God is… (Day 22 – Omnipresent)

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. – (Colossians 1:17, NIV)

The Son was there before anything was made. And all things continue because of Him. – (Colossians 1:17, ERV)

He has always been! It is His hand that holds everything together. – (Colossians 1:17, VOICE)

Omnipresence means all-present. It reminds us that God is able to be everywhere at the same time, and that His divine presence goes before us, is with us, and surrounds us, no matter where we are or where we go. I was acutely aware of this attribute of God yesterday, as I had a routine medical procedure done, and simultaneously, my best friend was in surgery, halfway across the country. God was with us both. For me, He surrounded me with kind people who set my mind at ease, and made the procedure a positive experience. For my bestie, He upheld her and gave the surgical team wisdom, as they were able to do a much less invasive surgery than originally thought, and the prognosis for her is excellent. He knows what we need before we ask, and is with us in and through all things. May we ever seek the Lord in all things, and trust in His presence to provide all that we need. He is good, and He will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter what comes our way.

Wherever we go,

the Lord is there too;

He’s omnipresent,

His nearness shines through.

Whatever we face,

it’s never alone;

for He is with us,

and makes His love known.

On the mountaintop,

and the deepest sea;

where I go, He’s there,

He’s present with me.

Never will He leave,

nor forsake His own;

ever He’s with us,

’til He leads us home.

All thanks be to God,

forever He’s near;

loving through all things,

and fending off fear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are omnipresent, for knowing that You are everywhere, always, brings comfort and peace. Thank You that You show us again and again that You are able to be with us all. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we face unknowns. Remind us anew that You are with us to be our comfort, peace, and provision. Teach us how to trust You more. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your presence known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your omnipresence, for we need You in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of Your deeds. – Psalm 73:28

God is… (Day 21 – Omnipotent)

“I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” – (Job 42:2, NIV)

“I know You can do everything. You make plans, and nothing can change or stop them.” – (Job 42:2, ERV)

“I know You can do everything; nothing You do can be foiled or frustrated.” – (Job 42:2, VOICE)

“Omnipotence refers to God’s all-powerful character. To say that God is omnipotent is to recognize that there is nothing outside of His ability to accomplish and no one who can exercise power over Him. God created the entire universe, and He holds the power over it.” – (The Basilica) In a world where we, as humans, are acutely aware of our limitations, it is mind-blowing to try to understand the omnipotence of God. He created all that is and was and ever will be, and holds us in the hollow of His hands. To try to set human limitations on an all-powerful God does not align. All that we see and know comes from Him, and God can accomplish all that He determines to do. The Lord created, gave life and breath, parts seas, calms storms, raises the dead, heals the diseased, loves the unlovable, and so much more. What is impossible for us is completely possible to God. Because God is omnipotent, we can trust in Him to be who He says He is and to do what He says He will do. There is much comfort in knowing that the God of the universe is for us as we seek Him and choose to walk in His will. May we ever trust in the omnipotent God, for His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Our Lord and Savior,

Omnipotent God;

all power is His,

perfect, without flaws.

He made all we see,

and things not yet known;

His power too great,

yet we’re called His own.

in Him and through Him,

all is possible;

He can do much more,

than seems plausible.

The wind and the waves,

must do as He says;

He’s greater than all,

creation declares.

Each day’s new sunrise,

reminds us anew;

a fresh beginning,

shows His power’s true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are omnipotent, for Your power makes all things possible in You. Thank You that though You are all-powerful and hold the universe in Your hands, You know and love us individually. That alone is beyond our human understanding. Forgive us for somehow setting limits on You as we view what lies before us through our own capacity to comprehend. Teach us to trust You beyond what we see or know, for You are above all things and in all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate the limitless power of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your power and grace, goodness and love. Amen.

