Have you ever had a word jump out at you … just one single word? That happens to me from time to time, usually when I’m reading my Bible or when I’m journaling and then BAM… a word captures my attention and just won’t let go! Does that ever happen to you?
As I’ve shared in previous posts, I have been having a bit of a hard time the last few years. An unexpected ending to a new romance, some medical challenges in the family, strained relationships thanks to some carelessly spoken words, oh … and let’s not forget a global pandemic. I have been feeling stuck and depressed for a long time now.
Needing to make a change, I purchased a new journal and committed to resume my morning devotions and journaling routines. Around that time my Pastor was teaching a series called “AWAKEN”, and one particular morning I started my journaling with this phrase:
“I am awakening”
And that’s when the Lord took me on a little excursion, all compliments of one single word that stood up off the page and demanded to be considered more deeply.
First, I looked the word up in the dictionary:
AWAKEN … Waking up, Arise, Stir up, Rise up
Next, I got to wondering what Scriptures reference “awaken” or “awakening”.
Isaiah 50:4 the Lord awakens me
Zechariah 4:1 an angel awakened me
Isaiah 14:9 the dead/devil stirs up to meet you
Isaiah 45:13 awakened (raised up) in righteousness
Acts 12:7 arise quickly
And as I looked at my side notes for each Scripture, I marveled at the pattern of words I’d just recorded:
“The Lord awakens me,
ministering angels sent to awaken me.
The demonic also awaken, plotting my demise.
But God awakens me to righteousness and life,
and charges me to arise and do His plans for me!“
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And in response, I wrote down the words I felt were being whispered to my spirit:
“Awaken Jenny! Stir yourself up and awaken your spirit! The enemy schemes, but My plans will not be thwarted … I am calling you … arise and get moving! There is work to be done and you are needed for its fulfillment! Awaken and Rise Up!”
Austin French – Wake Up Sleeper (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
The year 2020 has been challenging for all of us, and brutally cruel for some.
Wherever you live and in whatever emotional or spiritual state you are currently in – my prayer is that we (you and I) will respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit inviting us to stir ourselves up and “Awaken! Awaken and Rise Up!”
“This is why it is said:
‘Wake up, you people who are asleep! Rise up from among the dead people! Then Christ will shine his light on you.’” (Ephesians 5:14 EasyEnglish Bible)
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