Trust

The Place Of True Contentment

by Lori Anne Hale January 25, 2019

written by Lori Anne Hale

True contentment is not found in your surroundings or the things you own. It is found in Me, in who I am, by the one who seeks to dwell in the sanctuary of My presence; whose eyes are fixed above the temporal things of this life. For now, their sights are focused upon the place where I dwell, as if entering a safe harbor with quiet waters and tranquil seas; guided into port by the soft whisper of My voice (which always points to the perfect place of entry as the corridor for discovering inner peace) where the cares of this world can be abandoned, left behind in the rough seas of struggle, cast aside as if thrown out into the waves.

Because their thoughts are anchored upon Me, though these concerns are not forgotten, the weight of each worry has been lifted (as if floating out on the water) unburdening this vessel as it glides into My docks. So then, when the sound of distant thunder is heard bringing with it a shift in the current, this one is able to maintain contentment, for we have been permanently united through the sacrifice of My Son and are tethered together with an unbreakable cord. Therefore, this port of rest will always remain open, accessible no matter where we journey, even if it leads into the mysterious ocean of uncertainty, where heavy fog is known to cloud the way for clear navigation and conceal from view the common instruments used to gain a sense of heading. However, this portal of serenity always lies just before them, for it is carried within each of My children.

Though there may be unexplored waters ahead, this vessel can choose to sail through undisturbed simply by learning the way to maintain ease in their inner man during the severe weather of testing; which is, to enter into the shelter of My presence. There is no other haven which can offer the true rest that abiding with Me produces, for any refuge designed by man will only bring a temporary feeling of relief inside, as a momentary distraction from disappointment and weariness.

When My sanctuary is set as the destination, and wandering thoughts have been cast aside, the quality of authentic peace can emerge. For the environment I have created, as our point of meeting, cultivates a calm interior by displacing every care and concern with the well-being of one who is no longer troubled. When a child from My Kingdom elevates their thoughts (situating their view upon those things above), a confidence is generated within, leaving no room for doubt to exist. Even a raging storm cannot shake the contentedness known by one such as this, because they have placed their trust in a Captain who guides His vessels masterfully and without fail, for I am able to lead beyond the torrential rains meant for disaster. Though dark clouds may build with billowing winds and high waves, the fear of capsizing is far removed because this one has already felt the buoyancy of traveling through more aggressive seas with Me at the helm.

Yet even a well-weathered vessel is only able to maintain the correct heading when I am allowed to man the wheel and is content to have Me set the direction of our voyage. Once this one becomes accustomed to giving Me room, I can make the needed course corrections and adjust the pace as we move out beyond where it feels secure. Then, I am able to push us past every barrier which outlined the shallow waters this vessel had been inhabiting, thus opening up a fresh vision, set in the landscape of a broadened horizon where new shorelines are sure to be experienced; of destinations previously thought to be too far out of reach, although easily realized as part of our travel, for I have included amazing points of interest along the way.

The heart that remains committed to Me (one that is not swept away by the current or the waves) is a vessel that has found the place where true contentment lies. Therefore, it can withstand a bit of motion rolling underneath the bow but is not easily swayed to turn about or drop anchor before it is time. For now, there is a determination which has been established within this one to see our voyage through to completion; to carry on beyond the edge, which has caused others to stop due to concerns about falling.

Since this vessel has stared fear in the face and seen Me bring them through, they know I will continue to be their “keeper”, even if a giant wave rises up and begins to flow towards them, threatening to overturn their very existence. Even then, true contentment is still possible, for their future rests in My hands and is not determined by the fierceness of the sea, for I AM able to calm every storm and bring it to stillness so there is nothing but clear sailing beyond, held in the forecast of smooth waters with a brilliant horizon ahead.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

(Received: 1/22/2019)

January 25, 2019 0 comment

Encouragement

At The Waters Edge

by Lori Anne Hale December 29, 2018

written by Lori Anne Hale

At the edge of the water, she stands, gazing out upon the endless horizon. The steps she has taken thus far have brought her right up to the shoreline, where the ground beneath is no longer solid, and she feels herself starting to sink just a little, for the dry land to which she is accustomed to walking feels less stable. With the sand and the water mixing together, the current begins to flow towards her, lapping over the tops of her feet. Even though this rush of low waves has only covered a small fraction of her being, there is a sense of elation which rises inside her as the tide rolls in, washing over her ankles. Its gentle surge, like a whisper, is calling out to her with words held in a reassuring tone, encouraging her to come further in, that all will be well if she decides to go deeper.