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

And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

God is… (Day 20 – Omniscient)

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” – (John 18:4, NIV)

Jesus already knew everything that would happen to Him. So He went out and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” – (John 18:4, ERV)

Jesus stepped forward. It was clear He was not surprised because He knew all things. Jesus said, “Whom are you looking for?” – (John 18:4, VOICE)

Omniscience is defined as knowing everything there is to know. God knows all things and is aware of all things. In Matthew 10:29-30, Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” One of the most remarkable things about God being all-knowing, is that He still has given us a free will. We can choose to love and follow Him, or we can reject Him and His existence. He knows which of us will choose Him and which will reject Him. I don’t know about you, but I cannot fathom how a person could reject One who knows us so well. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and He loves us as we are. He knows our potential and purpose, for it is He who created us all. The Father knew what would happen to His Son in sending Him, yet He did so to atone for us all so that we could be forgiven and free to enter into a relationship with Him that provides eternal life. He knew every sin that we would commit, and gave His Son to take our place in deserving death. The fact that God loves us despite the darkest, ugliest parts of our heart, is further reason to trust in Him. When we pray, He knows the answers to what we are asking. As we worship, He knows all the gratitude that our heart holds. Every fear, failure, fault, and folly, He knows. However, He also knows every triumph, act of kindness, reflection of His light, extension of His love, and gift of grace that we extend. God’s goodness and kindness make His omniscience something to be celebrated and praised. May we ever seek the Lord, Who is all-knowing, for He sees, hears, and knows what is needed in every situation and circumstance, and loves us through them all.

God of all wisdom,

knowledge and power;

He sees and He knows,

each day, each hour.

Though God knows all things,

He still gives us choice;

freedom to decide,

reject or rejoice.

Our God, He is love,

and wisdom He brings;

as we choose to seek,

His face in all things.

Our Help and our hope,

forever we’re known;

as we trust in Him,

He calls us His own.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are omniscient. Thank You that though You know all things, You still choose to love us more than we can fathom. Thank You that in Your wisdom and love, You sent Your Son to make the way for us to draw near to You. Forgive us for our fears and doubts, for You are worthy of all of our trust forever. Lead us to seek, listen, and follow after You each day that we draw breath. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your omniscience known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, the all-knowing One who loves us and leads us with goodness and grace. Amen.

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

Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” – Daniel 2:27

God is… (Day 19 – Light in the Darkness)

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, NIV)

God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made His light shine in our hearts to let us know that His own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, ERV)

The God who spoke light into existence, saying, “Let light shine from the darkness,” is the very One who sets our hearts ablaze to shed light on the knowledge of God’s glory revealed in the face of Jesus the Anointed One. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, VOICE)

I imagine at one time or another, we all have experienced being in total darkness. Or at least so it seemed… If it was outdoors, it took only a few moments and then our eyes begin to adjust and we were able to detect even the faintest bit of light. If we gaze upward, the night sky blinks light back to us. Each star is a reminder that God is with us. God is the light of the world and His love illuminates the ways we are meant to go. He shines His light on the dark places within our heart, and transforms us to more clearly reflect His light. He is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path. God shows us what is good and shines light on darkness we could not previously see. May we ever seek the Lord to be our light in the darkness, for He is good and will shine His light on the paths we are meant to take.

Light in the darkness,

my God, yes You are;

ever You’re near me,

no place is too far.

The sun, how it shines,

to light up the day;

the moon and the stars,

chase darkness away.

The Light of the world,

came down unto us;

to show us the way,

our Savior, Jesus.

His light and His life,

made what is good plain;

each time we love well,

we reflect the same.

O Lord, You are light,

on our darkest days;

ever You show us,

that You’ll make a way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Light in the darkness; for You show us what is good and You lead us in the direction we are meant to go. Thank You that You are present, even when we think we are in total darkness. Forgive us for the times that we stay stuck in the dark, rather than simply seeking Your light. Thank You that You remind us anew each day with a fresh sunrise in the morning, and the moon and stars at night, that You are always light and life and love. Show us how to be beacons of Your light to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to refine us so that we may more clearly reflect Your light to all. Amen.

