Higher Ways

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, NIV)

You don’t know where the wind blows. And you don’t know how a baby grows in its mother’s womb. In the same way, you don’t know what God will do – and He makes everything happen. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, ERV)

You can no more predict the path of the wind than you can explain how a child’s bones are formed in a mother’s womb. Even more, you will never understand the workings of the God who made all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, VOICE)

These words of wisdom, recorded by King Solomon, remind us that we cannot know and understand all of the ways of God. However, we can know that all of His ways are good, and choose to trust in the One who made us. As we follow Him, though we know not where the path will lead, we can follow His direction, knowing that He will lead us where we are meant to go. So often, what we hoped for is not how things turn out, yet most often, it is far better than we could have imagined. His ways are higher than our ways, and He knows the outcome far beyond what we can see. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is good and His love lasts forever.

As we can’t predict,

the ways the wind blows;

nor are we able,

to know what God knows.

We know He is good,

so we can choose trust;

the One who made us,

and sent us Jesus.

His ways are higher,

than things on our own;

God’s grace and goodness,

ever He makes known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are far greater than we can comprehend. Thank You that Your ways are higher than ours, and that You are for us, not against us. Forgive us for thinking we can tell You which way things ought to be, and for not trusting You as we should in all things. Grow us in our trust and understanding of Your faithfulness, even when we do not see or understand how things could work out on the path we are asked to follow. Show us how to love those around us, even when love does not make sense. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to trust You, even when we cannot see nor fathom a resolution in what lies ahead. Amen.

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

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Connect in Community

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. – (James 5:16, HCSB)

So always tell each other the wrong things you have done. Then pray for each other. Do this so that God can heal you. Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen. – (James 5:16, ERV)

Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. – (James 5:16, MSG)

This is yet another reason we are called to be in community. We are called to confess to one another and pray together so that we can be forgiven and free. A sense of community is created when we have others whom we can trust and care for, and help hold each other accountable. Such connection helps us live right, and God hears and responds accordingly in His power, goodness and grace. This does not mean we need to shout our shortcomings from the rooftops, but rather we ought to have a small circle whom we trust and can be completely real and transparent. In turn, we are meant to hold each other up and cover one another in prayer. As we do, we see God move in mighty ways. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to be in community where we can confess to each other and pray for one another, and see God move in mighty ways.

We all need people,

that we know and trust;

share life together,

and live as we must.

We need others whom,

we trust and are real;

to share in all things,

confess, pray and heal.

For God has promised,

where two or more meet;

He will be present,

until all’s complete.

So, trust in the Lord,

invest in the ones;

trusted, like-minded,

so God’s will is done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to community and transparency. Thank You that as we seek You, You provide those in whom we can confide. Thank You that You designed us to partner together to confess and pray so that we may see Your power made tangible as You move on our behalf, according to Your will. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden our faults or have isolated ourselves when You already see and know. Teach us to trust You and show us who to trust around us. Lead us in Your love to care well and connect authentically with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to right relationships that create a community as intended by You. Show us Your power as we confess and pray and seek to live Your way. Amen.

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

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20

Steady in the Storms

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. – (Philippians 4:6-7, ERV)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of you life. – (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

Worry and anxiousness are tangible signs that things are out of balance in our hearts and minds. Most often, it is because we are not praying and seeking God about what is going on, nor giving thanks for that which we have. Because we belong to Christ Jesus, He will guard and protect us, and give us direction as to what we can do and grant us His peace that guards our hearts and minds. His wholeness is made known as we seek Him and trust that He is the One who can work all things out for good. Yes, there are times when there is an issue that brings us to a place that we need God to show us tangible help to supply His peace and rest in His presence. We are created to be in community. Part of being a community includes helping bear one another’s burdens, and walking alongside each other in seasons of both struggle and of celebration. There is a quieting of the clamor caused by chaos that comes when we join with another to pray. Strength and resolve rise up and we are encouraged to get back to praying in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to show us His perfect peace as we pray, for it is as we pray for help and give Him thanks that we discover the peace that only God provides.

Lord, be our anchor,

https://soundcloud.com/user-955678799/steady-through-the-storm

throughout each new storm;

for Your love’s greater,

and Your peace transforms.

You transform our heart,

mind, body, and soul;

the depth of Your love,

brings peace, makes us whole.

Help us keep seeking,

in prayer, with praise;

Your faithfulness shown,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not worry nor be anxious about anything, but instead, we can bring our requests before You and trust in Your goodness and grace. Thank You that when worries come, You remind us that You are greater than all that we face. Forgive us for our fears and anxiousness, for You have overcome all that we will ever endure. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful to show us the ways we are meant to go and how to maneuver in all things. Lead us in Your love to care well for those around us, so that they too may know Your perfect peace, be it in storms or in settled spaces. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek and praise You, for You are our anchor and the One who keeps us steady in all sorts of seas. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

In All Things

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray at all times. – (Romans 12:12, ERV)

Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. – (Romans 12:12, VOICE)

No matter what we face today, we are able to find joy because we know that hope is not just for here and now, but it is eternal. When we are in the midst of affliction, trials or difficulty, we can have patience to hold us up in knowing Who is for us. The way to remember our hope and help is to keep praying. When we pray, we remember that He is God and we are not. His plans are greater than our own, and we either heal, grow, or gain a testimony of God’s goodness when we are on the other side.

