“Life takes us to unexpected places . . . Love brings us home.” ~ Unknown
The sun has set, but my heart feels restless. I’ve seen flowers blooming on stems that once hid tightly wrapped buds, like a toddler’s fist holding the last of remains of a crumbled cookie. Blossoms lightly spilling onto the ground beneath trees swelling with foliage tell me spring has done its work. I look at the calendar and I know summer will soon fill my days like the ocean running up to the shore at high tide.
Yet, in the deepest, most quiet parts of my heart, I feel as if I’ve just been standing still. You know that feeling you get, when you plant your toes in the sand — and you hold your breath brave and the ocean crashes up around your ankles and then, as the tide recedes, the rush of water feels like the whole earth is moving beneath you, carrying you into its arms ahead?
I’ve been feeling this way. Life isn’t always easy. So many voices around me. I’ve been trying to orchestrate the myriad of decisions that rush at me left and right. Some days, it seems the best I can do is to stand still, plant my feet and not lose my place.
My soul feels tired and weary — because you and I were made for more than just surviving our days.
We were made to be God’s beloved. Refreshed. Vibrant.
God’s Quiet Voice
He’s placed in us a part of Him that no amount of productivity, goal-setting, or accomplishment can fulfill.
God’s placed in you and me — a longing for beauty and rest, that is often awakened by feelings of restlessness, desire and maybe even pain.
It’s in those honest moments of reflection, we find God’s quiet voice still whispering, speaking, and inviting us to be known.
You are not forgotten.
I know the this place where you’ve hidden.
Beneath the busyness. Beneath your unspoken words.
I see you. Your heart. Your story. Your questions. Your need.
Come to Me. Let Me love you.
Then, all of a sudden, we remember that God brings the surf to gather speed onto the sand, so we can feel the pull of the moon, brush the hush of the sea to our feet.
It’s the touch of Jesus, longing for us to stop and hear him say:
“Come to Me.
You who are weary and heavy laden.
Let Me give you rest.”
{Matthew 11:28}
Click here to download this Come to Me printable
7 Things
Even among the daily routine, there is a quiet Voice — God’s whispers of love — that no amount of busyness, weakness, guilt, failure, brokenness, stress, or hurt can erase.
As sure as each turn of the ocean, the Holy Spirit will never leave us. And His intimate voice of reassurance will never tire.
It’s easy to give in to fear, that something in us — our past, our fears, or our worries — could ever somehow separate us from our place of refuge: Himself.
But, look up to sky. See how the sun rises each day to meet you in the morning, as it falls quietly through your window onto your breakfast table. Look at the blossoms on the tree whose arms have been barren through the frost of winter.
Then, dare to slow. Be still. And let the quiet of that moment invite you to hear these 7 Things Your Soul Needs to Hear:
1. I will be your shelter. I will be your home. No matter where your journey takes you, you belong to Me.
“You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.” {Psalm 119:114}
2. No matter who hurts you with their words, I will heal you. I am your safe place.
“In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.” {Psalm 31:20}
3. When your arms are empty of dreams, I will sing you a new song. And it will be yours and Mine.
“He has given me a new song to sing.” {Psalm 40:3}
4. Don’t hide your worries from Me. I will never tire of your worries. Come closer and bring them all to Me. Again and again.
“Do not worry . . . look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap . . . and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” {Luke 12:22-25}
5. Let go of what holds you and let Me hold you instead. What others don’t want, I want. You are mine.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” {Isaiah 41:3}
6. My heart is your home and sure shelter for this journey. Not because life is perfect, but because My love for you is irrevocably perfect.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” {Jeremiah 31:3}
7. My choice to choose and love you is irrevocable. You are forever in my heart. This I pledge.
“He has set his seal of ownership in us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge, a guarantee of what is to come.” {2 Corinthians 1:22}
Slow down, be still. Let go.
Slow down, just breathe. Still believe.
You have all you need. Loved in the arms of Jesus.