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

God made two great lights – the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. – Genesis 1:16

God is… (Day 18 – A Promise Keeper)

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her! – (Luke 1:45, NIV)

Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen. – (Luke 1:45, ERV)

And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. – (Luke 1:45, ASV)

God is faithful to His promises and true to His word. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV) We are not promised a life that is easy or trouble-free, but we are promised God’s powerful presence in all things and at all times. He is faithful and true to His word. In the deepest valleys and on the highest peaks, He is there. In love, in loss, in challenge, in triumph, in heartache, in joy, in all things, He makes His presence known as He helps us and upholds us. Each morning, as I rise and spend time in His word, I am joined by two sweet fur babies that flank my sides. Their ongoing loyalty and love, and desire to be near me, is a tangible reminder that God desires my presence too. He wants me to listen to His voice, rest in His nearness, and trust Him in all things. Because He keeps His promises, I know that I can trust Him in all things and at all times. The process is an ongoing act of faith, and there is always more to learn. I am flawed and fall short, yet God continues to correct and redirect, lead and love me throughout each day. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is a Promise Keeper.

The Lord is so good,

throughout all our days;

He keeps His promise,

He does what He says.

God’s true to His words,

our hope is assured;

in Him we find life,

and future secured.

So, trust in the Lord,

allow Him to lead;

the Promise Keeper,

He meets all our needs.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and faithful to be near us. Thank You that You fulfill every promise that You make, and You uphold us throughout all of our days. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when trials come. Teach us to trust and cling to You and Your promises, for Your word is true. Lead us to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to keep Your promises and be true to Your Word. Amen.

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

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. – Psalm 36:5

God is… (Day 17 – A Miracle Worker)

You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. – (Psalm 77:14, NIV)

You are the God who does amazing things. You showed the nations Your great power. – (Psalm 77:14, ERV)

You, God, and Your works evoke wonder. You have proved Your strength to the nations. – (Psalm 77:14, VOICE)

God is a miracle worker. It takes little time to look around in awe and wonder to recognize the miraculous found in the Divine. Life and light, health and hope, creation and the created – all are evidence of the miracles God does each day. His miracles are not limited to the few that are mentioned in the Bible, for they are found in all places throughout the ages. Yes, parting the sea, turning water into wine, raising the dead to life, and healings infirmities and illness were huge miracles that cannot be denied, yet the birth of a new baby, a heart transformed to love, and ways being made where the way seemed impossible, are all modern-day miracles we get to witness. God still works wonders, we simply have to be aware and listen to discover all that He is doing. In my life thus far, I cannot even count the miracles of God that I have witnessed. Two of my favorites are my twins. Born prematurely, the only challenge they had was that their lungs needed to develop. They were on oxygen for nearly five weeks, but they were able to be weaned from it within hours of each other, and I was able to bring them both home together. That alone, was miraculous, as there was a significant discrepancy in their size at birth. Both grew and thrived, and each are successfully navigating their way into adulthood. They are intelligent, kind, and loving, and are both thriving as they work to complete their college education so that they can pursue careers in areas of interest to them. I have seen God’s hand and His provision every step of the way. May we ever seek the Lord, our Miracle Worker, and trust that He will make the way for us to press on and do all that He is calling us to do.

Miracles abound,

throughout each new day;

our life, the sunrise,

how God makes the way.

Each day that we wake,

we witness His grace;

His touch all around,

as we walk His way.

How the sun rises,

and how the rain falls;

the birth of new life,

and strength to stand tall.

He still makes a way,

through impossible;

the Lord is greater,

our path crossable.

He changes our hearts,

to supple from stone;

where cold once was found,

He makes His warmth known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Miracle Worker that makes a way throughout our whole life. Thank You for the miracles all around us. Forgive us for the times that we lose our awe and wonder at who You are and all that You have done. Renew our sight so that we would recognize the miracles all around us every day, and give You thanks and praise for Your incredible and gracious ways. Show us how to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the miracle of life and living, and give You thanks for all that You keep giving. Amen.

