T0 Every Woman- Sanctuary Secrets: Unveiling God's Word

Early this morning, around 3:30 AM, while I was working on my first article of the day, my creative process was like a puzzle. I did my usual research, typing, changing words, deleting, rephrasing, and fixing mistakes. It was like taking apart a jigsaw puzzle and putting it back together until it looked just right.

I reached my favorite part of the process – using my tools to create art. I can't quite explain why it's so satisfying, but perhaps it's the simplicity of bringing something to life. To me, it's a form of creation that relies on a vivid imagination and the aid of art tools.

Most of the time, I end up discarding what I create. However, on two occasions, I produced images that didn't quite match my writing's context, but they held a deeper, more meaningful message for me. In those moments, I knew I would return to my laptop to write about what I had seen. These are the two pictures you'll find within this article.

Maybe it's my woman's heart, but I felt an immediate connection to these images. At a glance, I embraced the calm, serenity, and peace they exuded. Yet, upon closer examination, I couldn't help but notice the presence of chaos, disorder, and weariness—all intricately intertwined within the inner workings of the woman's mind.

Perhaps I connected with the towering stack of books because my own office doesn't look all that different right now. It could also be the presence of the four-legged companion sitting next to the woman, sharing in the same sense of calm, just like my furry friends nestled around my feet. And let's not overlook the numerous coffee cups scattered around her. How does one person accumulate so many coffee cups all at once?

Simple distractions, right? She likely got sidetracked. Perhaps she got up to let the dog out, noticed some dishes that needed washing, and then, in the middle of doing the dishes, her phone rang, leading to a 30-minute conversation with her mother. As she passed through the kitchen, hunger struck, so she grabbed a snack and, on a whim, decided to make another cup of coffee. Finally, she returned to her room filled with books, now with two cups of coffee in tow.

Could it be the window, casting a warm glow on the woman as she deliberately reads, donning her black glasses? Or perhaps it's the clutter, those half-finished books left open to the last page she read, her intention always to pick up where she left off, but distractions led her down that path 25 more times over the past month. Then there's the TV, its screen blank, and judging by the books, it's safe to say it sees little use. As for the plant, I'd wager it's been the same size for ages, likely because, much like everything else, she probably forgets to water it as it needs for a thriving life. Much like the ones in my own office, I suspect.

The casually relaxed hair falling freely, paired with the natural and comfortable attire, hints at a day off from work, a weekend, or perhaps the after-hours. With no company expected, it's likely she's behind on her chores because this room, with its unspoken charm, serves as her sanctuary.

This is me. This is you. This is every woman, at some season of her life. She just sits down and does nothing but feed her mind, her soul, and enjoy the quiet, the coffee, and the company of her dog, cat, or whatever critter she has.

We treasure this moment because before this moment, she might have been a mom tending to her wild children getting them off to school, a woman working a 9-5 job trying to pay her own rent, surviving in a world she doesn't quite understand, or stuck in traffic for two hours, heading home to a partner who doesn't appreciate her. Or she might have just left a lunch date, head over heels about the new guy she met, hoping he won't break her heart later. Perhaps she just left church and came home to relish in a day of relaxation. Her mind may be in chaos with a list of to-dos, but she chose this moment of peace instead.

The scenarios are endless because women today have the potential to achieve and pursue anything. Our limits are self-imposed, and we create our own boundaries. We can run hard and fast, but in the next breath, we can also sink into the couch, book or remote in hand, and simply relax. We can be the life of the party, delivering the best toasts, or we can quietly fade into the background, observing others taking the stage. We have nothing to hold us back but ourselves.

We are capable of accomplishing anything. In fact, I'd venture to say that we can often do more than men. While men and women complement each other with their unique strengths and weaknesses, forming a beautiful dance of God-given qualities to enhance each other, there's very little that a man can do that a woman cannot.

A man works, and so does a woman. A man can fly a plane, and so can a woman. A man can race a car, and so can a woman. A man can hunt, and so can a woman. A man can provide, and so can a woman. A man can excel in sports, and so can a woman. The list goes on endlessly. But what can a woman do that a man cannot?

A man cannot bear the extraordinary journey of carrying a child for nine months, nurturing and miraculously sustaining life within. While he has his brief moment at the beginning of creation, the subsequent 100 percent of the journey after that, belongs to the woman, in partnership with God himself, as she brings forth new life into the world.

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Every man is born of a woman, with the exception of the first man, who was formed from the dust of the earth, and the first woman, who was created from his rib.

-Genesis 2:7 (ESV): "Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature."

In the creation of man, God tenderly molded a being from the very earth, breathing life into him, and emphasizing our deep connection to the natural world. Man's essence, originating from the dust, signifies his earthly foundation, yet it also signifies God's divine breath within, the spark of life that animates our existence.

-Genesis 2:21-22 (ESV): "So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man."

In the creation of woman, God reached deep into the essence of man, selecting a rib—a protective and near-to-the-heart structure—to form her. This act carries profound symbolism, signifying a woman's close connection to a man, and her role as his protector, helper and life companion. It reveals that woman is fashioned from a part of man's own being, emphasizing their spiritual and emotional unity.

-Genesis 2:18 (ESV): "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'

In creation, God illuminates a powerful lesson about the essence of partnership and unity. By placing the man into a deep sleep, God teaches us that there are moments when we, as individuals, need to relinquish control and surrender to trust. He knows exactly what we need.

