The world tells us to seek our worth, our purpose, and our strength from within ourselves. But, what happens when you hit rock bottom, and your soul is utterly broken and laid bare? What if there is nothing left…no inner strength from which to draw power? What if all hope is lost? What if “within” is barren. What if there are so many shattered pieces of your life laying about that you don’t even know where to begin the repairs? What if the burdens, and unanswered questions, of this world begin to overwhelm you with worry and fear? What if you are scared that your mundane, day-to-day, seemingly purposeless life is all there is? What do you do? Where do you go? To whom do you turn?

Will money help? Will more friends help? What about a super-awesome career? Charity? Your family? Travel? Nature? The universe?

I spent years trying to find peace, and purpose, in this life…but it always seemed to elude me. I felt a greatness within my spirit – perhaps that is why I sought what I was looking for from “within.” I sought answers through many means of religion and spiritual practice. But it wasn’t until I returned to my first Love that I found ALL that I had been seeking. There was greatness within my spirit. God planted that place in my spirit so that I would seek Him…just as He did for every person He ever created. It is one of the great mysteries of our God. In Proverbs 25:2, it says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” As children of God, we are kings and queens, aren’t we?

Oh, how I am loved and cherished. I am delighted in and I have purpose. There was a plan laid out for me before I was ever conceived in my mother’s womb. And the very spirit within me rejoices! After many years of self-loathing, I can say these things because I have been saved, healed and delivered.

When trials come (and they will)…when I am filled with pain and heartache…when I am broken because this life has laid yet another devastating blow…I simply look up, and hear these words. These are the words of the Creator, Lover and Keeper of all that I am.

These words…these promises belong, also, to YOU.

A Love Letter

Dear Beloved,

I have loved you with an everlasting Love.

I will not forget you. I go before you and I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Even when you walk through the valley of shadows – fear no evil because I am with you. YOU are a child of God.

I am the fountain of life; in My light you will see light. I will give you strength and bless you with My peace. Through Me, you are more than a conqueror and nothing can separate you from My Love. I will make your steps firm – though you stumble, you will not fall, for I will uphold you with My hand. I will give you beauty for ashes; gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. If you seek Me, you will find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.

I will satisfy you in the morning with My unfailing Love, that you may sing for joy and be glad all your days. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made strong in weakness.

Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. I heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Me and I will make your paths straight. For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you Hope and a future.

I am with you mighty warrior. Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. The Word that goes out from My mouth will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Be still and know that I am God. Do not worry about your life – what you will eat or drink or wear. Your Father knows that you need all these things. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Set your hope on Me, that I will continue to deliver you.

Whoever believes in Me will not be ashamed. Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when I am revealed. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Me (Christ), after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. I did not give you a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. No longer will you be called deserted – but you will be called Hephzibah – for the LORD takes delight in you. You did not choose Me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and bear lasting fruit.

You can do all things through Me, because I give you strength. If I set you free, then you are free, indeed. For I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. And I am your Rock, your Fortress and your Deliverer.

Love,

The Creator, Lover and Keeper of your soul