Wild Heart by Kim Walker-Smith.

Day 2 of 7 day devotional.

Breathing Room:

Psalm 119:111-112 (TPT) “Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure, filling my life with gladness. I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say, fully and forever!”

From the time I was very young, I have been very independent and strong-willed. These are characteristics that have, at many times, served me well. I learn quickly, am a good problem-solver, and have a high work ethic. But other times, this is a weakness for me. Sometimes I can become too self-reliant, unwilling to ask for help, and insistent on doing things on my own. Every time I find myself operating in my own strength, I quickly become burned out and frustrated. I find that my patience is short and my stress levels are high, as I’m taking on the weight by myself, and believing that I am alone in whatever task I am trying to accomplish. It’s usually in the moment of crumbling underneath the weight that I remember how much better it is when I rely on Jesus! When I rest in His strength, I no longer need to carry any weight, as He takes on every burden. When I’m facing difficult circumstances the thing that gives me the most peace, are the words God speaks. Every word, every promise, every scripture, is life to me.  Holding onto those words is what keeps me breathing and moving through even the darkest valley. When it feels like the walls are closing in around me, His words keep pulling me through all the way.  

There are two things I must do in order to remain in this place. The first one is that I must surrender and trust God above everything else. In the song “Breathing Room”, I spontaneously sing a line in which I say, “My heart is wide open, when the door is open…when the door is shut.” I remember that moment when we were recording this song and the feeling I had as I said it. It hit me in the gut a little bit. It’s really easy to trust and follow when the door is open and the path is clear and easy. It’s much harder to surrender and trust when the door is shut or unclear. Especially if it’s a door I want to walk through.  

 The second thing I must do is to keep my heart open and soft. This is the only way to allow God’s words to bring life to me. If I allow my heart to become offended or hardened, it will create a wall that causes me to not listen and to depend on myself. Today, as you read this scripture and listen to the song, ask God to speak to you. Write down the words He speaks and let those words fill your mind throughout your day as you pull them deep into your heart. 

Wild Heart by Kim Walker-Smith

Day 1 of 7 Day Devotional.

Already Have (Bear’s Song):

Psalm 23:4-5 (TPT) “Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.”

My second son, Bear, was battling with fear for a long time. It tormented him at night and affected him during the day. Many nights he would burst through our bedroom door, crying and yelling, while darting around the room trying to hide from an unseen enemy. We would actually have to catch him, hold him tight, and gently wake him. Each night before tucking Bear into bed, we would remind him of the authority Jesus gives to us, over fear. We encouraged him to call on the name of Jesus, whenever he felt afraid. We also taught him that a really good way to drive out fear, was to worship. One morning, Bear came bursting into our room with a huge grin on his face. He had slept through the night and was beaming with excitement! He said, “Last night fear came into my room. But he saw Jesus standing there! He said he didn’t want to be in there anymore and he ran away!” From that day on, Bear was a different little boy. One encounter with Jesus, the revelation that he belongs to Him, and suddenly fear couldn’t hold him anymore.  

Months later, I was in a songwriting session with my friends, Mia and Bede.  I shared with them the story about Bear and Mia brought up this passage of scripture and suggested it would be fun to write a song that Bear could sing whenever he feels afraid; a song that would remind him of God’s promises and truth. Before we knew it, “Already Have” was born!  

Today, if there are places in your heart where fear still exists, read this scripture and as you listen to Bear’s song, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to you. If Jesus has conquered your heart, nothing else can! Surrender every part of your heart to Him and He will not let you down.