Be loved. And be free.
How is God whispering words of love to you today, friend?
Bonnie Gray, The Faith Barista
For more encouragement and words of rest for your soul, read Bonnie’s book Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.
{hand-lettering and photography by Kelly Ishmael}
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Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Bonnie,
I love the thought of God calling me, Bev, by name because I am His. The thought that He sees me, He knows me – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and He still calls me by name. I’ve recently come through a bout with OCD/depression. Fortunately these don’t come as often, but sometimes, it’s in the pain that I feel and experience His loving presence the most. Ironic, but true. It is in my deepest moments of pain and weakness and not feeling enough, that He whispers to me that I am His. He invites me under the refuge of His wings and He gathers me like the helpless lamb and holds me close to His heart. Thank you for reinforcing that here this morning! May peace and stillness go with you…
Blessings,
Bev
Penny says
Bev,
You are always so inspiring, I’m sorry that you have been going through a rough patch.
My prayers for healing and peace….
Penny
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thanks Penny ((Hugs))
Bonnie Gray says
so poetically expressed and true. thnx for sharing your heart, Bev.
Nancy Ruegg says
Almost every time I come to (in)courage, your comment is at the top of the heap! I’m so glad this one caught my attention, just to add my prayers to Penny’s, that those moments under the refuge of God’s wings will restore you to strength and vitality.
Blessings to you, Bev!
Nancy
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thanks Nancy…I’m an early bird…made even earlier by my senior dog Zoe who often gets me up around 4 am. Oy! Great quiet time thought lol. I’d play the piano, but others are still sleeping 🙂
Nancy Ruegg says
Maybe we should ask for electric pianos for Christmas! 🙂
Beth Williams says
Bev,
Prayers for healing! May God restore good health to you and help you enjoy the life He has given you!
Blessings 🙂
Kristan says
Some days I think my story is too much to tell others but it’s my story and I carry it with me. It’s almost like a badge of honor to tell what I have survived and still function so well. Because as you say in your book we keep going and keep fixing and keep striving to be worthy and perfect. If I can keep everyone happy and anticipate all their needs then I am still in control no matter how out of control everything seems. It’s this delicate balancing act of managing everything in my life. But then on days when I read things like this I realize that I have convinced myself that my story is too much for God too. When in reality it really is too much for me to bear some days and all I really want is for someone to take the burden of my story and carry it for a little while and give me rest. These seven things tell me that God is whispering, “let me carry your story, let me carry your pain, let me manage and control so that you can rest and feel love and be enough in your brokenness.i don’t get tired of hearing your story and I want to use it to do things you can’t even imagine” thank you for sharing these healing words.
Penny says
Kristan,
I’m sorry you have such a burden to carry. I hope you have some comfort in that that you don’t have to carry it alone. So yes, rest even for a little while…..
Blessings,
Penny
Bonnie Gray says
it’s beautiful to hear how God is speaking to you, right here, in between the words of this post. how much love He has for you! sweet Kristan. your story is carried in His heart and now. ours too.
Diane says
I often feel the same way Kristen. “My story” carries the weight of that which I cannot bear alone, without Jesus. This week, I took the time to climb into my bed, pull up the soft comforter, and asked my Heavenly Father to hold me in his arms. Immediately, I felt the burdens of this world slip away. My story helps others in need and is appropriate for sharing with those who need it most. I am learning that God whispers to me when that person, time and place all come together for His glory. I pray you have a restful weekend.
Adeola Odutola says
Kristan, we have a God who is ever mindful of us, who is more than able to carry us through when we are misunderstood by others or going through an unexplainable rough patch. My comfort in this is that God, is still speaking into our hearts reminding us that He is with us because He is the Great I AM. These words today were very meaningful to me and addressed what I am going through. You are not alone says the Lord.