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

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “Your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. – Matthew 9:22

God is… (Day 16 – The Way Maker)

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – (Isaiah 43:19, NIV)

“Because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert, and rivers will flow through that dry land.” – (Isaiah 43:19, ERV)

“Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there has been none.” – (Isaiah 43:19, VOICE)

On Sunday, during worship, we say the song Way Maker. As we repeated the bridge a few times, the lyrics sank in and I was reminded of several more things that God is to me. To know God as a Way Maker, is to recognize that He can make a way where there seems to be no way. For the Israelites who were fleeing from Pharaoh after being enslaved for 400 years, God parted the sea and gave them dry land to pass through, despite encountering a place that was seemingly impassable with the Egyptian army behind them with the sea before them. For the same people, He made water flow in the desert and food fall from the heavens to keep the people alive, nourished, and hydrated. God still makes the way for us, despite our circumstances. When all around us seems to be crumbling, He shows us how to press on and stand strong in Him. If our path is impassable, He either shows us how to reroute, or He supplies what we need to get over or through the difficult spaces. Years ago, when I was a part of Youth With A Mission, we were traveling over the border from India into Bangladesh on foot. The border guards were asking many of us for bribes as we waited to cross. God granted us wisdom and grace, as an offer of my rolled up bed mat was turned down and left the guard bewildered, yet I was given the go ahead to pass through. Each person on the team was able to enter, and not a bribe was paid. All of us had offered insignificant objects in our packs, and they shook their heads as if they thought we were crazy. What could have been a difficult or even scary situation, became something a bit comical that we laughed about later. There have been countless times that I have seen and experienced God as my Way Maker. He is good, and God is able to make a way where there seems to be no way. May we ever seek God to be our Way Maker in all things and at all times.

Through our wilderness,

the Lord makes a way;

He shows us His path,

as we trust each day.

Help, hope and His strength,

in love, He supplies;

how to overcome,

in Him, realized.

Goodness unending,

God’s more than enough,

He makes smooth our path,

when the way is rough.

No matter what comes,

in Him there’s a way;

to get through all things,

on His path we’ll stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Way Maker. Thank You that You make a way when there seems to be no way. Thank You that You supply all that we need to press on and overcome. Forgive us for feeling as if we cannot possibly get through what lies before us. Show us Your powerful presence that leads us where we are meant to go, and strengthens us to do more than we think is possible. Teach us to trust You more. Lead us to love, support, and encourage those around us in ways that point to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank and praise You for being our Way Maker throughout all our days. Amen.

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

O Eternal, show me Your way, shine Your light brightly on this path, and make it level for me… – Psalm 27:11a

God is… (Day 15 – My Anchor)

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19a, NIV)

This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. – (Hebrews 6:19a, ERV)

That hope is real and true, an anchor to steady our restless souls. – (Hebrews 6:19a, VOICE)

God as my anchor is the last attribute of God that is listed in the bridge of Worthy of Your Name. As a visual person, this one holds extra significance to me, as God will forever hold fast and steady us through every storm that life brings. I have experienced this truth about God over and over again throughout my life thus far. The most significant season where I clung to this promise was right after my mom had a stroke. We knew not what would happen, what recovery might look like, nor what was to become of what we had always known, but we did know that we could cling to God as our anchor, for He would keep us steady and secure. During the season where I stayed with mom, God gave me a picture of an anchor among the flowers in mom’s garden. He was reminding me that He would be present, steady and secure, even in that space of uncertainty. Though her recovery was not exactly what we hoped or prayed for, she lived and her mind is sound. Her mobility was impacted, as she lost the use of her right arm and has limited use of her right leg, but she can communicate and navigate her days fairly independently with help as needed. The impact of that season was so significant, that I chose to have the image of the anchor with flowers from mom’s garden tattooed on the top of my right foot. It is my constant reminder of God’s faithful presence, protection, and steadiness through every storm that comes.

God is my anchor,

He’s strong and secure;

Ever He’s present,

as we choose draw near.

Through all of life’s storms,

faithfully, He stays;

He steadies our heart,

and shows us His ways.

The ways He’s present,

and stays by our side;

in love, He upholds,

our constant supply.

His strength, it steadies,

through each wave that comes;

His love secures us,

as His will is done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the anchor of our soul, strong and secure, no matter what comes. Thank You that You steady us when the storms of life threaten to overtake us. Thank You that You are our hope and help in all things. Forgive us for losing sight of the security that You supply when the storms of life threaten to overtake us. Teach us to cling to You, for You are forever steady and secure. Show us how to trust You more as our anchor throughout all of our days. Lead us in Your love to care well for those You have placed in our lives. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our anchor for all of our days. Amen.

