“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” 1 John 3:13
“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright…
Sing to him a new song.” Psalm 33:1, 3a
From the heart of God for you:
It is for freedom that Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1), but not everyone will approve of that freedom. For some, it will expose their darkness and they will despise it (John 3:20, 1 John 3:12, 13), but you are made to shine My light so don’t be afraid. Shine for people to see and to glorify My name (Matthew 5:16). Don’t hide Me.
There is a beautiful fragrance on your life because of Me. And it will be a fragrance of death to some but a fragrance of life to others (2 Corinthians 2:15,16). Just know that the response is not about you. It’s about Who I am in and through you as you obey and abide in Me.
I will open doors and give you the courage to walk through them in My strength. You need not take a single step on your own. I am with you. Celebrate the “with-ness” and sing. When you find yourself fearful, sing praise to My name and be reminded of Who I Am and thus know who you are as My child: loved, protected, defended, strong, an overcomer, with praise on your lips and a song in your heart.
There is a ‘beyond’ for you, not just a ‘beyond this.’ Dream bigger. There is a beyond what you can dream or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I will make you fruitful. Ask Me for specifics about that statement. Ask about My plans for your fruitfulness and dare to dream with Me. Write down what you hear, and then pray through the list given. What dreams have I put in your heart that have lain dormant for too long now? Bring them to Me and let’s talk them over. Do not be anxious but PRAY with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Look at your life and be in My word and let Me remind you of all there is to be thankful for. Allow Me to be the ‘lifter of your head’ today. “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Psalm 3:3
“Prepare plans by consultation,
And make war by wise guidance.” Prov. 20:18
“Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in (waited for) You.” Psalm 33:20-22
Any scripture included in this post can be seen in its entirety as you hover over the reference.
Want to receive devotional encouragement in your inbox each week, simply subscribe here. I will also send you a copy of my 6 Week Prayer Strategy with a week of devotionals. Click here. Yes!