Yesterday, a prayer group I belong to got together after our long summer break. It’s always great to be with this group of friends, even if it’s once a month and just for a couple of hours.
Well, after we broke up, I stayed behind to chat a bit more with Nancy, my friend who owns the retreat center where we gather.
As I waited for her to return from her house, I picked up a daily devotional that was sitting on a little table next to my chair. The title was God Calling, written by A.J. Russell.
Do you ever just flip open a book and see where you land? I do it all the time, and when I did with this book, I opened to the reflection for August 21st. The title was Broken Voices, and when I read the first line, I knew there was a special message in it for me. When you read it, I hope you’ll agree, and maybe there’s a special message in it for you too 🙂
Behold, I make all things new. It is only the earth-bound spirit that cannot soar. Every blessing I send to you, every joy, every freedom achieved from poverty and worry will loosen a strand that ties you to earth.
It’s only those strands that bind you. Therefore your freedom will mean your rising into the realm of joy and appreciation. Clipped wings can grow again. Broken voices regain a strength and beauty unknown before.
Your power to help other lives will soon bring its delight, even when at first the help to yourself may seem too late to bring you joy.
Worn out and tired as you may seem, and pain-weary, I say unto you, “Behold, I make all things new.” That promise shall be fulfilled. Tenderly, across the years, yet tenderly close and near to your tired, noise weary ears, I speak to you, my loved ones, today.
“Come, unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and will give you rest.”
