Cindy Powell

Return.

I’ve been hearing the word over and over again. Not just from the Lord to me–but Jesus calling out to his bride …

Return.

The word is relevant to all of us. Whether you’ve taken a tiny step away from his presence  by giving in to a momentary distraction, or if you’ve been running fast and furiously away from him  for days (or weeks, or months, or years…), his invitation is the same …

Return.

“Return” has taken on new meaning for me over the last few years . It’s been a totally different kind of season. A season without the “built-in” safety nets of the past. A season of transition and rest. A season where Jesus wasn’t requiring much of anything from me. It was hard to find my bearings. It was hard to find my “place.”  It was startling to realize how easy it was to drift–just a small thought here; or a tiny choice there–after all who knew?  Who cared?

Well, I found out who cared … I did. (And, of course, he did too.)

Looking back, it was quite possibly the biggest test of my faith to date … 

• The test to remain wholehearted–even when no one knew the difference. 
• The test to remain passionate–when so many of the things I was passionate about had been stripped away. 
• The test remain intentional–even in rest. 
• The test to keep believing and dreaming–in the midst of heartbreaking loss and disappointment.
• The test to be content in all circumstances–without becoming complacent.

I didn’t always pass the tests.  Not by a long shot. But there is one test I did pass. Whenever I heard his  invitation … whenever I saw his open arms … before I ever got too far away… the one thing (maybe the only thing) I consistently did right was this …

I returned.

How about you? Whatever your circumstances, where are you headed right now? Are you leaning in or away? Do you hear him calling? Do you see his open arms? Are you ready to respond? Are you ready  to …

Return?

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Note: I wrote (and posted) the following poem  last November. It seemed to fit so well with where my heart and thoughts have been lately that I’ve posted it again below. I’ve also attached a link to a song (I Will Return by Misty Edwards) that has spoken deeply to my heart on many occasions over the past few years …

Return

Return

Return to Me

Turn around; change your mind

Return to My heart; return to My peace

Take your thoughts captive to the Truth

Silence the lies of the accuser–

Return and rest 

 

Rest

Rest in Me

Step out of the commotion

Inhale–breathe in the soothing aroma of My presence

Exhale–breathe out the perplexity and the pain

Embrace the beautiful communion of silence–

Return and rest in quietness

 

Quiet

Quiet your weary soul

Be still and remember

Remember the richness of our history together

Proven faithfulness; love beyond words

Open arms always longing to hold you–

Return and rest in quiet trust

 

Trust

Trust in Me

Trust in Me with all of your heart

Lean into My arms of grace

When you can’t hold on; I’ll still hold you

If your trust falters; I’ll still trust you …

 

I’ll trust you to return  

 

 In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.  –Isaiah 30:15  

 

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Just a note about the following link. This isn’t a very well-known song, so this is the only link I could find. Some of the lyrics are listed wrong … VERY wrong! Seriously, “you’ll find me in the MUD“?!  Um, I think it is, “you’ll find me in the night” 🙂 At any rate enjoy … and return!