Is God Calling You Near?
How are you feeling about life today? What brings you hope and joy? Where do you go to find the answers you need? Who speaks life to you? How do you know when God is calling you near?
Here is a quick checklist to help you determine where you are:
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life?
Do you find yourself being filled with fear when you watch the news or hear of many distressing things happening in our country and around the world?
Are you short-tempered with the people around you – even the cashier who just isn’t moving fast enough to get your purchases rung up so you can race to your next stop?
Does your stomach frequently feel tight with stress?
Is your heart racing as you face another day filled with numerous to-dos?
Has your creativity dried up, and your inspiration flown far away?
How would your spouse and children describe your emotional state to others?
These are all warning signs of overwhelm, but also wonderful reminders of how much we need God, the love of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit each day. These are the warning signs I experienced earlier this year as I continued to push toward yet another goal. My poor husband can attest to this truth. I was becoming a basket case. Broken. Overwhelmed. Fearful. Irritated. Impatient. Completely unmotivated. And depressed. Two of my books were released in 2025, and they were winning awards. I should have been thrilled. They are books that focus on gratitude. I know in my mind how powerful gratitude can be, but my emotions weren’t getting in line. What went wrong, and what could I do to stop the downward spiral?
First, I tried to spend more time reading my Bible and praying each morning, but the words were bouncing off the page and not setting themselves deep in my heart. My overwhelm was so great it felt like nothing could get through. Still, I continued to read the Word and praise the LORD while nothing changed.
Next, I thought getting out with my spouse and friends for laughter and a good meal would lift my spirit. While it was fun to go out – not something my husband and I do a lot – those brief times of eating, laughing, and connecting still did not help to lift the sorrow in my soul.
Maybe more exercise would cure me. I love to walk, so I increased visits to the gym and began to do light weights and calisthenics at home. I could not sit to enjoy a Hallmark movie. I had to be moving to keep my heart from feeling what was going on inside.
Through it all, I tried to sit at my desk and press through the goals I set for myself to write the next book, enter another contest, and market what God has given me to share with the world. All along, however, I was missing the real need, and I didn’t even realize it until God removed a dear friend from my life and allowed the devil to separate me from my adult daughter, who had always been very close to me. Suddenly, I was very alone.
What was I to do? In my grief, I just stopped.
Stopped writing.
Stopped calling friends.
Stopped striving.
Stopped all the noise and pressure and stress.
And I began to listen.
Do you hear His voice calling to you?
I am a dreamer. When I am walking close with God, He is faithful to answer my prayers through dreams. Through that gift, God has saved me from making many mistakes and wrong decisions. But I hadn’t had a dream in months. Where was God, and why wasn’t He speaking to me? What had I done to block His voice? To prevent His Holy Spirit from guiding me through dreams?
In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah did not hear the voice of God in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in God’s still small voice. One quiet morning after my husband left for work, I sat with my Bible in my lap and cried out to God to speak to me. And for the first time in months I heard, “Wake up, my child. Hear me calling you. I am Creator of heaven and earth, and I have plans for you…”
I wept with joy at the sound of His voice comforting and encouraging me, letting me know I was not alone. God is still with me. He longs to speak to each of us every day.
Since that memorable morning, I have spent countless hours in the Word, feeling it come to life on the page as I read of the Israelites rebuilding the temple, repenting of their sins, and rededicating their lives to God. And, oh, I have read so much more. From the Old Testament through Revelation, I have fallen in love with the Word of God once again, and He is speaking to me. And I am overcome with gratitude and joy. The joy of my salvation is new again!
Hearing words. Dreaming dreams. Feeling inspired and encouraged to write again. I am filled to overflowing. One day at a time, I seek His will for my life.
I don’t have all the answers, but I want to share with you some of the podcasts I listen to regularly for prophetic words and teaching to encourage your journey with Christ. These podcasts lifted my soul in dark days and continue to teach me to this day. I pray they bring you confidence, hope, and peace as you search for more of God yourself.
I also love to read devotionals in His Princess – Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd and Jesus Calling by Sarah Young each morning before I read my Bible and pray.
May you grow closer to God each day. He is inviting you to hear him say, “Wake up, my child. Hear me calling you. I am Creator of heaven and earth, and I have plans for you…”
I am so grateful for each one of you. Thank you for reading my messages each month. You mean the world to me.
With immense gratitude,
Donna
And I have a FREE GIFT for you that I pray will bless you each day.
45 Daily Ways to Express Gratitude and Grace
Download your printable, FREE copy and be someone’s blessing today.
Discover simple, meaningful ways to cultivate a more grateful heart with this free downloadable list of 45 Daily Ways to Express Gratitude and Grace by Donna Wyland. Rooted in faith, encouragement, and everyday joy, this inspiring collection offers gentle reminders to slow down, embrace God’s blessings, love others well, and live with greater peace and purpose. Perfect for printing, journaling, or sharing with a friend who could use a little encouragement today.
