Humble Places of Love

But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power;
yes I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning;
for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower)
and a refuge in the day of my distress.

Psalm 59:16

I had the most amazing dream. Never have I felt or experienced such glory in my sleep. Even remembering and writing this now touches a tender, intimate place within me, echoing a call deep from my Father’s heart.

I did not dream of going to heaven, but rather, of seeing heaven come down.

I was in a large room, in a gathering of people I did not know. Several rows of chairs lined the walls while rows of round tables filled in the center of the room. A master of ceremonies walked among the crowd, choosing individuals in order to spotlight their accomplishments. Sometimes he would point out someone and then articulate their achievements; other times he would call on them to personally share. The crowd would erupt in applause as each one told stories of building great organizations around the world. I remember one young man sitting across the table from me. His appearance radiated success. He sat up confidently as he relayed the many activities he had been involved in and their obvious benefits. It was impressive, to be sure, but somehow it did not touch my spirit.

Then, without warning, the host turned and spoke to a man sitting, hidden, in the corner near me. In a rather mocking way, the speaker said, “And you—it is good to see you are awake and made it. What have you accomplished?”

From the second row, a weary, ruffled man stepped forward. A murmur of quiet amusement moved through the room. In a muted voice, without lifting his eyes, the weathered man began to recite a list of very common activities. He had, in fact, woken up that day; he had done his chores; he had fed the animals and brought in the hay; he had carried in the firewood and cleaned his home. His list was simple, and yet something touched a spark to my spirit.

As I continued to listen, the spark within me burst into a blaze. Without thought of anyone around me, I stood up, moved into the aisle in front of this man, and began to clap. He looked up, surprised, but continued on, quietly telling not what he had achieved, but that he had left all behind, had laid down his dreams, and had stayed home to care for his responsibilities. The flame inside me grew and, without premeditation, I found myself now cheering and whistling. As I sat on the edge of my table, rocking it in enthusiastic praise, the crowd around me seemed to awaken and join in, not really understanding why they were clapping.

As I continued to salute this hidden hero, I saw weariness drain from his eyes. Wrinkles lifted from his face and his posture straightened. Within minutes, a young, vibrant man stood before me. His tired, ashamed voice now shifted to confidence as his mind cleared to understand the truth and importance of what he had done.

In a firm, gentle tone, he said, “I stayed home to save the farm.”

Then, Heaven opened up directly over us, and God himself smiled down with pride at his son. Angels also gathered to marvel at the one who had grabbed his Father’s attention. Again, uncontrollable admiration flowed from me.

When I awoke, I laid perfectly still, hardly able to breathe. I didn’t want to move and lose the glory I had felt and seen in my sleep. As I soaked in the memory of this man’s weariness being so perfectly replaced with hope and life, the Spirit brought to mind Isaiah 40:31 (AMP):

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him
shall change and renew their strength and power;
they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God]
as eagles [mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”

Here had been a room full of what appeared to be very successful people. They were strong, rested, good-looking, and talented. They were motivated and confident. And they were recognized by their peers for these assets. There was one, however, who was ridiculed by men and yet honored by God. One who appeared weak and failing—and believed himself to be so—and yet shook the corridors of heaven and brought the attention of angelic hosts. One who had begun to think he was in a prison but really dwelt in the fortress and refuge of his Father.

The exquisite love of our God sees to the roots below both accomplishments and weariness; he divides soul and spirit to see the truth of the heart. He applauds purity of love, even when hidden in a tired vessel, and in this understanding releases justice and strength.

This exhausted farmer had dreams of grandeur on behalf of his Lord, and yet he was driven by love to lay it down as the Spirit led him to stay home. After a long, dusty season, he didn’t recognize the nobility of his humble task. He had given up his own life to keep something else alive. As this faithful vessel of glory waited upon his Father, they were made one, and his Father’s promise of restoration and strength soon overtook him.

The word wait in Isaiah 40:31 is translated from the Hebrew word qâvâh. It is a primary root word meaning “to bind together (perhaps by twisting).” Figuratively, it also means “to expect.”[i] It seems to imply two simultaneous actions: a binding together during a season of waiting for an expected promise to be fulfilled. There is no binding together, no promise, more important to our Father than that of us being one with him. This is the heart cry of Jesus in John 17; he gave his life that we might truly know our Father and rest in him, and him in us.

Many have given themselves to the Spirit, allowing him to form the ideal servant of the Lord in them. This is a costly, difficult journey. It doesn’t look glitzy or impressive. It leaves scars and wrinkles. But for those who persevere, for those who continue to believe in the goodness and love of their Father, even when they question their own inadequacies, the heavens open and come down. In an instant, weariness drains away. In a moment, clouds of condemnation evaporate. Waning hope is restored and visions that lie deep within receive new fire from the altar. Then will step forth strong, prepared sons and daughters of the Most High, full of truth and justice

In contrast to earthly glory and fame, this radiance from above will leave the world stunned. We have not seen true achievements until we see what the Spirit will do through these.

No longer should we applaud what has its strength and roots in humanity. No longer should we be impressed by what is accomplished by just hard work and tenacity. Instead, let us bend low to see those who rest humbly before their Maker, willing to be doorkeepers for their Beloved. Then let the Spirit rise within us and cheer for the weary. Let our praise wash over the wounded and release them from their heaviness.

Let us look up and see where heaven gathers, for our Father still glories in pouring himself out in humble places of love.

Inspired by Amy? Check out more of her encouraging words What We Already Know

Learn more about the author Amy Layne Litzelman