Stop! Experience His love before you move ahead.

I thought I wasn't hearing right—a concert request reached me with the words: "Please don't babble so much. Stick to mostly music." Of course, that statement wasn't meant to be hurtful, and that's why it's so important to start the day with the reassurance of God's love!

People often speak without thinking how their words will affect the hearer, but if our first look in the morning is directed to God, we see Love before we even get up! When we've spent time with Him, it helps us see what's really going on in difficult moments so we don't feel threatened.

It was the knowledge of this love that immediately helped me understand: "Déborah, don't let this get to you. It's the devil who's babbling! He's trying to discourage you through a human being, so don't listen or give in to him."

There was no need for me to stay in that downcast place in my mind. God's love must be in first place! Instead of succumbing to discouragement or hurt, I decided to reach for God's love and encourage someone else. I grabbed my phone and left an appreciative message via WhatsApp to a Swiss artist who really gives everything to the Lord. And immediately his reply followed: "I needed that right now! Thank you!"

It doesn't take much to break this kind of negative cycle. By spending time with God first thing in the morning, you can experience Love before you even get out of bed! He will help you recognize who's actually doing the babbling. Most of the time, it's not the person saying something hurtful to you—but the enemy of your soul trying to stir up self-doubt again!

Have you given up on or stopped something you love, something God called you to do? What painful circumstance was it that stopped you? I encourage you to reach out to God's love now and break this cycle of negativity by writing or saying something appreciative to someone (perhaps the very person who hurt you)!

Here's how the Apostle Paul says it: "...I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Ephesians 3:17-18, NIV)

His love is endless!

You are a miracle!

Déborah