READING:
You have come, dear heart, with your arms full of longings, a new system for your games, the perfume you love, more work, a gift bag, a home to call your own, and a love to walk beside you. It all tumbles out in a rush, and I am glad you have brought every bit of it to the throne of grace. Do not think it is too small. The Lord Jesus does not turn away from the clamorous desires of a child; He bends to listen, even as a mother heeds the chatter of her little one who asks for the moon and a penny sweet in the same breath.
But, oh, I would have you remember this: even while you reach for these lesser treasures, the greatest Treasure is already in your hands. You have the blood of Jesus. That crimson fountain is your uncommon favor, your healed shield, your acceptance beyond any earthly acceptance. When you feel unnoticed or unhandled with care, look to Calvary. Christ’s righteousness rises before the Father like a sweet savor, and for His sake you are beloved. No perfume made by man can outdo that fragrance; no gaming system can give the rest that only Jesus gives. “Underneath are the everlasting arms”, that is your real home, even now, while you wait for a house of your own.
I know the longing for a place and for a partner who will lift you up and prize you. These are natural, and the Lord does not despise them. Yet let me gently set this before you: all earthly nests are woven on branches that may be cut down. If you gained them outside of God’s smile, they would be like a love letter in a black-edged envelope, sweet for a moment, but full of sorrow. But when you first seek the Kingdom, casting all your care on Him, He often adds these same things, and loads them with joy. Wait patiently; the path of the just is like the morning light that grows brighter and brighter. Your small beginnings, your not giving up today, show that grace is at work in you.
Yes, the fig must be bruised to ripen, and so must we. Your shield is being healed, not by a hasty smoothing over, but by the tender hand that first wounded and now makes whole. The God of mercy will go before you. Before you can cry for help, He has already prepared the way. Cast yourself upon those everlasting arms; let them hold you up when your own strength is spent. He is your refuge, your portion, your exceeding great reward.
So, come with your bold requests, you may ask largely, but let your deepest cry be for more of Christ. He is the fountain that never runs dry when all other streams fail. And now I would breathe a prayer with you.
Lord Jesus, Thou who didst welcome the weak and the tattered, look upon this dear soul with eyes of tenderness. Thou knowest the longings she has poured out; purify them, set them in order, and grant what will truly work for her good and Thy glory. Give her this day her daily bread, whether it be the provisions she names or the sweeter bread of Thy presence. Be her shield and her shelter; make Thy love the home she has always sought. And if it please Thee, in Thine own time, provide a godly companion to walk with her in the path of life. But above all, fix her heart on Thyself, the fairest of ten thousand. In Thy blessed name I pray, Amen.