PROPHETIC WORD: God’s Harbor of Rest & Refuge
Isaiah 52:9-10, MSG
Break into song! Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem: "GOD has comforted his people! He's redeemed Jerusalem!" GOD has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm.
Step into a new day!
Change is here for so many of God's faithful servants! The shift has happened. The discomfort you felt and extreme pressing have turned into a season of abundant joy and RADICAL REST.
You are about to enter a sanctuary of peace, spiritual prosperity and renewal.
All things are new.
This season will be "indescribably flavorful!"
Indescribably = to such an extent and degree that it will be hard to put into words.
Flavorful = savory, delectable, heavenly, rare, delightful; crafted in such a way that you'll know it was created by the hands of God!
The Lord is giving you new garments of praise! The old is gone, and the new is here!
Some of you faced such extraordinary spiritual warfare in recent months that it might be hard to believe that a new dawn has risen. However, you really have crossed the threshold!
You must close the chapter on a prior season to make room for the new. Change doesn't always feel great, but the more you seek God's perspective, He will clarify your situation.
This morning the Holy Spirit highlighted Isaiah 52 as a prophetic portrait of what is taking place in the life of God's faithful servants. To give proper context, this chapter points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, but the Lord showed me how He's also leading His people similarly.
I encourage you to read and study the chapter, but here is what the Lord highlighted in my spirit for some people:
God is leading you out of this current place. You will have a safe exit. You mustn't look back!
You're not running out of here; God is safely leading you into something new. Finish strong!
The God of Israel is your rear guard.
"Just watch my servant blossom…" (52:13, MSG)
In Isaiah 52, the people were called to separate themselves from Babylon literally and spiritually. In the same way, the Lord is creating space and distance for some of you, and God will encapsulate you in a case of grace. It's important to understand that this pruning and separation is actually happening because of God and not the enemy. What might look like rejection is God's protection. He's purposely putting you in a different place so that you can rest, recover and be replenished for the next season of your life. You must take this rebuilding process seriously.
If you return to old places, mindsets, seasons or assignments, it will delay your progress.
We need the eyes of faith to focus on the unseen realm more than the externals.
As God's elect, some people will misunderstand you and some won’t even like you and that’s okay! That's all part of the journey with God. We are "peculiar people" because we are not from this world but belong to Jesus. Allow your light to shine wherever you go, and praise the name of Jesus louder than anything else, including your own story.
Embrace the peculiarness — “the state of being set apart and different on purpose.”
The Apostle Peter writes, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." -1 Peter 2:9.
One part of being different is taking a path that might not always make sense to others, but you must trust and follow the Lord anyway.
The Holy Spirit is saying to someone: You are advancing, but before entering the new, you are in a case of protection for these next 52 days.
God is rebuilding your life and heart like Nehemiah rebuilt the walls in less than two months. The Lord has confirmed this repeatedly, and I know some of you are entering a foundational period of your life that will be bursting with new beginnings!
It's going to be beautiful.
God wants you to guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).
The Lord is teaching you radical trust and obedience.
What you think is the enemy is God getting you into alignment with His will. The opposition from a prior season had a purpose. It awoke you to what King Jesus would do in your life. He rained down His glory and showed you Who is really in charge.
He is already way ahead of you.
The Lord is going to sustain you in this hour and send help with very practical matters that will give you a chance to restfully heal.
In Psalm 107, we remember that God is a Divine Rescuer. He delivers in just the nick of time! You go from a season of dryness to a land bursting with fruitfulness!
Here are some verses from Psalm 107 (MSG) that the Holy Spirit is highlighting….
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever!" (Psalm 107:1)
“All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas” (v. 2-3).
“He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live” (v. 7).
“Out at sea, you saw God in action, saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean: With a word, he called up the wind—an ocean storm, towering waves! You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out; your hearts were stuck in your throats. You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk, you didn't know which end was up. Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time” (vs. 23-28).
“He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves. And you were so glad when the storm died down, and he led you safely back to harbor. So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves” (vs. 29-31).
"They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest" (v. 37).
A DESIRED HAVEN
⛵You have reached the shoreline
Last night I heard the word "harbor" in my sleep. I knew the Lord was prophetically declaring how He's calmed the waves and declared stillness.
He's bringing great comfort to your soul. This is a time of rest and recovery designed by Jesus.
He's creating a sanctuary for your mind, body and heart.
Psalm 107:30 (CSB) – They rejoiced when the waves grew quiet. Then He guided them to the harbor they longed for.
The word "harbor" is also translated in the Bible as DESIRED HAVEN.
This is a place your soul profoundly longs for, and it's a place where you will receive safety and refuge. God is sheltering you. A harbor is where a boat finds peace, rest and protection from outside interference. Its needs can be immediately met. Harbors offer favorable opportunities and conditions because there are more resources readily available nearby.
It's a place where you are beached along the shoreline until God releases the new thing.
In Psalm 107, we realize that sometimes we are wanderers in an endless maze that feels like it never ends, but then one day, God calms the storms and brings radical rest and peace to our lives. God is doing a new thing and you must trust Him!
