Some of us ask God for a word for the year. A word to refocus our attentions upon when we drift.
I’ve received such words over the years. Last year I received the word “flourish”. Who wouldn’t want their life to flourish in the year ahead. My life always flourishes under the kingship of the Sovereign One. My part is to be in agreement with Him. Then I flourish.
Some of us get a word or two from a prophet – they’d received a word from Holy Spirit for us on that particular day. A few months ago, a seer and prophet spoke the word “attainability” over me. Ah, all things are possible with God. If I remain in God, He will remain in me and then all things are possible. All things are attainable. I love this word. It’s been useful in times of doubt, especially in writing the new book He has me writing.
So, earlier this year, I asked Jesus if he had a word for me for the year 2024. And he did. He whispered Bride. Oh yes! Bride.
Another way the body of Christ is described in Scripture is that we are his “Bride”. We, individually, are also known as His bride.
I sat with the word “bride” for a while and asked questions. Father, what does it mean to be a bride? What does a bride do?
I pondered a bride in the physical world. She’s getting ready to walk down the aisle, meet her bridegroom at the alter and say I will.
As a follower of Jesus, we say “I will” way before we walk down the aisle to the alter.
We say “I will” when we are lost, shattered, and far away from a beautiful alter scene.
We say “I will” when we are the most broken hearted we’ll ever be. A far reach from being a beautiful bride.
We cry out in our desperation “Yes, I will follow you. I have nothing else to lose. I’ve lost it all. I believe in you.” At that moment, we become His Bride. A bride preparing for the day when we will meet our bridegroom face-to-face.
In my pondering, Jesus whispered a few things to me that his bride has that nobody else does (ooh, there are many!):
First, she is confident in who she is marrying. Even in the times when she has the wedding jitters, she is undeniably confident in who He is to her.
And, she is completely sure in her choice. He’s the One! He is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Further, she is completely blown away and filled with joy that He has chosen her to be his bride. He picked me! What a celebration it is going to be. I’ll follow Him to the very end of the ages.
Father, tell me then – what does a bride do while she waits?
She prepares.
Hmm, it could be a while. How?
- She keeps her eyes on her bridegroom – her source of love.
- She doesn’t stray or wander off – her safe resting place.
- She stays alert and awake – her joy overflows.
- She rests in the truth why she is his bride in the first place – her source of peace.
Our Father gently pointed out to me: Search and meditate on the Scripture verses that point to these promises. See them in My Light. Love.
Here are a few verses to meditate on – written in God’s love for His Bride:
- “God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them.” 1Jo 4:16 tPt
- “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” Deut 33:12 NIV
- “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 NLT
- “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Col 3:15 NLT