Holding onto the dream of something more, she looks over the vast waters before her. Not seeing any shape of dry land off in the distance, she wonders if going farther would be wise at this point in time. Uncertainty tries to dissuade her from stepping into the current, telling her this is an imprudent decision, for how can she know if this Voice is to be trusted, when there is nothing but an immeasurable expanse before her, with no evidence of a safe harbor nearby in close enough proximity to provide shelter just in case conditions become more than choppy.

As she continues to stare off into the distance, she imagines what it would be like if she took another step forward, or threw caution aside, and simply dove in, letting the tide determine her heading, and dictate the way she should go. Would she survive? Surely there would be perilous times ahead, occasions to encounter the fierce surge of rough seas, brought in by tempestuous weather, with an unpredictable outcome that could leave her stranded, like some castaway on a deserted island, or even worse, be found sinking to the bottom, unable to catch a breath, as if drowning.

While each of these unfavorable scenarios run through her thoughts, the Voice calls out to her again, as if carried on the cool breeze, urging her to step out, filling her with an inexplicable peace of knowing her true destiny lies out beyond the sea, and can only be found if she is willing to leave her certain security, giving up the haven of self-protection, and move out into the open with only one guarantee, a single promise given when she heard the Voice speak, saying with an adamant quality, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Put your trust in Me!”

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

(Received: 9/5/2018)

December 29, 2018 0 comment

Hope

Where Does Fear Go To Die?

by Lori Anne Hale December 7, 2018

written by Lori Anne Hale

Where does fear go to die, or does fear just continue to exist?

Can fear be eliminated completely from a life, or is fear waiting in the wings, hanging off to the side, looking for another opportunity to be let back in, bidding it’s time for a twist of fate to create a way of regaining some strength?

Fear is a strong foe, looking to grab hold of a person’s heart, eagerly seeking a new place to set up house, always with the greetings contained in a few words of doubt. For when fear is nearby, doubt is usually found loitering around, having formed a dark partnership, these two arrive hand and hand. Doubt usually rises when fear is in command, so when fear begins to lay out his case, doubt comes right alongside him using rationalization to support their evidence of what is true.

Fear becomes emboldened once he has diverted a person’s attention, for his suggestions are always strong. Then, by using doubt, he eclipses the view of their next victim by offering a terrible depiction of the future, one that predicts an uncertain horizon. Strutting and striding, fear parades doubt across a mind because his efforts are fully invested in keeping those he has duped filled with dread. For when fear sets up a perimeter to encase a heart, he is attempting to block off any point for HOPE to shine its light. So then, as he continues to eradicate every avenue for peace, doubt can dance around their carefully crafted barriers (those meant to hold a soul hostage) and fill their captive with thoughts of impending disaster, thus plaguing a whole life with their existence.

Because fear will not settle for second best, he applies the necessary pressure to secure himself as the primary presence in a person’s life. Yet, not to be outdone, doubt tags along, eager to offer a flood of unsettling thoughts which open the place for worry to gather. So, how can a heart find any rest when it is overrun by their false narrative of gloom and doom?

When a person is constantly being chided by fear’s loud rebukes, he will eventually stop trying to escape and accept the distorted version of truth these two evil spirits have concocted, thus securely keeping himself as their prisoner, as one who is afraid to make any decisions due to their convincing platitudes. So this one will, at some point, be willing to comply by accepting fear’s voice as normal and surrendering to doubt’s ideas of compromise, as over and over again, he is hit hard with a barrage of negative words leading the charge.

What is a person to do when these two bullies show up on the scene? How can anyone combat fear’s taunts and outwit doubts plots, or find the way to elude all of their schemes? The only way of evading these two troublesome adversaries is by listening to My voice alone; the ONE filled with real truth, that speaks from the place of Authority. For only I AM able to see the future, of all those things which lie just ahead.

