Back in 2022, I was in the mountains of North Carolina. As I was looking in a magnifying mirror applying my makeup, I heard the Lord speak this sentence:
“There’s times you need to zoom out and there’s times you need to zoom in.”
Later that day I asked the Lord to expound on what He had said, and He spoke to my heart once again:
“Zoom out when circumstances are staring you in the face. Zoom out until your circumstance is just a dot on the timeline of times. Zoom out and rise to a higher perspective where the circumstance is under your feet. Zoom out and realize you’re on ONE PAGE OF A VERY LONG BOOK! When you zoom out from the stark realities of this earthly realm, I AM able to come into full view. THEN, when you have zoomed out enough to see My face, it’s time to zoom in and set your focus like flint! Keep your eyes on Me and in turn, I will keep you in undisturbed peace. Though the storm rages around you, you can be at rest without fear of harm. The longer you are able to focus solely on Me, the more you will feel My Presence and feel My strong arms wrapped securely around you; My hands as HUGE WINGS enveloping you like a warm blanket.”
Things are at a fevered pitch around the world, and we are experiencing the ripple effects here in America, and even in our own lives. Many in the body of Christ are experiencing extreme circumstances and trials.
We have entered the “zoom out” days where we will need to shift our focus away from the pain and chaos happening in this earth’s realm to avoid being overcome with anxiety and discouragement.
These types of negative emotions can cause us to begin questioning God’s faithfulness when we can’t see His hands in the midst of suffering.
God says His ways and thoughts are HIGHER than ours. He is urging us to “zoom out” to come into HIS perspective where the frenzy becomes muffled and distant.
Zooming out will look different for each of us. Some of us enter God’s presence through worship, praying in our spiritual language, or using our sanctified imagination. We can ALWAYS enter through simple faith in knowing that the blood of Jesus has given us constant access to our loving Father God. The difficult part to entering the Secret Place of God’s presence is that He says we must “SHUT THE DOOR” behind us to everything going on in the earthly realm. (Matthew 6:6)
Shutting the door and bringing our minds to stillness takes time and practice and not likely achieved through a quick “drive through” devotional. When the storms are pounding at our door, it can be difficult to feel the shift. We must push through the distractions.
Once we have shut the door and made the transition into God’s presence, then we will be able to “zoom in” and MAGNIFY or make God larger in our mind’s windshield. As we are able to focus solely on Him, the circumstances screaming at us will take a back seat and become as the old hymn says, “strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
As you read the following verses, hear the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit beckoning you into the Secret Place~
John 10:9 – “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
Hebrews 10:19-20– “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh…”
Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Psalm 46:1 Passion Translation – “God, You’re a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in times of trouble—MORE THAN ENOUGH and always available whenever I need you.”
Philippians 4:7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all human understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 34:3-5 – “O MAGNIFY the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 91:1– “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Matthew 11:28-29 Passion Translation – “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then COME TO ME! I will refresh your life. For I am your oasis. Simply join your life with Mine. Learn My ways, and you will discover that I am gentle, humble, and easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me.”
Enjoy this beautiful song by Stephen McWhirter, reminding us of God’s mighty hands of comfort found in the Secret Place of His presence.
I’m also including a spontaneous worship selection I have used many times to help me shut the door to this turbulent world!
***Just as a reminder, I sent out peace scriptures with affirmations for you to speak over yourselves and to release God’s peace to your loved ones. If you would like to print them out for quick reference, you can find that sheet here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-vfPp5c2tCoOVuZzItRGQOnmiU57UT8b/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111689598310173266555&rtpof=true&sd=true