Where to Take Troubles

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer. – (Psalm 120:1, NLT)

I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me. – (Psalm 120:1, NIV)

 

When troubles come, and panic mode hits an all time high, we can either work ourselves in a frenzy, bury our head in the sand or bow our knees. God hears and answers the faithful prayers of those who seek Him. He hears every cry, and knows every need. There is no trouble nor trial that escapes His notice, and He is ready and willing to walk beside us, and move on our behalf. This weekend was one of those weekends for me. I had an obstacle that I could not overcome, and it seemed every turn that I took to try to accomplish what was needed, fell short. Finally, in my frustration, I hit my knees and bowed my head – calling out to God for help, as there was no possible way for me to do what I needed to do on my own. Yesterday, I thought a solution was before me, so peace was present. When I realized there had been a mishap and what I thought was the answer, was not, again, the frustration and fear began to creep in. Half-hearted prayers escaped my lips, and I continued through the morning as if swimming through mud. Then, when I had reached my breaking point, a dear friend stepped in and walked beside me, and together we navigated the unknown. God knew what I needed, and provided, at just the right time. He heard my cries and answered my prayer. He is good and He is faithful, no matter how things appear. May we rise up in trust, and call on Christ in our distress, for He hears and He answers when we come before Him.

 

When troubles come near,

cry out to the Lord;

for He hears each cry,

all grace He affords.

He answers the cries,

of those who choose seek;

the Lord in distress,

for strength when we’re weak.

He walks beside us,

when the storms rage on;

He is our safety,

for our whole life long.

May we learn to trust,

the Lord in all things;

for He calms the storm,

and true peace He brings.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring our troubles before You, and You hear our cries and answer our prayers. Thank You that You walk beside us in the throes of life’s storms, and You never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for attempting to figure things out on our own, rather than seek Your help in all things. Teach us to trust You more, as You are the answer to all that we are asking. Show us how to love others in a way that brings peace to distress and help to spaces of trouble, so that they might gain a glimpse of You through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we call out to You in our distress, and trust You to answer our heart’s cry. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Our Hope and Help

You are my hiding place and my shield of protection; I hope in Your word. – (Psalm 119:114, VOICE)

Hide me and protect me. I trust what You say. – (Psalm 119:114, ERV)

You are my refuge and my shield; Your word is my source of hope. – (Psalm 119:114, NLT)

 

Our hope and help when troubles and trials surround us, are found in Christ alone. He protects us and provides safety and comfort, despite how things seem. His word is the place that provides us reminder of the promises of His protection, granting us hope that we can hold firm. May we trust in the truth of His word, and rest in the shelter of His wings.

 

When the trials come,

there‘s a hiding place;

where we’re protected,

and covered by grace.

When we seek the Lord,

and trust in His word;

He’s our protection,

the hope we have heard.

He will be our shield,

our true hiding place;

we are always safe,

in His kind embrace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our refuge and shield, and that Your word is our source of hope. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You and You remain present and keep Your word. Thank You that You are loving and faithful forever. Forgive us for trying to navigate our trials on our own, rather than calling out to You and trusting the truth that You have promised. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would run to You and allow Your love to shield us through the storms. Show us how to love others so that they may see Your hope through the kindness we extend to them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we run to You as our refuge and shield, as You are our Source of hope. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Strength in Sorrow

My spirit sags because of grief. Now raise me up according to Your promise! – (Psalm 119:28, CEB)

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word. – (Psalm 119:28, NIV)

My soul weeps and trouble weighs me down; give me strength so I can stand according to Your word. – (Psalm 119:28, VOICE)

 

Life has a way of walking us through seasons of grief. It is a space that no one longs to enter, and all desire the season to end quickly. Sadly, the only way out of a space of sorrow, is to walk through it. In order to move, we need His strength. God’s word is full of His promises to be present and to give us the strength that we need to navigate the trying trails. When we seek Him, we find Him; and He remains present, even in the most difficult places. The Lord will lift us up, take us by the hand, and lead us through the muck, until we find way to the space where we are no longer stuck in the sorrow. His peace shall remain, always. May we seek the Lord when we are weary and weighed down with the woes of this world, and trust Him to give us the strength that He has promised.