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

I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me. – Psalm 63:8

God is… (Day 14 – My Strength)

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – (Psalm 18:32, NIV)

God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take. – (Psalm 18:32, ERV)

The True God encircled me with strength and made my pathway straight. – (Psalm 18:32, VOICE)

God equips us with the strength that we need to navigate whatever lies before us. The times that we are acutely aware of our own need for God’s strength seem to be in the midst of a battle or as we face an obstacle that we that we cannot possibly traverse on our own. I imagine that is why in the bridge of “Worthy of Your Name” the line inspiring today’s study is actually, “my strength in the battle”. In spaces of peace, we are less aware of a need for strength, and much more in tune with the praiseworthy presence of God. Our cognizance of God is our reason to give thanks, and a reminder of the hope we know in Him. Personally, I know that when I overcome something that seemed insurmountable in my own mind, I recognize how present God was, and how He strengthened, surrounded, and equipped me to do what needed to be done. His goodness and power are greater than anything we face, and His help and hope are available to all who seek Him. May we ever trust the Lord, our strength in the battle, for He is faithful to meet us wherever we are and in whatever we find ourselves in.

The Lord is our strength,

in all that shall come;

He leads and equips,

so His will be done.

No matter what’s seen,

His grace is much more;

surrounded in strength,

like He’s done before.

Faithful forever,

our God will not leave;

His presence and strength,

to all who believe.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Strength in the battle. Thank You that You provide the strength that is needed to negotiate whatever battle lies before us. Thank You that You encircle us with fortitude and tenacity to forge forward. Forgive us for our fear when we cannot see or understand how to navigate the seemingly impossible. Show us again that You are greater than all we face, and that Your presence provides all that we need to press on. Teach us how to love those around us in ways that encircle and strengthen each one in a battle we know nothing about. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for being our strength in every battle we face. Amen.

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

You armed me with strength for battle… – Psalm 18:39a

God is… (Day 13 – My Hope)

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. – (Micah 7:7, NIV)

So I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me. My God will hear me. – (Micah 7:7, ERV)

But as for me, I will look to the Eternal One, and my hope is in the True God who will save me. My God will hear me. – (Micah 7:7, VOICE)

For those of you who have been following the last few weeks, today’s line from the song that has been guiding my study of who “God is…”, is actually “My Hope in the shadows.” I love this, as shadows can often seem like they are a space where light is absent, yet in reality, it means that light is near. It is the way that God works too. Often in the spaces where life seems the darkest, God makes His presence overwhelmingly known, and we are assured of His nearness and that in and of itself, provides hope. His hope is the Light of the world. When we know God, we know that our situations and circumstances are temporary, yet our future is secure and our eternity will be better than anything that our minds can conceive. God is the hope that provides light in our darkness and shows us that our perceived darkness is merely a shadow, for He is near. God saves us from despair and grants us joy in spite of our circumstances. May we ever seek the Lord in all things, for He is our hope and the Light that illuminates every dark space we find ourselves in.

The Lord is my hope,

no matter what comes;

when in the shadows,

His work is not done.

As soon as we pause,

and look all around;

light and life are seen,

hope in Him is found.

For where there is God,

hope ever remains;

He dwells in our heart,

as love He proclaims.

Hope is the promise,

of all that will come;

so trust in the Lord,

may His will be done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope in the shadows of life. Thank You that though things can appear dark, Your light and life, hope and help are near. Thank You that hope does not disappoint, for You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You that You are always good, even when our circumstances are not. Forgive us for fearing that the darkness will defeat us. Teach us to turn our eyes to You, for it is in You that we see and know light and life and love. Show us how to hold fast to hope in You, for You are the Truth, the Light, and the Way in all things. Lead us to love those around us as You do, so that all may come to know that You are the Hope we all need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our Hope in the shadows. Amen.

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

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24