I have a dream—perhaps an unusual one for a senior citizen—and a woman. You see, I feel called to begin The King’s Haven, a Christ-based transition home for men coming out of drug and alcohol treatment centers. I even have a potential property in mind—a large house that has been vacant for some time. The house has issues—zoning, mold, heating, etc., BIG issues, yet I still have a vision of how wonderful the house could be if it were restored to its original grandeur.

Along with the dream, though, I have also experienced periodic moments of fear and anxiety. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, might call it a crisis of belief. This has been very disconcerting since I strive to trust in the Lord and rest in Him.  By day, I tend to be calm, cool, and collected; by night, though, I can sometimes become a real fretter.

Most recently, I woke up about 3 a.m. in a state of confusion and despair. I was dreaming about the coronavirus and its impact on the financial markets.  Too much television, I concluded. After all, the news is almost always very negative. The sky is always falling, whether it’s a political catastrophe, a possible pandemic, or a pending stock market calamity. I think King Solomon was right:

“Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3 NLT)

For me, the quandary has not been whether to begin The King’s Haven Ministries but whether to purchase this particular old house in need of significant repairs.  I believe The King’s Haven will become a reality in His time but I’m unclear when, where, and how. The house under consideration appears to be a perfect “home,” but I am fearful. After all, I am OLD. I may not live long enough to see the mortgage paid off.  I can’t repair anything. Men need male counselors. And on and on. In addition, it is such a large house that I’m uncertain if we can pay the power bill much less the mortgage.

Through it all, I have come to understand what Abraham must have felt when the Lord told him to pack up and move to an unknown location, or Nehemiah when he was directed to go to Jerusalem and begin a major rebuilding project, or Paul when he was told to head for Rome when he knew the consequences there would not be pleasant.

Yet the Lord seems to be speaking to me about my lack of trust. Morning after morning I have gotten up and written about my fears in my journal. Morning after morning, the Lord has reassured me with his word so that I could arise and go about my day with a light heart.

After all, I know that the antidote for anxiety and fear is to fall at the feet of the Master, and when I practice what I preach, I arise elated and joyful. Sometimes, though, it is easier just to sit, moan, and worry.

Fear and depression are a part of life. Even those who appear successful can fall into situational depression and burnout. Just ask Elijah, who is a perfect example. At God’s direction, he put on a spectacular fireworks display and defeated Ahab’s prophets, but when Jezebel threatened to kill him, he crumbled and ran off to hide. (1 Kings 18)

The Lord intervened, though, and sent him an angel who told him to “arise and eat.” 1 Kings 19:5

When he obeyed, the Lord ministered to him during his despair. He fed him, sheltered him, and eventually gave him an assistant in Elisha.

Like Elijah, I have found that the cure for situational depression is to do just what Elijah did. Arise, eat, rest, and listen to the Still Small Voice. (1 Kings 19)

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.”

How much better to get up and run to the feet of the Savior rather than continuing to wrestle with demons and allowing our thoughts to run wild.

This morning, I awoke again at 4 a.m. After an hour of rolling and tossing, I got up and headed for my quiet time. I heard the Lord calling, and I went to hear what he had to say for the day.

One of the first meditations I read was from Open Window, Matthew 25:35-40. It was titled “The Least of These.”

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,  you were doing it to me!’” (Matthew 25:35-40 NLT)

I said to the Lord, “The King’s Haven would minister to men who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or have been in prison.” Then I quietly whispered, ‘Lord, I get it!’”

But then He countered. “Yes, these men could have all those physical needs met, but much more importantly, they could have their spiritual needs met.  Think about it. The solution to their addiction issues is spiritual and not physical.”

He seemed to say, “I want you to think about how The King’s Haven will provide for their spiritual needs.” And then He pointed out:

“I was hungry” – Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

“I was thirsty” – Jesus is Living Water (John 4:14)

“I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Jesus created a glorious heavenly home just waiting for all believers. (Philippians 3:20-21)

“I was naked, and you gave me clothing.” Jesus will clothe believers in robes of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10)

“I was sick, and you cared for me.” Jesus will heal the sin sick just for the asking. (Mark 2:17)

“I was in prison and you visited me.” Jesus offers true freedom! (Romans 8:1-2)

Bottom line: The Lord seemed to reassure me that The King’s Haven will become a reality. The dream is His and not mine. In His time, in His place, in His way, and in the house He provides whether this one or another, the dream will be fulfilled. He has reassured me through the words of the prophet, the psalmist, and the King of Kings, Jesus Christ:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

“Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.” (Psalm 91:5 NLT)

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” “Matthew 28:19-20 NLT)

Challenge: What about you? Is the Lord asking you to invest your time, talents, money, your very selves in his Kingdom? If so, I pray you will step out on faith.

As for The King’s Haven, I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom, direction, and courage as the Lord reveals His plans—not mine. May the house we select be HIS choice and not ours. And if there is anybody out there with a similar dream, I’d love to hear from you! Perhaps we could partner or support each other.

Many blessings as the Lord brings His dreams to fruition through His people!