep cave, to ignore all my responsibilities, to let someone else care for me.” Here’s what he said to me.)
One step today. You don’t have to climb a mountain. You don’t have to plant your flag in the peak.
Rest for a bit at the edge of the path. Let tears come if they will.
I am your strength and your love. And I will wait for you.
The pain will never stop. It will fade. This day, don’t worry about how long. Think of one step.
One step into the light. Into joy. Into a future that is filled with love and kindness.
Rest for a bit with me. Let my music of comfort and healing fill you. I will carry you today.
One step forward. Just one. You don’t have to win the marathon.
You only need to take one step today.
Lord, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble!
Let my peace be a balm to heal your wounds. Allow my love cascade over you like a warm shower, cleansing and restoring. Let me bring newness to your heart and hope to your soul.
Trust me for eternity. I will never leave you or forsake you.
Take my hand and we’ll walk until you can skip. Then we’ll skip as children until you can run. Then we will run together through meadows of soft grass and singing birds.
We will dance in the rain and let our voices blend in joy. Trust me on this. You will heal. You will love again. You will laugh and sing and embrace life. Now and for eternity.
I love you, my dear one.
Trust me.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
(On a day when I was downcast and tired, I begged God to help me. I was mired in emotional mud with no energy. Life seemed overwhelming. This is what he said to me.)
Can you see me? Can you hear my heartbeat? Can you feel the thundering of my coming?
I am sending an army to you, my child. I bring renewal and newness.
You are tired, my love. You have carried a heavy burden of tasks.
Please let me help you.
I can give you the strength for yet another day. Trust me, dear one.
Others are coming to help you. You will be surrounded by my angels on this day.
Let them carry some of your load. Let them be my hands to your day.
I offer the grapes of love and the plums of joy. I bring the sweet taste of pears and berries.
Let me renew your body and restore your emotions. Trust me to do what you cannot.
Rest in me and my strength. I promise to never leave your side, dear one.
Today, let me carry you. Let me recharge your essence.
I am here.
“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.”
Habakkuk 3:18-19a Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015).
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