I Heard the Lord Say, "Come in Close"

As I spent some time in prayer this morning, I confess I felt a bit overwhelmed at all that is going on in the world and atmosphere around us. Particularly weighing on my heart was all that is going on in the Body of Christ with exposures and the recent uncovering of sin. My heart has been burdened with the weight of pain that I sense many are experiencing as we walk through this necessary time of purification and cleansing. As I cried out to the Lord, I felt I heard Him say three simple words, "Come in close".

The more I pondered the three words He spoke, He began to reveal His heart not only for me in my grief, but for many right now who are caught in webs of chaos and confusion. I felt I heard Him saying,

"Come in Close. For the victims of evil and those hurt by the sin of other people, Come in close, for I am close to the brokenhearted. You have My attention and My ears are tuned to hear your cries of desperation. Your cries have not gone unheard. Know this, I have promised to never leave or forsake you. We will walk through this together. Come in close. My throne rests on the foundations of righteousness and justice, and I am establishing both in the earth. I am your advocate. I will wipe away your tears and bring healing to the broken places of your heart. You can trust that I will guide you with My counsel. I will strengthen your heart. Yes, people will fail you, but I never will. Come in close."

"To the spiritual leaders navigating difficult times and situations, come in close. I see the weight and burdens you are carrying. Apart from Me and My grace, you can not easily walk this path. Come in close. Have I not said, 'My yoke is easy, and My burden light'? Yes, you may fail at times, but My love for you never will. My love for you is a constant in your life. Those around you will often look at your performance and outward appearance, but I notice and observe your heart. Never stop coming to Me with an open and tender heart. Never stop acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Me. Come in close."

"To the offenders and prodigals who have walked away from truth and the wisdom of fathers, come in close. You find yourself standing at a crossroads. You can choose to return home or you can step out of the grace I have appointed for you. Choosing the latter will surely bring you to your own muddy pigpen of despair and isolation. But, even in your rebellion I will never abandon you. My love for you is steadfast and unswayed by your offenses. I am watching and waiting for your return. When you choose to return, coming in repentance, I am here waiting to embrace you. Yes, I require confession. Yes, I require repentance. But I already paid the debt for your sin. It is PAID IN FULL. Come in close. My child, I am watching and waiting for your return, and I will run to meet you. I will wipe away your shame and reproach, causing you to stand upright once again. Come in close."

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"Love is patient love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, aways perseveres. Love never fails." (I Cor 13: 4-8a)