 

When sorrow surrounds,

we‘re weighed down by grief;

seek the Lord alone,

whose strength brings relief.

His promises clear,

that He will provide;

all that is needed,

to help us survive.

He will raise us up,

where grief brings us low;

as we trust in Him,

the way He will show.

Through all the heartache,

the mourning and grief;

the truth of God’s love,

is hope we can keep.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us and You are faithful to strengthen us, even in the weight of our sorrow. Thank You that we can stand firm in You, despite our weariness with what surrounds us. Forgive us for not seeking Your strength in our sorrow, and teach us to trust You more. Show us again Your faithfulness and unending love, in the midst of our heartaches. Lead us to love others in the middle of their trials, so that they too might see Your help and hope through our hands and hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your strength in our sorrow, and hold fast to Your promises – always. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19

Considerate Peace Keeping

Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, VOICE)

 

Despite how others speak to us, we are called to be humble and kind. It is not our place to tear others down, but rather we are called to build one another up in love. This can be the most challenging when others are attempting to tear us down with their words. Typically, the words selected are those that hit directly in the heart where it hurts the most, so we instinctually want to lash back out. In Christ, we are covered and called to do differently. Though we are not meant to be doormats, we are not intended to retaliate fire where we have been fired upon. Kindness extended where cruelty has come our way, is the water to squelch the fire. There is something diabolically disarming about kind words coming our way when we are angry and about to blow a fuse. The heat that was fueling our rage, suddenly no longer burns as hot, and we are able to regain our right mind and walk the way in which we are called to walk. May we seek the Lord in all things and at all times, and trust in Him to lead us in how we interact with others – even when they are unkind. Let His love lead us so that we may keep the peace, be considerate, and truly humble toward all.

 

Let’s not let our words,

tear another down;

for offering peace,

is how love is found.

Let’s choose to think first,

be considerate;

be humble to all,

one who’s different.

For as we love well,

give kindness to all;

barriers break down,

and need to harm falls.

Despite what we get,

let our choice be love;

for we have been called,

be gentle as doves.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not just ask us to not tear others down with our words, but You sent Your Son to show us how it is done. Thank You that You call us to be keepers of the peace, and You give us direction to be considerate and humble to lead us there. Thank You too, that this is not something that we are expected to do in our own strength, but rather You equip and empower us by Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Forgive us for any of our words, thoughts or deeds that tear others down, rather than build them up. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in all things – even the smallest reaction or response to others, so that we would keep the peace as we are called to do. Show us how to love others in a way that encourages and builds them up, bringing peace wherever we may go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we build others up and keep the peace, as we walk humbly before You and everyone we meet. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

Turn to Wisdom

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. – (Titus 2:12-13, NLT)

Grace arrives with its own instruction: run away from anything that leads us away from God; abandon the lusts and passions of this world; live life now in this age with awareness and self-control, doing the right thing and keeping yourselves holy. Watch for His return; expect the blessed hope we all will share when our great God and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appears again. – (Titus 2:12-13, VOICE)

It (God’s grace) educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly living and the desires of this world. At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ. – (Titus 2:12-13, CEB)

 

God grants us His grace because He completely and thoroughly loves us. Just as a parent loves their children well and gives them instruction to direct, correct and encourage them in the ways in which they are meant to go, God does the same for us. He does not tell us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures to punish or torture us, but rather He knows that such things create a barrier between us and Him, and He wants to help us avoid anything that will lead to such pain. We are charged to reject ungodly living and choose to live with wisdom, righteousness and devotion. In order to navigate our world, we need Him so that we are aware, have self-control, and remain upright in all of our ways. As we choose to invest our hearts and lives in Him, an expectation of the blessed hope that is yet to come rises within us, and we are assured of the glory of our great God, and the hope held in His promised return. May we allow His grace to grab hold of our hearts and lead us through this life, so that we walk in a way that is upright before Him, as we await the glorious day that we will see Him face-to-face.

 

We are called to turn,

runaway, reject;

all that is godless,

may our hearts deflect.

To live in this age,

we need righteousness;

true wisdom from God,

the Lord’s holiness.

As we seek we find,

for God freely gives;

awareness and strength,

to righteously live.

