"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” —Romans 8:15

Do you wake with fear in the night? Are you afraid of what the day will bring? When afraid, we turn inward and the lies we believe darken our countenance.

But God is for us! Not as a benevolent administrator who makes our day go smoothly, but as a Father enamored with a child, delighted in our clumsy efforts at trusting Him. He is our Abba (Daddy), who invites us into His lap,  gently nudges us out into the world, and whispers in our ear, "I've got you. I'm right beside you."

From an early age, there grows in us an energy to meet our own needs with an attitude of fearful demand. We will find whatever is available, powerful and comfortable to soothe our pain. This is the opposite of God’s design; healthy trust of Him and others. Yet, while we still pursued our own ends without regard for God, He pursued us.

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us... according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  —Titus 3:3-7

By the mercy of God you are forgiven and renewed!

Tenderly designed and woven together, you display the creative glory of God.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it…” Psalm 139:14

Every fragment of your body is constructed to support life and joy in you. This body was given to you as an expression of His joyful provision and delicate care for you. It is only the artist with the greatest of love that pours over ever molecule. God has done so for you. You indeed are designed beautifully, gracefully and exuberantly. You are a fine treasure.

God loves us when we can’t feel it, and when we are lost. He loves us in the dark hour, and in the light. There isn’t an unlovable aspect of our being—just aspects that struggle in this fallen world.

Love is able to see, to understand, and provide mercy in all of our struggle. Love requires an understanding of who we are, what we need, and how our hearts were designed. God is aware of all of this—and he loves us.

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zepheniah 3:17

I go to think it, and my thoughts are known. I blink, and God notices with delight. I want to slump in rest, and my needs are already comprehended.

To have every move, thought, need and desire known tells us we are delighted in. Who would care to know every detail? Not to control or monitor, but to release and free. Yahweh. “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:4

I am known beyond measure as God sees me. He keeps his eye on his beloved.

God: “My child, you are a light to everyone around you. Not as a chore, but because I have designed you that way. Once you encountered my words, my promises, my spirit—you were changed. You keep on shining, it is who you are.”

Just like a city on a hill, were made to pronounce God! What a gift and affirmation of our worth. It is through our daily living and breathing “on the hill” that the world will see more.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

You are part of a people who have been created and sustained. A community which has been followed throughout ages and kept under the wing of God. Through trouble and confusion, He has looked with favor and delight upon us.

In trust, and sometimes confusion, we have circled around God who was faithful. When it looked bleak, the greatest rescue plan was enacted, and our worth was made known. You are one of those people. Seen, cared for, paid for in blood and listened to intently. The coming days will see you crowned and freed from tears.

"He crowns the humble with victory" Psalm 149:4

When there is love, you want to be in its presence, know its embrace and understand its strength. No matter the circumstances befalling you, the actions you have taken, or the distress you are in, nothing separates you from such a love.

Although it may not be felt, you are still well within the comforting walls of His love. He has chosen to secure you. “...nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus…” Rom 8:39