Staying close

Topic: Restoration

Focus: Staying close

Jeremiah 33:3 (CEB) Call to me and I will answer and reveal to you wondrous secrets that you haven’t known.

As you walk through this day and everyday, keep in mind that there are answers to the mysteries you face. You never have to feel you don’t know enough to make it through your journey. The Lord has always known the answer to every question in your mind.

Right this minute, God is at work preparing the way for you to succeed. He is way ahead of you. He has gone before, to work out detailed arrangements for your benefit. What you see in front of you may not look like a well-planned agenda, but it is. Much effort has been put into the restoration that has already taken place, and even more will be added to your future—assuring that everything, yes everything, will work together for good in your life because of your love for the Lord.

Whatever you have need of, your heavenly Father, is able to provide. There is no reason for you to feel you lack anything, because He owns it all. If you are missing anything important, just ask.

Isaiah 65:24 (NIV) says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

You have spent a lot of time laboring in physical and emotional ways. You have worked ‘overtime’, trying to make things work out the way you thought they should in your life. The Lord wants you to lie down and rest. He wants you to stretch out in green pastures and spend some time looking at a body of beautiful, sparkling water—in other words, He wants you to live in tranquility.

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Almighty God gave you your life. You weren’t an accident at all. Your life was planned from the foundation of the world. Everything God saw in you was ‘good’, because He is the one who made you. Some people He made have accomplished amazing things in their lives. You have as much potential as any other person He has ever made.

Being a child of the living God is an honorable thing. Don’t be afraid to admit you belong to Him. Belonging to the God of the universe entitles you to many blessings. You have a wonderful destiny…if you choose to accept it.

Your heavenly Father wants to lead you all of your days. He wouldn’t dream of guiding you in the wrong direction. Any time you’ve ever stepped off the path, it was by your own choice—not His. He has always wanted you right by His side, so He could tend to your needs as they arise.

By staying close to the Lord, you won’t ever have to worry again about whether you’re lost. He wouldn’t dream of letting you become distracted or bewildered, as long as you don’t get too far away from Him.

This life has taken you through some dark alleys and narrow hallways. You will still have to pass through some places that you might not recognize. At times you will be walking in the dark—shuffling your feet and wondering where you’re headed. Remember, when that time comes, that the Lord is with you. You may hold His hand. He will not allow true danger to overtake you. He will always watch out for you with kindness and favor, if you stay close. You don’t have to be afraid.

You’ve learned from past experience that ‘not everyone is your friend’. There are those who would seek your destruction, but they will not succeed. Anyone who tries to harm you will be confused as you are able to find comfort and sustenance in the presence of the Lord…no matter what kind of schemes they try to perform.

At a time when others lack—you will be provided for. You will have more than enough for yourself—with plenty left over. The goodness and faithful love of the Lord will pursue you all the days of your life. Because of the Lord’s great love for you, you will remain in His house, as a member of His family, for the rest of your life and for all of eternity.

It’s so important that you continue to walk in right ways. God wants you to succeed. He bids you walk in the paths He has created for you—but He will not force you to stay on the right way—you have to choose it.

People smarter than you have wandered away from God—but following Him isn’t a question of intelligence. If it were, a lot less people would have become deceived and disoriented when they were so close to home.

Declaration: I will find new strength by holding onto the promises God has given me about my future. Any time I want, I can call out to Him for help. I never have to become lost again. If I stay close to the Lord, I won’t lose this battle—He will help me win it.