It is in this space,

that we look ahead;

with glorious hope,

when Christ comes again.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You instruct us in how we are meant to live; for Your ways result in wisdom, hope, help and life everlasting. Forgive us for our flirting with the ways of the world, and teach us how to walk upright before You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would turn from all that is godless and sinful, and would be aware and operate with the self-control that You grant us. Show us how to love one another in the same way that we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we run away from godless living, and choose to depend on You to walk with wisdom, righteousness and devotion for all of our days. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

Planned With Purpose

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, ERV)

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)

 

When we are in the midst of a season of uncertainty, these words are part of God’s promise that we can cling to. Each of us were created with purpose, and He has plans that include a hope and a future for all who call on His Name. He will never leave us nor forsake us, even in the spaces that seem lost and alone. We can rest assured that God is near, and that He is moving on our behalf, even when it feels as if there is no way forward from where we are standing. The Lord knows our present position and knows where we will end up. The two are not the same. I am so grateful that despite what we see, our hope and future in Christ, is far better than wherever we are dwelling in the here and now. He leads us to places of rest when we are weary, and He equips us to do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine when we are willing to walk by faith, rather than simply by sight. Let our hearts hold fast to the hope that we hold in He who has our future in His hands. His plans are good. He is present and has planted hopes and dreams in our hearts for a purpose.

 

For the Lord, He knows,

the plans that are held;

by the Lord Himself,

from whom fear‘s dispelled.

In Him, there’s no harm,

but rather a plan;

to grant us all hope,

for our whole lifespan.

His plan’s to prosper,

to grant us His good;

to lead and guide us,

where hope’s understood.

May we choose the Lord,

in each circumstance;

for He is our strength,

who loved in advance.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have known the plans for our lives since before we were created. Thank You that Your plan for us is good, and it includes hope and a future. Thank You that no matter what we see in the here and now, You are present and You are at work on our behalf. Forgive us for our fears and lack of faith. Teach us to trust You more, so that no matter what comes our way, we would cling to You and Your promises, trusting that regardless of what we see, our hope is held in You. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they might discover the value they have, and that they were hand-crafted with a plan and a purpose. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your plans, despite what we see in the here and now. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:19

Gratitude is Not Conditional

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

Give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) – (1 Thessalonians 5:18, VOICE)

 

Gratitude is the attitude that should be ever present among believers. Though our circumstances may be less than stellar sometimes, we have the assurance that our ultimate outcome will be far greater than we can even begin to imagine. This hope that we hold is reason enough to be thankful at all times, regardless of what we are going through. Additionally, even when we walk through our darkest times, we are never alone. Christ comes near and remains present, granting us further reason to be thankful in all things. May we give thanks with a grateful heart, not necessarily for what we are going through, but for He who walks beside us, and gives us help and hope and strength to get to the other side.

 

No matter what comes,

give thanks to the Lord;

not for circumstance,

but hope He affords.

For all in this life,

is but a season;

hope is eternal,

our thanking reason.

Let every heart,

rise up and give praise;

not for what we see,

but for the Lord’s ways.

In each circumstance,

know that the Lord’s near;

each cry of our heart,

is heard by His ear.

Thanks be to the Lord,

for now and always;

in each circumstance,

let us choose to praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, no matter what comes our way. Thank You that You goodness and faithfulness are not dependent on our circumstances. Thank You that when we belong to You, our hope is steadfast and secure forever. Forgive us for forgetting our reasons to give thanks in ALL things and at ALL times, despite the difficulties we endure. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would remember our reasons to give You thanks and praise, even when the things around us are less than ideal. Show us how to love others in a way that offers hope and help in the midst of challenging seasons, so that they may see the light of Your hope in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we give thanks to You no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, for You are ALWAYS worthy of our thanks and praise. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

No Fear in Perfect Love

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. – (1 John 4:18, NLT)

We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; His perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what He might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what He might do to us and shows us that we are not fully convinced that He really loves us. – (1 John 4:18, TLB)

 

Perfect love drives out fear, and assures us that we are loved. God loved us not because we are lovable, but because He is love. In His perfect love, God made the way for us to come to experience a love that goes beyond what we can grasp, and receive hope that heals hurts and drives out fear. Through Christ, we need not fear punishment, but rather are to embrace the grace given in its place, as we are so deeply and completely loved. When fear creeps in, we must trust in He who is greater than all that can come against us. Allowing fear a foothold is releasing the reality of how completely Christ loves us and is for us. May we allow His perfect love to permeate every hollow of our heart, so that fear cannot find place to hide His unending grace.

