familiar whispers

I'm a Bible writer. Well, I don't write Bibles, I write in them. I highlight, underline, date, make notes in the margins..and you know what, I'm happy about that. You see, not only are the printed words living truth for my soul, but God has actually used my handwriting in declaring specific promises, at specific times to me. Talk about personal. My favorite Bible has weathered the storms of my life with tear stains, notes from friends (and even some from those I've never met), circled promises that continue to impact my life and colorful Post-Its filled with insights and questions from past studies with folks who have sharpened and blessed me. There is a blue pen mark over Psalm 72:14 from Christmas Conference dating back to my Jr. year in college; my friend Gina accidentally made this mark and every time I see that blue line I pray for her and her family. This Bible is a journal of sorts, it went with me on my first trip to China and has made every international and domestic trip since. As I read about the miracles of old I remember the miracles I have experienced, along with the ones that I am still believing for.

Although there is nothing magical about this book it is familiar and I can easily navigate the pages. It is a love story from my Creator, but it is also our love story recounting how we have traveled together through blissful times and hard times. He reminds me that He loves me infinitely more than I can even imagine, and, sometimes even more amazingly, he reminds me that he likes me and likes sharing these memories with me. While He is indeed the Creator of heaven and earth, we are best friends. He does not just care about the big things in my life, he cares right down to the most minute of details, even the hairs on my head. He cares. He loves. Always and forever.

And these are good things to know during seasons where I, more often than not, find myself saying I don't know. I simply do not know why this is happening or why that is not. But I will continue to cling to His promises, the very promises that He loves to keep. I don't know what this stirring means or what He has coming up, but He does. I sometimes plead for a talking donkey, a floating ax head, a sea to part. Something big and undeniably from Him. Not during this season, though, and maybe never will I receive a sign like that. But what I have been receiving is so much sweeter than any of those. 

Whispers.

Sweet whispers that have reminded me that He is so near, representing intimacy, closeness. And, I don't have to wonder if these whispers are from Him because as He knows me I also know Him. I know his voice, I recognize Him in the mundane, I see Him all around. I know Him because we have walked together a long time. He walks beside me in the good times, holds my hard when I need a little extra encouragement, holds me when I am weak and sings over me always. So, even in these hard seasons I will pray on and hold on because I know the One to which I cling, and He knows me. He knows what I can handle and in His perfect timing He will reveal a little bit more of Himself and His goodness. And for that, I can't hardly wait!

I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know me. John 10:14

How is the Lord speaking to you during this current season in your life?