As women, fashioned from a rib near the heart of man, it seems we inherit an inherent connection to the emotional tapestry of humanity. This connection grants us a remarkable aptitude for emotional processing, nurturing and empathy, a deep well of understanding and compassion that flows from our origins near the heart. Our heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as colors and sounds, might well be an extension of this intricate emotional awareness, allowing us to perceive the nuances and subtleties of our surroundings better than most men.

Our emphasis on social relationships and our inclination toward collaborative and cooperative activities may indeed stem from this innate connection to the human heart. In contrast, men, formed from the earth's dust, may possess a unique ability for compartmentalization, enabling them to approach tasks with a laser-focused determination rooted in their earthly origins. As women, we draw from our origins near the heart to enrich our relationships, nurturing the emotional bonds that weave us all together. This beautifully underscores the inherent beauty arising from our distinctive origins and roles within the grand tapestry of existence.

According to the heart of God, as revealed in His Word, I believe He would tenderly speak to every woman's soul, saying:

"My beloved daughter, formed with care and cherished from the depths of My heart, I see you, busy and weary, striving to meet the demands of each day. I understand the moments when you feel like a superhero and the times when guilt and regret weigh you down. But let Me remind you of a truth that transcends all challenges:

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). In your imperfections, you reflect My perfect love.
I invite you to find rest in Me when weariness overtakes you, for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).  When tasks overwhelm you, remember that your work can be a gift to Me, done with all your heart (Colossians 3:23).  In the rush of life, take moments to be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10), for I am with you always (Matthew 28:20).  When loneliness, doubt, or offense clouds your heart, remember that I am close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and I will never forget you (Isaiah 49:15).  Know that I have plans for you—plans for a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  In Me, you have purpose, worth, and unending love. Trust in My grace and find strength in My presence, for I am with you in every moment. You are My cherished creation, and I love you beyond measure."

To the Woman Feeling overwhelmed:

Holy Spirit, I'm so tired, and there's always so much to do. It feels like I can never catch up.

Holy Spirit: Remember, in Matthew 11:28 (NIV), Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Lean on Him for strength when you feel overwhelmed.

To the Woman struggling with procrastination:

Holy Spirit, I know there are tasks I should be doing, but sometimes I just can't find the motivation.

Holy Spirit: In Colossians 3:23 (NIV), it says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." When you remember that your work is an offering to God, it can help you find motivation even in challenging moments.

To the Woman feeling like she's falling short:

Holy Spirit, I want to do better in my responsibilities, but it's hard.

Holy Spirit: In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), the Lord says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Your imperfections are where God's strength can shine through. Trust in His grace.

To the Woman struggling with busyness:

Holy Spirit, it feels like there's never enough time in the day.

Holy Spirit: In Psalm 46:10 (NIV), it says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Sometimes, taking a moment to be still in His presence can help you regain focus and peace amidst busyness.

To the Woman questioning her worth:

Holy Spirit, am I doing enough? Am I enough?

Holy Spirit: Remember Psalm 139:14 (NIV), which says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." You are enough, just as you are. God created you with unique gifts and purposes.

To the Woman who is feeling lonely:

Holy Spirit, there are times when I feel so lonely, even in the midst of a crowded room.

Holy Spirit: In Psalm 34:18 (NIV), it says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." You are never truly alone; God's presence surrounds you, offering comfort and solace in times of loneliness.

To the Woman Feeling unloved and overlooked:

Holy Spirit, it seems like no one truly sees me or appreciates me for who I am.

Holy Spirit: In Romans 5:8 (NIV), it says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." You are deeply loved by God, who saw your worth even in your imperfections. His love is unwavering and unchanging.

To the Woman who is offended by circumstances:

Holy Spirit, I'm struggling with resentment and offense because of the challenges life has thrown my way.

Holy Spirit: In Proverbs 19:11 (NIV), it says, "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." Seek wisdom in understanding that life's challenges can be opportunities for growth and refinement and remember to forgive and release the burden of offense.

To the Woman who is longing for purpose:

Holy Spirit, I often wonder if my life has any real purpose or if I'm just drifting through it.

Holy Spirit: In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), it says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." God has a unique purpose for your life, and each day is an opportunity to discover and fulfill it.

To the woman who is blessed and happy:

Holy Spirit: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17, NIV). Continue to give thanks for your blessings and acknowledge that they come from the Lord and teach the younger women these values.

To the woman who is rich and wealthy:

Holy Spirit: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV). Use your wealth for good and find joy in generosity.

To the woman who has no children:

Holy Spirit: "Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor..." (Isaiah 54:1, NIV). Your worth is not determined by motherhood; you have a unique purpose and calling.

To the woman who hates her life:

Holy Spirit: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11, NIV). Seek God's guidance and purpose, and He can bring transformation and hope to your life.

To the woman silently harming herself:

Holy Spirit: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, NIV). Reach out to someone you trust for help and healing; you don't have to face this struggle alone.

To the woman who is a single parent:

Holy Spirit: "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." (Psalm 68:5, NIV). Lean on God's strength and know that He is your provider and protector.

To the woman who is enjoying life:

Holy Spirit: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV). Continue to find joy in the goodness of life and give thanks to the Lord for His blessings.

Amanda Allen

www.KingdomRevelations.com

"Woman, God's boundless love for you shines through as He chose you to cradle a king in your heart. Such is the depth of His affection for you."~~aa