“Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you” | Zechariah 9:12

I truly feel the Lord’s heart of compassion and encouragement toward those who are growing battle weary and on the verge of losing their hope. There are those who have been faithful, standing upon the promises of the Father. They have contended for and have walked in obedience toward the things that God has called them to, even though it seems as though war has broken out against them. But be encouraged, O people of God! Your redeemer draws near.

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident (Psalm 27:3).

I hear the Lord saying, “Help is on the way! I have released My angels to assist and strengthen you in this hour; even now you are being made stronger.” Keep your eyes on the Lord. Feast on His goodness, and know that even now your Redeemer is preparing a table of feasting for you in the very presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5).

This is a time to go deeper into the Father’s rest, for rest is a form of warfare. Be assured: the Lord is fighting your battles, even as you take time to rest in Him. The battle is not yours, but the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:47). As you let go and let God, you will begin to see His hand at work in your life. The Lord is going to uproot lies and fears that have once found a lodging place in your heart and mind. Pick up your hope, and remember that His perfect love casts out all fear.

The Lord is renewing the minds and thought processes that have not lined up with the truth of the Father’s heart. He is bringing His people out of Egypt and out of a slavery mentality. Bondages that have been holding down the church for years will suddenly break off. Those things that used to bind and torment you will finally lose its grip. The Lord of Hosts has heard the cries of His people, and He is delivering them into a new place of freedom. You will no longer feel hemmed in and confined; the Lord Himself is bringing you into a new, spacious place!

I see grave clothes coming off of the Bride, and the Lord is putting new, beautiful garments on His people. Watch as He crowns you with a crown of beauty and washes away despair.

I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10).

I speak renewed hope over those who are in despair. I release joy in the very areas where you have experienced extreme heartache. As it is written in Psalm 24:9, “Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” The Lord is rising on your behalf, and your victory is certain!

I want to encourage you to align your thoughts and your words with the promises of the Lord. Prophecy to the dead bones, “Come alive,” for He is about to change everything. The areas of your greatest disappointments will soon be flooded with new life. Your breakthrough is near! Stand still, and see the salvation of your God (2 Chronicles 20:17).

“You’ve turned my mourning into dancing
Put off my rags and clothed me with gladness
And I will arise and I will praise you
I’ll sing and not be silent” (Hillsong United, “Taste and See”).