I always speak words filled with love and comfort, offering encouragement when uncertainty begins to make a way for fear to break in. In quiet confidence My voice utters tender words, urging a person’s heart to trust Me by realizing fear has nothing to offer. For once this one can distinguish the sound of My voice, he can make a stand against fear’s underhanded attacks.

My voice brings stability to every situation, for once heard, it is able to drown out the sound of alarm being whispered in his ear, for IT has the power to fill a person’s heart with ease because it carries within it the elements of real peace. My voice is never frantic, though at times it may urge someone to act, for I speak with all-knowing… MY timing is exact.

Fear knows that once My voice is recognized and established in a person’s life, his days as tormentor are over. For as faith fills a heart, as it builds and grows, fear will be displaced and must go, usually without putting up too much of a fight. Though fear is roaming about seeking those who are weak, My voice is always able to be heard, for it speaks words of hope, resonating with the sounds of triumph and victory, offering man the place of true rest.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

(Received: 4/10/2018)

December 7, 2018 0 comment

Hope

The Test

by Lori Anne Hale November 30, 2018

written by Lori Anne Hale

Where the river is at its deepest, that is the point of crossing, the place you will step into the waters of testing. This area of ground is where our path continues, not around or over, but right through the middle. Though the trail is completely covered, and you cannot see to get a sure footing, solid ground still lies just beneath, for, with your first step of faith, the waters will begin to subside. This continuing process of trust will see you safely through to the other side, without any harm coming to you or even to those you hold dearest.

For Me, this is just another excursion, an outing with one of My children, where we get to explore your surroundings and come in contact with a few challenges, but nothing which is meant to dissuade you from continuing forward. For when you have Me in the lead even a rushing river is easily passable because I know the exact point where it is safest to cross.

This is how I designed the journey, where at times, the road will, on appearance, be filled with uncertainty, leading to destinations unknown, places you have never been before. When you arrive at one of these times, recognize it for what it is – an intentional obstacle, which was given to you, containing what is needed for you to experience growth, expand your inner man, and deepen the relationship between us.

To your natural sensibilities, where I ask you to step, will appear to be the least acceptable option, as you are unable to see beyond the shallow, and cannot ascertain anything below the water’s surface, and when you attempt to peer beyond, hoping to decipher what will happen once you make the initial move of trust, know that what you will see is your reflection staring back, like in a mirror, the face of one who is a bit nervous, for I have internationally obscured the way.

Yet, rejoice when you run into these moments of challenge, knowing you are about to encounter something miraculous, that I am about to pull off something, which for you, seems impossible, yet for Me, is in line with My character, just the normal way that I operate.

You see, times of testing are all part of your walk with Me, a natural occurrence in the lives of My children; the process I have created so they are able to learn and to grow. It is never meant to be viewed as punishment, but always to teach, just as when taking an exam: you study and practice each equation before actually taking the test. But when the Teacher decides you are ready, according to the lesson plan He has laid out, He issues the date for you to establish what you have learned, by facing the problems He has constructed, wanting you to rely on those things He has taught you.

For with Me as your instructor, you never need to worry about missing any part of the answer, because I always teach to the test. I never throw in something random, expecting you to come up with the resolution on your own. Nor do I ever fail any of My students, as I offer unlimited retesting so you never receive a poor grade or arrive with an unsatisfactory mark.

I give endless opportunities to pass and am never disappointed if you have to try again. Because I really enjoy My role as a teacher, I am especially good at one-on-one tutoring, where I am able to give in-depth instruction, so that in the areas which you might be struggling, I can then offer the perfect correction, showing you how to find the right solution; setting the answer in the staying power of understanding, as if in cement, permanently attaching it in your being.

So when your path brings you to a place of trouble, when a problem or two presents itself before you, know that your Teacher has decided it is time for you to be tested, because He knows your stage of development, and is certain you are ready to master this level, then move you into a higher position of faith.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-5

(Received: 9/7/2018)

November 30, 2018 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts