“Poetry and prayer are closest kin. In poetry, we say it; in prayer, we become what we say.” {Eugene Peterson}

I woke up to the sound of soft rain, for the first time this autumn.

So I put on my shoes, took my raincoat and umbrella, and walked across a wooden bridge and some freshly fallen wet leaves. It was so quiet and peaceful, I whispered, “Thank you, God.”

I was thanking God for the rain. Yet, He sees deeper. He’s been listening to all my unspoken whispers — in the places my soul has been dry, needing to be filled.

And I felt God whisper in return: You don’t have to wonder . . . I will make all things new again. I make all things new in you.

“Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.” {Deuteronomy 11:14}

Think of everything that is beautiful. Then, remember, everything beautiful will be made new in you. With God. Together.

There is new grain. New wine. New oil. For you. In you.

Do you hear the soft and gentle voice of God inviting you to let go — and draw closer to him — in the quiet moments of autumn?

To let go of what is and has been — so He can bring new grain, new wine, and new oil to reignite your heart again.

Do you hear Him whispering to you today . . .

“Be still and know that I am God.” {Psalm 46:10}

Assure Your Heart

Whatever you’re doing, take a break. Stop and breathe. Look at the leaves turning sunrise-crimson on the tree or floating down to lay still like dew along blades of grass.

Listen to God whisper in the Psalms . . . Be still. I love you.

Assure your heart. You are beloved. God’s beloved. Nothing else matters. You are His poetry. All is well.

“For you are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus.” {Ephesians 2:10}

The Beautiful Seed

Sometimes, the world can be such a noisy place — always calling for us to be more, do more — to be stronger, to move faster — to hurt less and to always know the answers.

Yet, the leaves of autumn tell us a secret. The hush of rain tip-tapping onto the ground reminds us God hasn’t forgotten the beautiful dream He’s planted deep in you. 

Your story and your heart. The beautiful seed can never be destroyed.

It’s Jesus in you. Your whole heart. Nothing more. And nothing less.

God sees it all and says . . .

“I have called you by name. You are mine.” {Isaiah 43:1}

Jesus Hears

Don’t be afraid.

God isn’t deterred by the noise that surrounds us. God whispers: I will make you new.

Nothing compares. No worries or cares. Regrets and mistakes.

The hopes, dreams and memories that shape us — all of it is known, cherished, and made new — wrapped in God’s loving embrace.

Just like the seasons changing, we may feel ready and confident. And yet, in the next moment, something within us shifts. And we feel insecure and doubtful.

It’s okay. Like the soft, gentle flutters of a butterfly’s wings fluttering to break from its cocoon, Jesus hears our unspoken heart prayers.

A Living Prayer

Jesus continues to assure us: I make all things new in you.

“See, I am making all things new . . . These words are faithful and true.” {Revelations 21:5}

Be the beloved in this season of letting go.

Let the whispers of thanksgiving will no longer be the words you say, but a prayer that you’ll live.

Be the story of Jesus coming alive in you today. As is.

Question for you: How is God calling your heart to let go — and how is He making you new?

by Bonnie Gray, the FaithBarista.com, serving up shots of faith for everyday life.

For more soulful encouragement, enjoy Bonnie’s book Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.

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