Trusting God's Words: A Key to Spiritual IntimacySample

From the Periphery

Daughter, I love how you stand. Deep breath now, keep those hands open. Yes, I have chosen you, and yes, there is more for you. I love how you desire it, how you charge toward it. You stay with me, and you wait on me. You know my voice in you, and you know what I have for you is good.

Now when you go forward, when you accept the more for you, I have, you need to stay close to me. You are saying yes to things you can’t do on your own. So, you will see me in new ways, experience me afresh. Your faith will increase, and you will walk in greater boldness and conviction. You will stand and not cower, knowing I give you every weapon you need to fight every battle I ask you to fight.

Are you ready? Remember those flags and banners, daughter? That color all around you? Those are flags and banners of the battlefield. Those are the decorations of the assembled sons and daughters who follow. For yes, remember that when you ask for more, and you are bold and fearless in my name, it is because you trust that I am in you. You trust I’ve given you what you need to go into places you’ve never gone before. You trust the information on the map.

So, in the midst of battle, keep talking to me, my dear one. When the wind is waving the banners high, keep talking to me. Do not try to hide from me the desires of your heart. Remember how I speak to you? Breathe. Wait. See. That is how you are equipped for battle. That is how you invite me to stay.

I am your breath. Wait on me, and believe I am here, with you, right now. See me looking at you this moment. Practice trusting, I am your father, your friend, your leader, your Mother Bird. I am your strength, your gentle one, your nurturer, your guide, your king, your soft place. I am your shelter, your shield, your haven, your rest, your sun, your air, your joy and peace and light and hope. I am what is true. I am the map. I am what you can wonder about, but about whom you don’t need to wonder. I am your completeness. I am the answer to all wondering and the beginning of wondering, too. Breathe. Wait. See.

Exercise & Prayer

Find a piece of paper and a pen. Better yet, open your journal. Write the word “Breathe” and ask God to show you how he wants to be your breath. Listen. Wait. Write down ways you need to depend on him. Write the word “Wait,” and ask God how he is inviting you to be patient with the changes he is making in you. Listen. Wait. Write down words that describe how God sees you and the good plans you believe he has for you. Claim these good plans, based on the goodness of God and his love for you, even though you don’t know all the details of what God is planning.

Write the word “See,” and ask God to show you what he has for you in the extraordinary beauty of an ordinary day. Listen. Wait. Write down the picture you see of God with you, this moment, this day. Father, you are magnificent in your love. You are playful and good. You are jubilant and kind. You chase me. You love to be with me. You invite me in deeper, desiring me to experience all of you. And I want that. I want to be with you fully. I don’t want anything to get in the way of seeing, hearing, and feeling you. Come, Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, my Father. Teach this daughter of yours what it means to cling to you. I want more of you. I want to trust you and follow you, without reservation. Let me be bold and strong and fierce, with you. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.