Whether it’s social media, the radio or the news, everywhere you turn you hear voices of fear and panic these days. The recent tragedies in Minnesota, Baton Rouge and now Dallas are horrific and life-altering for many no doubt. Souls are crushed, emotions are high and despair seems to be setting in.
For those who have been affected personally, in love I grieve with them, mourn for them and my prayers pour out for their healing. But if we are not careful, we can allow what’s going on in our nation to “infect” the precious soil of our hearts. And that’s when we need to take a step back, turn off the noise and renew our hearts and minds with Truth.
No one is more grieved, saddened and hurt by these happenings than God Himself. “In His own being He feels every separation and loss, every heart split open with grief, every cry of mourning down the corridors of time. ” (Brennan Manning, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus). It is never ever God’s heart for humanity to suffer. It has always been His heart and longing for us to thrive on and in His love.
However, true love cannot be forced. This is why we were given free will thus leading to the fall of man and earth. Of course that is not where our love story ends. God chose His Son to be our ransom long before the world began (1 Peter 1:20 NLT).
Beloved, at the cross, Jesus not only became our sin, He took all our suffering and pain, sicknesses and curse upon Himself so we could be healed! He conquered death and was raised to give you His very life! He is a life-giver, a life-saver, a life-restorer! Jesus came to give you life, life and more life! And there is nothing He wants more than for you to enjoy this life with Him by trusting in what He’s done for you and what He will do for you by resting in His unconditional love.
That’s why you can come to Him as you are. Pour out your heart to Him. Be real and share with Him your doubts, fears and feelings. Cry. Say nothing. Scream. He knows your heart fully and meets you where you are. Just come.
When you do, His perfect love for you will calm those fears and remind you of the truth that leads your heart to His peace that surpasses your understanding. He loves and cares for you so deeply, He doesn’t want your heart weighed down by the very burdens He carried and died to set you free from.
If you are a believer, you are In Christ. He Himself is your Fortress and Refuge; your place of safety. He alone is your Protection when you put your trust in Him.
By all means, there is nothing wrong with staying informed. We are living in perilous times. There is darkness all around us in the world. But we don’t belong to the world. We belong to Him! You are His child! Don’t buy into the lie that because it happened to someone else it will happen to you. To live in constant fear is to partner with the enemy leaving no room for you to enjoy God and yourself.
When anxieties about the future overwhelm you or you find yourself worried about the safety of your family, it’s time to tune-in to the voice of Truth, your Daddy God who says to you, “Don’t be afraid My child. Remain at rest. I’ll fight for you. I’ve got this.”
What you listen to matters. It enters into your soul and spirit. So amidst the tweets, news reports and Facebook opinions, choose to guard your heart by listening to what God is saying. Speak His promises over you and your family and His Word will not come back empty handed! And if you’re not sure what those promises are, just ask Him to show you! He loves that-it’s relationship!
In the meantime, you can start here. “Say this: ‘God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!’ That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing…” (Psalm 91 MSG).
Now you can let go and breathe easy. In His big tender arms, there is always an abundance of beauty to behold, life to be lived and joy to be experienced.
Resting in His love,
Annalee Reyes
First of all…I love you!
It has been my experience that all you have written is the truth. Coming completely into His love was not easy for me. And, sometimes the enemy taunts me so much that I lose my way, fall into Satan’s depth and find myself having to clutch onto nothing but Jesus get back where I belong. Many of us have this happen, at least I have known many that it has happened to. Oh, how WONDERFUL it feels to be safe in His love, His embrace, His Word…The Word!
Thank you, my dearest friend, for sharing your remarkable journey with me, for your friendship, your love, your wisdom, guidance and support. I look forward to reading more of the words you write…so eloquently and filled with your love and His Love.
First of all Carol,
I love you more! Your words are also truth…we all go through those valleys where we long to feel His embrace again although He never lets us go. And He is always faithful in pulling us in closer there. Thank you for always being my biggest supporter, taking the time to comment with encouragement and love. I am forever grateful for our friendship and journey we share. Your longing to know Him more in the midst of all your heart’s pain is amazing and beautiful! Your heart is so big!
Annalee, I just love your heart for Christ and inspiring others. I will keep your blog and new calling in prayer.
I just prayed this morning about this as these events really hit my heart, given Michael and so many others I love are working in a law enforcement calling. After prayer, I wrote my heartaches on a paper, tied the paper to a rock, and tossed it in the lake to let go and let God Almighty have it all. Of course, it was never mine, but resting in Him gives me such joy and peace, especially in pain and turmoil.
God loves you so much, sweet friend. Thank you again for following His calling. Your words will inspire and remind many if His unending love.
Blessings to you,
Lisa Kilroy
Lisa,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to read it. What you said blessed my heart so much. Thank you for your prayers…I receive them! I love what you did this morning, tossing the heaviness of your heart into the endless ocean of His! I am covering Michael in prayer. I’m so very excited for you guys and your new calling and adventure. I remember last year when we were traveling all over, I became exhausted at one point and said, “Lord, this is hard.” And I heard Him say right back, “It’s not always meant to be easy, but it is meant to be fun. Let go and find your fun.” So I can’t wait to hear all about your epic journey and all He reveals to you through it. You, my beautiful friend, I treasure and are so very loved. You’ve got something special on your life.
What can I say?!
LeeLee,
You have taught how much Jesus loves us in the good, bad, and ugly! You have the most gracious and loving heart, and I am so amazed that God placed us together as mom and daughter. Oh, how I love our God, and words cannot express how much I love you sweet daughter of mine!
Your proud Mommy
YOu loving child! Clearly you love with your heart and now we get to be a part of your anointed words. Thank you for blessing us as you bless God.
Reading this again today brings me so much comfort…not only for myself, but also a dear friend who is struggling with an incurable illness that is sure taking its toll on her body and mind. Oh, how she loves God with all her heart, as I do, too. Resting in Him today and always….as best I can.
Love you so much, and I praise Him for the many many blessings He has given me, which includes you my dear, precious friend! It even includes the tremendous loss I’ve experienced, as without the losses, I wouldn’t have had those awesome blessings!! You continue to inspire me and bless me with His words that are translated through you. Oh, how AWESOME He is! Love you so very much!
Carol,
I don’t know how I missed this comment of yours, but it blessed my heart so much. I love you more than you know!