I sat by a river recently with my feet in the frigid mountain water and to keep from thinking of work or life-challenges I thought instead of as many descriptive phrases as I could for the beauty surrounding me. The morning light seemed just as playful as the tumbling water as it highlighted the resplendent green of the translucent leaves creating dappled patterns on the surrounding trails. Everything around me was beautiful and I sat in grateful silence drinking in the moment. Water is universally healing. Its beauty and soothing sound promises refreshment and sustains life as it invites all to drink. Of course God was a part of that moment and I couldn’t help but think of the parallels between water and the divine.

His voice is like the sound of many waters. Refreshing, powerful, life-giving, steady, peaceful. The shallow river was crystal clear and I could see every large rock as the water tumbled over them. They were so beautifully rounded. I thought, something as seemingly strong and hard as solid rock becomes shaped over time as it yields to the soft steady flow of the water. As we yield to the Holy Spirit it rounds out our craggy edges and shapes us into vessels fit for the master’s use. Offense, selfishness, vanity don’t have the foot holds they used to. Water is also purifying, and I thought of the transforming effects of the word of God. Ephesians 5:26 says we become sanctified and cleansed by the washing of water with the word.

Allow yourself, woman of God, to be constantly, consistently, continuously washed by the water of the word. Yield to the Holy Spirit and be beautifully molded into the very best version of you. You were made to rest in God’s love so completely that you can’t help but shine. You are strong and the limitations and doubts that plague you are not your story or your identity. You are loved, chosen, rescued and cherished. Draw close to the heart of God. He is as refreshing, gentle and healing as a life-giving river.

His Whisper

Draw close, my daughters. I choose you. I cherish you. You are stronger than you know. You are capable of more than you know. Find your courage in Me. Come to Me in the quiet time. Turn your ear to Me and listen. Put away the things that distract you. You do not walk into your destiny lightly. You walk into it intentionally hand-in-hand with Me. We travel this life together. I Am your shepherd. But I can only lead if you let Me. Don’t look to the left or to the right. Look into My eyes. I Am your center. The world rushing over you and by you is just a distraction. If you would but turn your heart to me consistently you could see all that you could become and all I have for you. Move the things that distract you out of the way and make a quiet space for us to unite. I want to take you further and I want to draw you closer. You have no idea what you are capable of in my gentle hands. Trust Me. Walk hand-in-hand with Me. Allow Me to lead you.