He's also bringing deliverance to those who are sick or afflicted with soul wounds in this hour.
He's bringing balance and understanding to everything you endured in a prior season.
Deliverance will come by His word. HE will calm everything in an instant.
Even the toughest sailors can grow weary and concerned at the churning seas. However, Jesus has helped you push through the storm to arrive at safety. You really have made it!
The other day I saw a report about a cruise ship that sailed back to port even amid towering waves. The captain plowed through the storm because the waves would have brought the ship down if he stopped. They had to get to the harbor.
In the same way, storms can often arise in our lives when we least expect them to, and it feels like we are drowning in despair and longing for any relief. And then, with just a word, Jesus brings calm and stillness. We remember that He’s the Great I AM. Do not give up! Be strong and courageous. God is going to bring you refuge and safety. He is your Mighty Comforter.
And best of all – He's also going to restore your TRUST in Him!
Mark 4:37-41
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
PROPHETIC ENCOURAGEMENT
We are moving from glory to glory and advancing in spiritual maturity!
The Lord is putting everything in His perfect, divine order and there’s always a shaking and disruption before change!
When the shaking starts, it’s important to yield to the Father and shift with Him!
Don't return back to old places just because you feel a false sense of security, loyalty or love. God will make it abundantly clear where you belong and when it's time to move on to something new.
The Lord is talking about movement right now for His people. This can be physical relocation, but it also might be a changing of the seasons and spiritual renewal. God is making all things new. Change really is here. I really sense physical movement for some people and relocation.
Some of you have fulfilled an assignment from a prior season and passed all the tests. You are maturing in the spirit and moving onward and upward! You’re not the person you used to be. Do not allow people to devalue you anymore. Iron sharpens iron. Go around people who inspire and motivate you to level up and become everything Jesus wants you to be.
Remember – you are a warrior, not a worrier!
Today I am so thankful for how we serve a King who truly loves His people. God has been walking with you in the fire, even as the heat was turned up seven times. You are a survivor. Jesus healed you. He loosened your chains. He never left your side.
When Jesus takes hold of your life – He becomes your greatest passion, and we can't help but praise His wonderful and marvelous name!
In the Bible, fire can represent trials and tribulations, but it also reflects the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT. You will never be the same!
Life's about to get really good for someone! So get your boat to harbor and look for the sign that says AMAZING GRACE. The Holy Spirit will hover over you there and bring safety, refuge and security. You have nothing to fear.
God sure does love your faithful and devoted heart and nothing gets past Him. He sees it all! You have the heart of a mighty warrior, always aiming to please your King!
David had many spiritual qualities that made him a standout, but there are two that stood above the rest:
He was a man after God's own heart. He truly loved the Lord with all his heart and soul and always tried to put the Lord first.
When confronted with sin, David turned from his ways, confessed his faults, and sought forgiveness.
Many people know the grave sin of David and his relationship with Bathsheba. Their first child died because of David's murder of Uriah and adultery with Bathsheba. David grieved and mourned so severely that he looked like death himself. He was also publicly scorned and humiliated. But unlike Saul, who always blamed others, David went to God and confessed his sin. He knew that any punishment from God was just and proper. He was humbled enough to say, "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight" (Psalm 51:4).
The Lord loves humble hearts that can freely admit where we fall short and then bring it to God and lay it bare at His feet. He always responds when you chase after Him with reverence and respect.
The Father is saying to someone, "Keep looking to Me for direction in your life. Do not be afraid to act and do what I command. I will be with you. I AM your safety, protection and refuge. I will provide for you and bring great help this season. I AM worthy of your confidence and trust. Even when things look bad, you can trust that I’m working out everything for your good. I AM bigger than any storm and greater than anything you are facing. You can take refuge in my grace. I AM going to keep My many promises to you."
Here are some Holy Spirit-infused reminders as you enter a new week.
God deserves our greatest passion and devotion. Everything else must bow.
I’m hearing this same verse again in my spirit: “Guard your heart, for it's the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
Hold your head high and be about your Father's business. Do not look back! Look towards your future because change is here!
Don't let people take advantage of you. Stand up for yourself. You will know people by their fruit; listen to their words, they will reveal their character. From their mouths will flow the conditions of their heart.
Replace all bitterness and resentment with kindness and compassion.
God is going to get you renewed and He will replenish your soul. There will be peace upon the land; the Lord can even cause your enemies to be at peace with you. Trust His process, beloved.
Remember to start each day with a grateful heart.
Always take the path opposite from the world. Enter the narrow gate. It will lead you to HOME.
Right now you can only see in part, but soon God will make everything clear. There will be rebirth, renewal, replenishment and then REVIVAL.
Have a great week! The Lord loves you so very much!
Ephesians 1:18-23 (Amplified)
And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people), and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe.
These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength which He produced in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion [whether angelic or human], and [far above] every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and world but also in the one to come. And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, and appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things in all [believers].
