The Father’s Loving Voice In A Time of Distress
Holy week, a couple of weeks ago now, was a time of deep reflection, prompted by the virtual ceasing of our daily routines and the government mandated sequestering. Reflection and repentance are what God call His people to do when He sends a disaster to wake us up. But while it may seem like stern love, the Father’s heart never ceases to be tender towards His children. Here is His voice, whispering reassurance to our souls in the midst of anxious times, from 30 passages of Scripture paraphrased to sound like He is speaking directly to us. Because He wants to, and He does.
Be at peace in Him while you read this.
Meditate on each verse as you pray this week and ask the Lord what He wants to say to you.
He knows your name. He holds you fast. He will never leave you.
Dear Child,
I am the Lord, and there is no other. [Isaiah 45:5]
I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity. [Isaiah 45:7]
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or send a pestilence among you, if you, who are called by my name, will humble yourself, and pray and seek my face, and turn from wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive your sin, and heal your land. [2 Chronicles 7:14]
Repent, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from my presence. [Acts 3:19, 20]
For I discipline the one I love. [Prov.3:12].
But I am the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love to a thousand generations. [Exodus 34:6,7a]
I am love [1 John 4:8], and nothing will be able to separate you from my love. [Romans 8:39]
My desire is to gather you as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. [Matthew 23:37]
Abide in Me. [John 15:4]
For he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. [Psalm 91:1]
I am Who I am. [Exodus 3:14]
I am your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [Psalm 46:1]
I am your rock, your fortress and your deliverer. [2 Samuel 22:2, Psalm 18:2]
I am your strong tower; run to me and you are safe. [Proverbs 28:10]
I am your sun and your shield; I give grace and glory. No good thing do I withhold from those who walk uprightly. [Psalm 84:11]
I am a hiding place for you; I preserve you from trouble. [Psalm 32:7]
I am the lifter of your head. [Psalm 3:3]
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]
I am greater than all, and no one is able to snatch you out of my hand. [John 10:29]
I will cover you with my pinions, and under my wings you will find refuge. [Psalm 91:4]
I keep you as the apple of my eye; I will hide you in the shadow of my wings. [Psalm 17:8]
I will hide you in my shelter in the day of trouble; I will conceal you under the cover of my tent. [Psalm 27:5]
Because you have made me your dwelling place – the Most High, who is your refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. [Psalm 91:9]
Because you hold fast to me in love, I will deliver you; I will protect you, because you know my name. When you call to me, I will answer me; I will be with you in trouble; I will rescue you and honor you. [Psalm 91:14,15]
I will heal your apostasy; I will love you freely, for my anger has turned from you. [Hosea 14:4]
I will again have compassion on you; I will tread your iniquities under foot. Yes, I will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea. [Micah 7:19]
My Child, I love you. I will not leave you or forsake you. [Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5]