“Are we there yet?” We’ve all said it. We’ve all heard it. It’s that expression that rolls so easily off the tongue when we think, Shouldn’t we already be there by now? This happens during that in-between place called a transition.
This is exactly where we find ourselves in Iyar, the second month of God’s calendar. Transitions can be scary times even testing times. But fear not! The Lord is near. In fact, He wants us to draw near to Him as He longs to share His secrets that will help us make it through this transitional month. This advice couldn’t come at a better time as we need all the insight we can get, especially the secrets from the Ancient of Days.
Surely the Bible is full of secrets. So let’s look and see what can find about Iyar in His Word. In Iyar, we see the Israelites smack in the middle of a transition. (Ex. 13-19) It was just one month ago when the Lord miraculously released them from Egypt. Now they are on their way … but they are not “there” yet! While in transit, we see them growing thirsty and hungry and soon in the midst of battle. It was here in Iyar when their praise quickly turned to complaints. When we find ourselves in a place of uncertainty, we are very susceptible to murmuring and are quick to turn back to our old ways of doing things. But how can we keep from complaining and keep on praising in such trying times? The secret is in knowing His character. In this month, the Lord is gracious to reveal secrets hidden in His name that will help us trust Him and praise Him, even in times of testing.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe” (Prov 18:10). In Iyar, the Lord reveals Himself as Jehovah Raphe, Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Nissi. The Lord has many names, but He knows these specific names, our Healer, our Provider and our Banner, are keys in making it through transitional times. His names reveal His faithfulness, not only in meeting our physical needs but our spiritual needs as well. The secret of running into His name establishes our hearts and stirs up faith to praise Him.
During a transitional time, we can feel overwhelmed and weighed down with extra burdens and worries. The Lord wants to reveal another secret here as well. All we have to do is look up! He has written it in the night sky above our heads this month. The constellation, Taurus, is a picture of a ruling ox. An ox is a strong animal that carries burdens. The Lord is our strong ox, and He is calling us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). When we roll our burdens onto Him, we are able to move more easily, especially through this connecting month. It makes me think about bags and connections. Doesn’t it feel good when someone offers to carry your bags, especially when you are trying to connect to another flight? Carrying bags can slow us down when trying to catch a connection. Why not allow Him to carry our bags and burdens this month so we can walk freely? Remember, His yoke is easy and burden is light.
May we learn how to move like the tribe of Issachar this month. Look how Scripture describes them: “From the sons of Issachar, those having understanding of times and what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32a). In other words, they knew the Lord’s secrets and therefore knew how to move. They knew the secret in spending time in His Word and crying out to Him. When they did, they gained understanding and confidence in God. We can too! All we have to do is cry out to Him. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3). He has secrets to share with us this month, and He will reveal them to us: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may keep all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29) May we spend time in His Word this month and inscribe His secrets on the tablets of our hearts (see Prov. 3:3).
Do you find yourself in a transitional period? Are you starting to murmur? Are you having a hard time praising Him? Run into His name! Ask Him to give you a fresh revelation as your Healer, your Banner and your Provider. Are you weighed down with worries or cares? Cast them onto the Lord, your ox, your burden-bearer. Do you want to know secrets from God Himself? Sure you do! He is ready and willing. All you have to do is sit at His feet and listen to His Word. {eoa}
Christine Vales is an author and teacher of His Appointed Times: Hebrew /Gregorian Calendar & Journal and has been blessed with the privilege of uncovering the Lord’s prophetic calendar, teaching others how to connect with His ancient timepiece in real-time in their lives. Christine sends forth her creative monthly “Chalkboard Teachings” on YouTube and social media, and also goes forth teaching at live gatherings, large and small, all to draw hearts closer to the Ancient of Days Himself—truly, our times are in His hands (Ps. 90:12). For more, visit christinevales.com.
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