 

In God’s perfect love,

there‘s no room for fear;

His love is complete,

it‘s grace that comes near.

For we mustn’t dread,

what He’ll do to us;

the Lord, He forgives,

through His Son, Jesus.

May we be convinced,

of how great His love;

no more allow fear,

to grab a hold of…

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are love. Thank You that in You, there is no fear, as Your love eliminates all fear. Thank You Jesus, for taking all of our sin and shame upon Yourself, so that we need not fear punishment, as You have already paid the price. Forgive us for our fearfulness. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might fully experience Your perfect love, and not question Your presence and Your willingness to be for us. Show us how to love without fear, so that people might see Your love through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we set aside fear and embrace Your perfect love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

His Love Doesn’t Hurt

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. – (Romans 13:10, NLT)

Does love hurt anyone? Absolutely not. In fact, love achieves everything the law requires. – (Romans 13:10, VOICE)

 

Our goal ought to be to mirror God’s love to all. In our broken humanity, we fall short – daily. When we are wronged, often our gut instinct is to lash out and respond in the same way; yet love, is to choose to extend kindness to those who deserve it least. Love offers grace to the guilty and mercy to the mean. To love is to contradict the way the world says we ought to respond to anything that comes against us. The more we choose to love, the more natural it becomes. It does not always mean it is easy, but there are never regrets when a loving response is extended, rather than lashing out or firing back – as such things cannot be erased. Sometimes love is extended simply by not responding and exercising self-control, when everything within us desires to meet fire with fire. As we love, God uses our obedience to break down barriers in others, and can do amazing things in hearts and lives. It is no wonder that God calls us to love above all else, for all things flow through His filter of love. May we choose to go forth and love others as we are loved by God.

 

Love will not choose harm,

despite what it gets;

for love is from God,

it never regrets.

Love fulfills the law,

for God’s love is good;

it mends the broken,

makes grace understood.

Love heals the hurting,

it turns away wrath;

love makes clear the way,

to travel God’s path.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that love does not do wrong to others, but rather it fulfills all that You require of us. Thank You that the love You speak of is Yours, not that which we distort and confuse and fracture. Thank You that You have shown us the perfect example of love through the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Forgive us for not loving as we are called to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would respond in kindness, grace or in silence – according to Your will, rather than our own when we are wronged. Show us how to love others as You love us, so that people may come to know the kindness and grace that comes from You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love as You love us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15

To Choose to Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God!…” – (Psalm 46:10a, NLT)

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand that I am the True God…” – (Psalm 46:10a, VOICE)

 

Life can get extraordinarily busy. I am no exception. This is by far, my busiest season, as I am on the go from 3:30am to 8:00pm or later most weekdays. The reason for such early rising is to provide myself the opportunity to do just as this verse instructs. Beginning my day in silent stillness before the Lord, offers calm and clarity to take on each new day. It can be easy to get caught up in the busy, and forget Who has equipped us to do the things that we do, and as we make way through the midst of it all, how deeply we are loved by Him. Our reason to be still is to come into a space of understanding of who God is, and how He loves. As we learn and grow, we are compelled to go forth and do likewise – not out of obligation nor selfish ambition, but simply because we are loved we and want to do the same. May we take pause and be still before the Lord, so that we may hear His heart for us, and understand the greatness of our God.

 

We are invited,

to come before Christ;

in quiet stillness,

where hope’s realized.

As we choose be still,

our hearts come to know;

the greatness of God,

and how His love flows.

True understanding,

place of clarity;

is found in stillness,

solidarity.

Let our hearts be calm,

come into His rest;

know He is the Lord,

and He loves us best.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we quiet ourselves before You, we come to understand more of who You are, and how You love. Thank You that You are the True God who knows us and loves us, in spite of ourselves. Forgive us for not slowing down to be still before You, as we miss out on all that You have for us. Teach us to be still and set our hearts on You, as we further discover who You are and how You love. Show us how to demonstrate the love and grace that You give to us and to all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be still and recognize the greatness of You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41