I was reading about castles in Nichole Johnson's book, "Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not-So-Fairy-Tale World." Castles are so beautiful and have such a mysterious essence about them. However, there are some parts that aren't so beautiful! I was reminded of the oubliette. In the dungeon of a castle, there were usually stairs that led down to an underground pit called the oubliette. Oubliette means an ugly, deep, dark hole where one is abandoned and forgotten for good. It was a place where no one sees you and no one cares for you. It was a place of torture and abandonment.

I believe one of the greatest fears among women is abandonment. A feeling of being totally alone and forgotten. Have you ever felt as though you have been forgotten? Have you felt like no one cared for you? Have you felt as though you were all alone? Have you been in a pit?

Beloved, our God remembers us! He remembers us when we have failed. He remembers us when we are mistreated. He remembers us when we feel all alone. He remembers us when we are hurting. He remembers us even in our low places. Psalm 136:23 says, "to the One who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever." Praise Jesus, we serve a God who not only remembers us, but also loves us with an everlasting love!

When a prisoner was going to be thrown into the oubliette, they were first tortured. A metal harness was placed upon their head and he or she was led around the city while others shouted insults. Their crimes would be called out. Whether they were guilty or the crimes were just accusations, they would be punnished. Then they would be thrown into the pit and hung by chains until death. How horrific this must have been!

Sweet Ones, no matter what you've done or where you've been, God loves you and wants to redeem your life from the pit! He desires to break the chains that bind you and free you from strongholds. He endured torture and accusations for us and went to the cross on our behalf. He made atonement for our sins. When we give our hearts to Him, we are not left alone to die, but given eternal life! You are loved by the Most High! He wants you to be free from your past and He wants to free you from your enemies. (Psalm 136:24). "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Ask God for His continuing work of sanctification in your life.

Maybe you are living as a dungeon dweller on your own. Self punnishment is no way to live! How many times do we choose to stay in the pit? Give your hurt, your fears and your all to Jesus and allow Him to lift you up.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion." (Psalm 103:1-4)

We serve a God who has been there all along life's journey. He is omnipresent! He was there even before we knew Him as Savior. Take some time to remember how He has loved and cared for you. "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider Your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11-12)

Read Malachi 3:16-18 and journal your scroll of remembrance and your prayer to Jesus. You are His treasured possesion! You are not forgotten! You are not abandoned! Just close your eyes and imagine Almighty God reaching His hand to yours and lifting you out of the pit. Get out of the oubliette and on to greater things for His glory!

I love you Journey Girls and you are in my prayers!

Praising God for Victory,
Elisabeth