I wanted these words to be the title of this post, because they are significant.

I heard them this morning from the Holy Spirit. His encouragement lifted my countenance and ushered in His peace. I believe He wants me to share these words as a declaration of His heart towards you, as well. He said, “You are mine.” He says the same to you.

The Lord spoke these beautiful words to me after I asked Him about specific things happening in the world right now and discussing with Him about how they have been affecting me. Perhaps you are experiencing some discomfort regarding these things, too.

The things we are encountering in our culture now are pulling on each of us to stand on one side or the other…sometimes pitting us against each other, whether we intend that outcome or not. I have not been openly rejected, but I have had a few strained conversations with those who try to convince me to see things as they do. I try to engage these discussions in love and not judge the opinions of others, but it can be challenging to do. You may be having conversations like these with people you know, as well. Trying hard not to talk about the “elephant in the room,” but being VERY aware of its presence can make communicating with those that don’t agree with us very uncomfortable and cause division, even in the slightest terms. It is possible that our views and opinions may cost us relationships, church affiliations, and even employment.

We are bombarded daily with issues that we have to make choices about and sometimes these decisions are being used by the enemy to create an atmosphere of division and oppression. We can be confused about what to do, or how to feel as these challenge our beliefs. But we must remember that no matter what issues are presented, as Christians, God is our ultimate authority.

We must take encouragement in knowing that God is still SOVEREIGN and still SITS ON HIS THRONE. He is not surprised about or without an answer to the challenges His children are facing in these dark days. He is as concerned about our peace and well-being as we are…more so. We belong to Him. He loves us and wants the very best for each of us. Always. He wants us to remember that He is “in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV).
He consistently tells us not to worry, or fear; that He is ALWAYS with us.

I want to encourage you today by sharing a comforting chapter of scripture. It is Psalm 91.
It has become a very popular one these days, but it is miraculous in it’s depth of promise and provision. Read the words carefully and repeatedly…until you feel the power of the presence of God around you, reassuring you that no matter what it looks like, we are protected. We are loved, and…we are HIS.

Psalm 91 – For Meditation and Prayer (English Standard Version)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say^[a] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

³ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge^[b]—
¹⁰ no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
¹² On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

¹⁴ “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
¹⁵ When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Until next post, be safe and dwell in His Presence…vw1.