When my daughter was four years old we would occasionally whisper to her at bedtime. We would whisper truth and affirmation, encouragement and hope. We would whisper things like, “you are kind… you are brave… you are a daughter of the King… you are a joy-bringer…”

One evening I went to leave the room before whispering.

“Say the things Mummy. Say the things.”

My darling girl found peace and was able to drift off to sleep when in the presence of her parents who loved her enough to declare who she was. She found hope for the unknown, confidence for the following day and comfort that she was fully known, accepted and loved.

My husband and I aren’t genius parents. We copied this idea from One who has been whispering truth long before we ever thought to:

You are chosen… you are not a mistake… you are fearfully and wonderfully made… it is my desire to lavish my love on you… you are my treasured possession… you are a new creation… you are a child of God… you are in Christ!

Ephesians 1:11-12 / Psalm 139:14-16 / 1 John 3:1 / Exodus 19:5 / 2 Corinthians 5:17 / John 1:12 / Romans 8:1

In Christ you are fruitful, accepted, forgiven. In Christ you are strengthened, an overcomer, included. In Christ you are called child of God, royal, friend. In Christ you are beloved, safely hidden, secure. In Christ you are loved, called, with purpose. In Christ you are salt, and light, and good news…

Your Heavenly Father isn’t just whispering these declarations of love over you. He’s taking great delight in you and rejoicing over you with singing. Maybe this week call out to your Heavenly Daddy to “say the things” and then take some time to listen to His song.