Beth Williams says
Kristan,
Prayers for healing and rest. Praying to God to come and be near to you. May you feel His loving arms surrounding you-nay carrying you and all your burdens. Tell Him your story over and over. Let Him handle it all! He loves you sooo much! Prayers for the pain to diminish!
Blessings 🙂
April says
I could have written this post because its what my heart has been burdened with in this season of life. I am actually at the beach right now with my son & husband and it has been glorious. What I mean is, I needed this week to stop, and be still and just breathe because our life back home was overwhelming and emotions ran high and we just needed a time out. Thank you for reminding me that I am wrapped securely in the loving arms of Jesus, no matter what happens in life. I am His. And that is great news.
Bonnie Gray says
@aprilwindsorbox:disqus how soul gorgeous to be surrounded by the touch of God’s hands at the beach. and how soulfully beautiful to hear His whispers to you here .. sharing with us. thank you…
Beth Williams says
April,
How nice that you were able to get to the beach & just stop to relax and enjoy life for a while! Life can be very demanding at times. Sometimes it takes getting away from the busyness of it all and unplugging to rejuvenate@ Prayers that you and your family can enjoy this week and feel energized! May you feel God’s arms surrounding you carrying you and your burdens!
Blessings 🙂
April says
Beth,
Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement!
Brenda says
Lovely post. Thank you. 🙂
Bonnie Gray says
Brenda, thank you.. #youarebeloved.
Dolce Kimchi says
Thank you, Bonnie 🙂
Bonnie Gray says
hi dolce kimchi.. so sweet you’re here to visit. 😉 thnk you for the company.
Veronica says
We all have these stories, places of hurt when we need Someone much greater than ourselves to carry our burden, and to love us through the pain. Bonnie, when you said God is our Home, that really spoke to me. And the mention of waves and ocean reminded me of a favorite Psalm “Be still, and know that I am God.” Xox
Penny says
Veronica,
This is one of mine too, very soothing.
Blessings to you,
Penny
Bonnie Gray says
Veronica, soul beautiful how you hear His whispers to you today here… thank you..
Camille says
I love your writings Bonnie.. You know what a tired heart needs to hear. Thank you!
Camille
Bonnie Gray says
hi camille, so sweet to have kindreds for this journey… resting together with Him.. #youarebeloved
JeanneTakenaka says
Bonnie, what a beautiful post. It spoke to my spirit. The reminders that God is always loving me, that He knows my name, that He’s the giver or and fulfiller of the dreams in my heart . . . such encouragement in that truth.
And remember that God is my safe place—especially after hurtful words have pierced my heart—that is respite for my soul. His presence is my peace.
Bonnie Gray says
@JeanneTakenaka:disqus it’s beautiful how God is whispering to you, here in the quiet between the words. may His voice continue to surface each time the hurtful words return..and may they fade with each touch of God’s words to you washing over you. thnx fo sharing your heart with us.
Michelle Knowles says
Bonnie, thank-you so very, very much for this post!! I really needed to read this. I’m going through an extremely hard time – one of many related ones that I’ve had over the past 8 1/2 years. I keep hearing this message from God, but then I keep listening to the enemy tell me the opposite. I refuse to listen any longer, though, & am listening to God’s Word to me – He created me in HIS image. HE has plans for me. HE is my comfort & my joy. HE is my shelter. HE has my very best in mind. HE provides for – always has & always will. Thank-you, Bonnie, for letting God speak through you in this post – may He bless you & keep you, & may He make His face to shine upon you, now & forever more, Amen. <3
Bonnie Gray says
Hi Michelle – may you continue to hear His gentle voice to you each time the critical voice surfaces… until they fade, just like the waves of the ocean.. #youarebeloved will never change..
Michelle Knowles says
Thank-you so much, Bonnie!
Adeola Odutola says
Amen.
Suleiman Mshelia says
Bonnie,
He is the reason why I joined this group.
He loves me more than anything.
He always answer my prayers by either Yes, No, or Wait. I love him so much. Whenever he says ‘No’ to me, it always dawned on me to know that what I asked does not worth me.
