Dear Lovely...
Jesus to me two hours before my alarm was supposed to go off this morning: Get up! Hurry! Get out your pen, I don’t want you to miss this!
Man, I am so glad that I listened.
These are real words exactly as they are in the pages of my journal and just as the Lord gave them to me. For every lie that enemy has planted in my ear, Jesus has countered. And I’m here to tell you, He will do the very same for you.
You are not the exception to His goodness.
I feel entirely exposed publishing this because they are from the deepest, most intimate places in my heart, but I believe it is from those same places He has a word for you this morning.
I encourage you to sit down, get still, and receive it in the name of Jesus. Then stand up and walk confidently in healing and in truth. Lovely are His thoughts about you! Whatever the stronghold may be, whatever hurt you are facing or valley you are trudging through, let today be the day that the enemy has his final word.
Let freedom wash over you. Let Jesus be louder.
Lauren,
Why are you working so hard for something that cannot happen until I say that it can (Lamentations 3:37)? What if I never do? You know full well that the promise I have for you is greater (Ephesians 3:20). Is what I say about you not enough? You are exhausting yourself when all I want for you is to rest in me – a holy energy and peace and joy beyond your comprehension (Matthew 11:28, Psalm 62:1). The mercies I have for you – these are not flecks of glitter falling from the sky. They are catalytic coveralls of a grace that you do not deserve, but that I want you to have and know deeply (Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 2:4-5).
When you wake up in the morning – fix your eyes on me first (Hebrews 12:2-3). See the things that I have for you. You have already seen so many, but they are only the beginning. I am so proud of you, to be seen with you, to hold your hand and run with you. I am jealous for your affections (Exodus 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24). They will know you by my love (John 13:35). I have marked your countenance with my presence. You are beautiful. I love to see you get excited about the things I am doing.
Your heart is a prize (Proverbs 3:15). It is one of my greatest works. I haven’t missed a moment of your life. Since you were a little girl I have been calling you – drawing you to me. In your mama’s belly, I whispered to you. I put eternity in your heart before she even noticed you (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:14). I set a vision in your eyes in the formlessness of your being.
I made room for you in time because I want you here.
The things you are about to do in my name are nothing short of miracles (John 14:12) – you are nothing short of a miracle. The woman that I am stretching and refining you to be is one like Sarah and Esther. I will heal your unbelief (Mark 9:23-25). I will set you before kings (Proverbs 22:29). As your heart continues to shift and change and become in line with Mine – so will your desires. You will see promises fulfilled. Purpose and vision realized (Psalm 27:13). Breakthrough.
I am not confusion. I will be your clarity (1 Corinthians 14:33). I will be your song and dance in the shadows of depression (2 Samuel 6:22). I will give name to your dead places, and I will breathe them back to life (Ezekiel 37). What you have sown in tears you will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). You will see sheaves from your seed. You will be a strong wife and a gentle mother (Proverbs 31).
I am your advocate. I live to intercede for you (Romans 8:34). Like Israel in your obedience, blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out (Deuteronomy 28:6). You are mine (Ephesians 2:13-15). I love you wildly. I will never stop chasing after you (James 4:8).
I cannot wait for you to be home (John 14:2).
Until then,
Your heavenly Father
