Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”

Devotional: The Whisper of Grace

As we grow older and reflect on our past, introspection often leads us to confront our inner turmoil. We may find ourselves burdened by shame and regret, feeling weighed down by a past that seems inescapable. The words we hear echo a profound truth: there are moments when we feel trapped in our own mess, struggling to find our way through the fog of despair. Yet amidst that chaos, the quiet, reassuring voice of our God whispers to us, urging us to turn from our confusion and walk toward His Truth.

This voice is ever-present—a gentle yet persistent reminder that we are not alone. I hear Your voice, Lord. Just the whisper of Your voice, pleading with me to turn away from that mess. The choice to turn back to You does not demand grand gestures—it begins with the simple act of turning. And so, I did turn. I took one step, just one step…and then another. Each step is a testament to faith, a testament to hope found in Your grace.

You call out to me in my weariness, saying, “Give me your burden, and I will take care of you.” It is a promise laden with comfort, though I wrestle with the weight of it. After so many years of distancing myself from hope, the question arises: How do I trust after all these years of hardness? My shame feels great, my faith is weak, and honestly, I am just tired.

But in my vulnerability, I hear Your gentle invitation again: “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” This eternal rest is the deep peace my soul craves—a peace that washes over me and quiets the storms within. There is indeed Hell on Earth—and it’s called separation from You. When disconnected from Your love, my spirit wanders in a wilderness of doubt and despair, searching for solace in all the wrong places. Each lie I held onto felt like a step deeper into darkness.

Yet, there exists Heaven on Earth—and it is called Your grace. This grace shines through my shattered pieces, beckoning me back home. It holds the power to restore, heal, and mend what seems irreparable. Just as the hymn beautifully proclaims, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!” It is this divine grace that invites me back into a loving embrace, where shame can no longer hold anything over me.

In a world that offers distractions all too frequently, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of temporary relief. We may seek escape and numbing in substances, worldly wisdom, or fleeting pleasures to mask our pain, only to find ourselves sinking deeper into confusion. But as I turn my attention toward You, I realize that true fulfillment comes not from the outside but from the inside—from knowing I am loved by the Creator of the universe.

The journey back to You may not happen instantaneously. It may come with struggles and setbacks. However, with each step, I am reminded that I am journeying toward healing. Allow me to embrace the truth that our mistakes do not dictate our future. Your grace is big enough to cover my shortcomings, and it is through that grace I can finally let go.

We are invited to bring our burdens before You, Lord, seeking solace and strength. In doing so, we allow Your love to fill the spaces where shame once resided. The trust I seek may feel impossible, yet in this sacred relationship, I find that hope grows stronger, one step at a time.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You today weary and overwhelmed, battling the weight of shame and doubt that weighs so heavily on my heart. I long for Your rest, for that eternal peace that only You can provide. Help me hear Your gentle whisper, calling me to turn away from chaos and walk toward Your truth. Teach me to trust in Your unwavering grace, strengthening my faith so that I may embrace the love and forgiveness You so endlessly offer. I surrender my burdens to You today, seeking the confidence that You will take care of me. Thank You for the rest I find in Your presence and the grace that gathers me into Your arms. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Thought

As we reflect on our struggles with shame and the pursuit of truth, remember to listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice inviting you back to Him. With each step you take toward His grace, you open the door to healing and restoration. Seek the eternal rest that accompanies His presence, and trust that His love is far greater than any burden you carry. You are a beloved child of God, and His grace offers you a way back into meaningful connection. Embrace that truth today.

A Writing

What can wash away my shame
Or will I forever in its grip remain
Squeezing all life out of my soul
Leaving me to rot in the grave, in this hole

Have I walked too far beyond the boundary of grace
Looking inward and seeing nothing of value to embrace
Leaving me to fend for myself in this muck and mire
Slipping faster and faster to my death of desire

I didn’t think this was supposed to happen this way
Have you turned your back on me, anxious to betray
Or maybe you are powerless to do anything
Or you simply won’t touch the sins that I bring

Chronos…time marches on…But then what?

So let’s say the answers aren’t found in the liquor store
Or the drag I inhale is just a drag and nothing more
Or maybe there’s nothing to the line on the table
Or the prick of a needle is nothing but a harmless fable

What if there is nothing to anything
What if it doesn’t matter and there’s nothing after this worthless fling

What if the glass isn’t half full
What if it’s not half empty either
What if it does not even exist

Chronos…time marches on…But then what?

From the pain comes ambiguity
Which brings more confusion
Only to result in obfuscation
Which turns to apathy
And finally oblivion
And then the numbing begins
Until I’ve arrived at my destination…
…Unconscious immorality
…A total lack of caring

I haven’t lost anything
Because I have nothing to lose

Chronos…time marches on…But then what?

So if there are no answers
This should bring me peace and contentment
Right?

Then how come when sobriety returns…
I’m not in my happy place?
Why do I long for something more?
When I don’t even know what that something is?

How come if there are no answers…
I keep seeking for them?
As if through my journey I will find the answers?
As if there really is something greater than me?

Looking around I think I’ve discovered it

I think I’ve found it!!

I get it now!!
This…this place…this time in history is what the world calls enlightenment!!

I read it in the blogs
I see and hear it in the vlogs
It screams at me through Facebook and Twitter

Really?
That’s it?
That’s the face of Truth?
Are you sure?

How am I supposed to act and behave?
Am I supposed to bow down to the beholders of such enlightenment?
The ones who think they know it all and think they are the most tolerant
The ones who walk the red carpet
Or the ones who lead the protests…no, the ones who fund the protests
This is it, the epicenter of knowledge and wisdom
…as a society we have arrived, haven’t we?

Kairos…in His time…But then what?

It is in that place You whisper to me, that I am created in Your image
You called us sons and daughters of the most High God
You clothed us with Your mercy on the cross
And I drop to my knees before You, in the shadow of Your grace

And then You stop this whirlwind of confusion
I don’t move in any direction
I bow down
And the roar of the world is gone for a moment
And I listen

And I hear Your voice
Just the whisper of Your voice
Pleading with me to turn away from that mess
To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth

And so I did turn
I took one step, just one step…and then another…
I heard You say, “Give me your burden
And I will take care of you”

How do I trust after all these years of hardness
For my shame is great, my faith is weak, and I’m tired
I heard You say, “Come to Me
And I will give you rest”

Eternal rest. THAT is what I want. THAT is what I need.

There is Hell on Earth…and it’s called separation from You.
There is Heaven on Earth…and it’s called Your Grace.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all my sin!

Copyright © 2018 by Skyler Thomas