My child, you are anxious about many things. This should not be. It grieves me to see you stressing and striving and eating crumbs from the ground when I have prepared a table of the finest food for you (in the presence of your enemies). I would prefer for you to sit by my feet and learn from me. Get to know me and trust my plans for you. My plans for you are not to harm you but to prosper you and give you a future and a hope. Did you not scribble in your journal at the beginning of this year that your re-soul-ution would be to seek first my kingdom and watch all other things be added unto you? Am I the first thing you think about when you open your eyes in the morning and the last thing you think about when you close them at night? Why do you think this is not the case?
I understand (and can see) that you are struggling. I can see that you have begun to surrender to your circumstances instead of trusting what you know about me. I know you are dealing with several overwhelming situations that have stolen hope and joy from you. You’ve begun to believe that it’s all up to you and if you don’t fix these circumstances then nothing will change. That’s one thing about you, my daughter, you are very self-sufficient, to your own detriment. You have listened to the lie that it’s all up to you. Many people wouldn’t even attempt to do, fix or tackle what you think you can do all on your own. This is a stumbling block for you. It overrides your trusting me as your first instinct. Then you get exhausted because of your striving. You get overwhelmed because you feel all the outcomes rest on your weak and caving human shoulders. I have invited all you who are weary and heavy burdened to come to me and I will give you rest.
It’s time to contend for the promises I have freely given you and take back what is rightfully yours. Have I not said I would never leave or forsake you? Have I not reminded you that my grace is sufficient for you and that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? I love you just the way you are and I love you with an everlasting love. Have I not promised that you will see my goodness “in the land of the living?” I also promised goodness and mercy all the days of your life. And I WILL be faithful to complete all the good works I started in you and your life. You are never alone in this shaky world and I am ALL you need. I love spending time with you. I’m never too busy to listen.
I know your heart. Man looks at the outside but I look at the heart. I can see in your heart a genuine desire to serve me, obey me and trust me. I can see there is gratitude in your heart as well but you are having difficulty keeping your eyes on me. You let the distractions of the world and the lies of your enemy get to you. It’s the plight of mankind. I know it’s extremely difficult to live in this fallen world and not succumb to its pollution and warped values. That’s what I’m here for. That’s why you chose me in the first place. I’ve given you everything you need for life and godliness. It’s yours! Just take it.
When the world is going mad all around you, trust in my promises to find the peace and hope and rest your soul desires. Don’t shut me out. Don’t try to fix everything on your own. I’m here for you.
I love you my daughter… if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts, how much more so do I, as your Heavenly Father?
The Red Plaid Apron 