You have been on along, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me. There is one thing, however, that displeases Me: your tendency to complain. You may talk to Me as much as you like about the difficulty of your path we are following. I understand better than anyone else the stresses and strains that have afflicted you. You can ventilate safely to Me, because talking with Me tempers your thoughts and helps you see things from My perspective.
Complaining to others is another matter altogether. It opens the door to deadly sins such as self-pity and rage. Whenever you are tempted to grumble, come to Me and talk it out. AS you open up to Me, I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your heart.

Be willing to follow wherever I lead. Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don't know what lies ahead, I know; and that is enough! Some of My riches blessings are just around the bend: out of sight, but nonetheless very real. To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith -not by sight. This doesn't mean closing your eyes to what is all around you. It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.
Sometimes I lead you up a high hountain with only My hand to support you. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes; also, the more keenly you sense your separation from the world and all its problems. This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of My Presence. Give yourself fully to these Glory-moments, awash in dazzling Light. I will eventually lead you down the mountain, back into community with others. Let My Light continue to shine within you as you walk among people again.

True Joy - Everyday

Remember that joy is not dependent on your circumstances. (I'll just say that again...)
Remember that joy is not dependent on your circumstances!
Some of the world's most miserable people are those whose circumstances seem the most enviable. People who reach the top of the ladder career-wise are often surpised to find emptiness awaiting them. True Joy is a by-product of living in My Presence. Therefore you can experience it in palaces, in prisons...anywhere!
Do not judge a day as devoid of Joy because it contains difficulties! (Again...)
Do not judge a day as devoid of Joy because it contains difficulties!
Instead, concentrate on staying in communication with Me. Many of the problems that clamor for your attention will resolve themselves. Other matters you must deal with, but I will help you with them. If you make problem-solving secondary to the goal of living close to Me, you can find Joy even in your most difficult days.

When many things seem to be going wrong, trust Me. When your life feels increasingly out of control, thank Me. These are supernatural responses, and they can lift you above your circumstances. If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you may fall prey to negativism. Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mind-set. With this attitude controlling you, conplaints flow more and more readily from your mouth. Each one moves your steadily down the slippery spiral. The lower you go, the faster you slide, but it is still possible to apply brakes. Cry out to Me in My Name! Affirm your trust in Me, regardless of how you feel. Thank me for everything, though this seems unnatural- even irrational. Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.
When you are back on ground level, you can face your cicumstances from a humble perspective. If you choose supernatural responses this time - trusting and thanking Me - you will experience My unfathomable Peace.

Luke 12:7; John 1:12; Romans 1:13

Never take for grated My intimate nearness. Marvel at the wonder of My continual Presence with you. Even the most ardent human lover cannot be with you always. Nor can another person know the intimacies of your heart, mind, and spirit. I know everything about you -even to the number of hairs on your head. You don't need to work at revealing yourself to Me.
Many people spend a lifetime or a small fortune searching for someone who understands them. Yet I am freely available to all who call upon My Name, who open their hearts to receive Me as Savior. This simple act of faith is the beginning of a lifelong love story. I, the Lover of your soul, understand you perfectly and love you eternally.

True Worship for Our King

Worship Me only. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable Light. I am taking care of you! I am not only committed to caring for you, but I am also absolutely capable of doing so. Rest in Me, My weary one, for this is a form of worship.

Though self-flagellation has gone of of style, many of My children drive themselves like racehorses. They whip themselves into action, ignoring how exhausted they are. They forget that I am sovereign and that My way are higher than theirs. Undermeath their driven service, they may secretly resent Me as a harsh taskmaster. Their worship of Me is lukewarm because I am no longer their First Love.

My invitation never changes: Come to Me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest. Worship Me by resting peacefully in My Presence.
-Christ.

I will Rest in You: by Jaci Velasquez
Lord, I'm in the dark,
Seems to me the line is dead when I come calling.
No one, the sky is falling.
Lord, I need to know.
My mind is playing games again,
You're right where You have always been.
Take me back to You,
The place that I once knew as a little child;
Constantly the eyes of God watched over me.
Oh, I want to be
In the place that I once know as a little child,
Fall into the bed of faith prepared for me.
I will rest in You.
I will rest in You.
I will rest in You.
Tell me I'm a fool;
Tell me that You love me for the fool I am,
And comfort me like only You can.
Tell me there's a place
Where I can feel Your breath
Like sweet caresses on my face again.
Take me back to You;
The place that I once know as a little child.
Constantly the eyes of God watched over me
Oh, I want to be
In the place that I once know as a little child;
Fall into the bed of faith prepared for me.
I will rest in You.
I will rest in You.
I will rest in You.
I will rest in You.

The soft, sweet summer was warm and glowing;
bright were the blossoms on every bough.
I trusted Him when the roses were blooming;
I trust Him now.

- L. B. Cowman