He’s my everything….
God bless you..
I love being in this company.
Bonnie Gray says
hi sueliman, what a beautiful poem from your heart expressed here.. we are fellow kindreds on this journey.. thnk you!
Penny says
Bonnie,
So soothing and peaceful, “As sure as the turn of the ocean, the Holy spirit will never leave us.”
(It will be okay, thanks be to God.)
Thank-you, your soothing, peaceful posts always deeply touch me….
Blessings to you,
Penny
Bonnie Gray says
hi penny, thnx for taking time to encourage others in today’s comments… thank you for being here with us… #youarebeloved…
Penny says
I really appreciate that, thank-you Bonnie.
Have a restful weekend.
Penny
Nancy Ruegg says
#4 was especially meaningful to me: “Don’t hide your worries from Me. I will never tire of your worries…Bring them all to Me. Again and again.” My usual strategy is to turn away from worry as best I can and focus on praise and worship. Your “Seven Statements from God” here make me realize that a more honest approach might be more beneficial. I should talk to God about my worries, not try to ignore them. Perhaps a combination of the two would help: discuss my concerns with God, THEN praise and worship!
Bonnie Gray says
nancy, that sounds like whole heart and whole soul whispers from God…! he wants ALL parts of you! #soulbeautiful
Kathy Ryan Holmes says
You capture the Father’s heart so beautifully. I needed to hear this today. Thank you so much, Bonnie!
Bonnie Gray says
hugs to you, kathy.. so sweet to be kindreds.. 🙂
Brenda Meyer says
Bonnie…Seriously, this post was just what I needed today…every point you made spoke straight to my Momma heart as I grieve for my daughter who is going through a divorce… Thank you so much for your vulnerability, and love for Jesus….
Bonnie Gray says
hi brenda, i can’t tell you how happy that makes my soul… to know my words have brought your heart encouragement during this heart-grieving season.. He’s got you… your story is worth sharing. thank you for sharing it vulnerably with us here. #kindreds
Diane says
Bonnie, please know that we who follow your posts are here to help you carry your burdens, too! As always, this was a beautiful piece, straight from your heart. My prayer for you is that your soul will find the rest and renewal that you need. Have a beautiful, soul-rest weekend!
Bonnie Gray says
sweet diane, you’re God’s kindness to my soul. thank you for your prayers! going to enjoy my weekend now.. with spiritual whitespace!
Michelle says
I run a support group for moms of kids who have special needs. Our name is REST… I would love to get this printable for the moms!!.. Where would I do that??
Bonnie Gray says
right below the photo of the printable hanging on the wall, there is a link that says, “click here to Download Come to Me printable”. if you click it, it will lead you to download it! thnx for sharing, Michelle. blessings to you and the special needs mom! hug them for me!
Adeola Odutola says
Bonnie,
I heard Him say, ” Before the foundations of the world were put into place I AM.” Those words meant a lot to me as I am being assured that no matter what man may say or do to me no matter what I am going through He is more than able deal with it as He is with me.
Bonnie Gray says
#soulbeautiful. thnks, adeola!
Bonnie Gray says
hi pat, you’ve been through so much these few weeks… may these words continue to comfort and bring you close, so you feel as loved as you truly are. enjoy this weekend.. #kindreds
Beth Williams says
Bonnie,
Thank you for this lovely sweet post! It is hard to envision God calling me much less singing over me. Right now I could use reminders of His love. I had a rough year last year with my aging dad’s illnesses, my work stresses & hubby’s almost job loss. I was depressed for a while. I’m slowly coming out of my depression & unhappiness. Through it all I tried to remind myself of His unconditional love for me and that He would see me through these trials.
Blessings to all 🙂
Janelle Keith says
Love this post, grateful I found you. Breathing hard because I’m entering this rest season. I’ve been running to catch myself and you have written the purpose for my heart today. “He wants me in the now” wow!