This is skin cancer awareness month. As such, I cannot help but think back to my own experience, a year and a half ago. Yes, I waited far too long to go and see a dermatologist for a skin check, especially as a redhead, but I did, at long last, have an appointment on the books. My very first appointment, when asked if I had any spots of concerns, I pointed to a mystery bump just above my lip. Upon further investigation, the dermatologist determined that it would need to be biopsied and sent to the lab. From there, I was sent to a specialist, who had to do a more invasive biopsy, only to reveal that it was indeed squamous cell cancer. I had to undergo a Mohs procedure, followed by plastic surgery. Thankfully, after a quarter-sized portion of my skin above my lip was removed, it was determined to be successful. The thing about this whole ordeal was that I absolutely prayed continually, and discovered joy, even in the scary spaces (as there have been numerous watchful follow ups and scans). I have had to be patient both in the process and the recovery and healing, as there was a day between the Mohs surgery and the plastic surgery, and the healing process when facial nerves are cut is strange and lengthy. All this to say that despite the ordeal, my take away is gratitude to God that all was caught and has been deemed good, and the importance of remaining vigilant about skin protection as I move forward. Each time I feel a strange twinge above my lip, I am reminded of His faithfulness and goodness, and that nerves take a long time to heal. My purpose in sharing this is first, to highlight the reality of this verse, as hope, joy, patience and prayer are necessary to navigate each day. Second, please, get your skin checked. Skin cancer is one of the easier cancers to treat, but early detection is essential in preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.

May we hold to hope,

in all things always;

for there joy is found,

throughout all our days.

No matter what comes,

the Lord will remain;

we must be patient,

through patience comes change.

In all things always,

continue to pray;

for God hears each word,

we think and we say.

He knows all our fears,

and what brings delight;

our Healer and Help,

for He makes things right.

So trust in the Lord,

and patiently pray;

be real with the One,

Who loves us always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason for hope and joy, patience and peace, even when such things are not aligned with what we are experiencing. Thank You that we can come to You and pray to You without fear or hesitation. Forgive us for our fears and worries when unknowns come our way. Thank You that You are greater than all that we face. Continue to teach us to trust and hope in You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that provide hope, help, patience and peace in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray continually and seek You to continue to show us the hope and joy, peace and patience that You provide throughout each new day. Amen.

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

The River to Our Roots

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what He says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ERV)

But blessed is the man who trust Me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf. Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, MSG)

No matter our place in life, there is always opportunity to learn to trust God more. Two days ago, my mom had to undergo a surgical procedure that was pretty scary. Though she was afraid, she was extraordinarily brave, as her roots run deep and she continues to bear good fruit, even when life’s circumstances are quite rotten. For me, I felt like God prepared me, and though I was concerned, I did not feel afraid. Somehow, I knew that she would be okay and that all would be well. The day was crazy long, as the procedure was delayed by three hours, and then took about an hour longer than anticipated. What we thought would be a late afternoon exit, turned into a late evening release, followed by an hour and a half drive back to take mom home before I was going to turn around and drive five plus hours home. My sister was driving and I could barely keep my eyes open. She, my mom, and my husband all convinced me to stay the night there before returning home in the morning. I am so glad that I did, as the sleep was like water to my thirsty soul, and I was refreshed and ready to drive home the next morning. My drive was easy and it was so good to have time at home before going to coach in the afternoon. Though a little off late morning when I checked on her, my sister let me know that mom was back to feeling normal again by evening. I imagine much of it was sleep deprivation, as mom had not slept much the night prior, and then struggled to sleep the night that followed. My favorite part of the whole ordeal was when mom was in recovery. My sister and I went on a mini-adventure to find food for mom (as she had not been allowed to eat prior to the procedure and was super hungry). The tram took us down by the river in Portland, and one of mom’s favorites, The Spaghetti Factory, was walking distance. We were able to get a great dinner to take back, and mom was thrilled to have something good after waiting so long to eat. Her sense of humor was wonderful, and the three of us spent much time giggling as we waited for her release to come. At the end of the day, there was only gratitude that all was complete and that mom is doing well. May we ever seek the Lord to be the river to our roots so that we produce good fruit in every season.

As we trust in God,

My sister and me on the river walk in Portland. ❤

our roots grow down deep;

they stretch to water,

that supplies our need.

No matter the day,

or the circumstance;

roots planted in Him,

are strengthened, enhanced.

Each time that we seek,

we find faithfulness;

water for our soul,

help and graciousness.

The more we trust Him,

the more that we find;

that fruit is produced,

when He’s on our mind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the water that nourishes our soul and meets our needs in every season. Thank You that You love us and keep us nourished in Your love and grace as we seek You. Thank You for protecting mom through this most recent endeavor. Forgive us for our fearfulness when storms come our way. Teach us to lean into You, for You grow our roots deep so that we are nourished in every season. Lead us to love those around us in ways that produce good fruit. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to deepen our roots so that we ever produce fruit that reflects Your love and care for all. Amen.

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

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. – Psalm 42:1

Strength and Peace Supplied

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NIV)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

We ask You, Eternal One, to give strength to Your people; Eternal One, bless them with the gift of peace. – (Psalm 29:11, VOICE)

Yesterday, after school and gymnastics practice, I made my way south to my sister’s home in Oregon. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun was shining, and the air was warm. Traffic was only bad in two places, and the remainder of the drive moved freely. With music blaring and my voice raised in song, the miles passed by quickly and I arrived in a timely fashion. There was even still time to visit with my sister and catch a glimpse of my nephew before heading to bed. This morning, I woke at my usual hour so that I could spend time seeking the Lord to set my heart right for all that lies ahead today. My purpose for being here during the week is to be present for my mom as she undergoes a procedure that is a bit unnerving. My sister and I will take her, be with her, and will wait together until all is finished, and then will spend time with mom before I make the long drive home. The overwhelming feeling I have had since I began my drive is that of God’s perfect peace. Though I know the idea of what lies ahead today is a bit scary for mom, I have felt an incredible sense of His peace, knowing that God will be present and will guide the hands of the surgeons and care team. Mom has been through more than her fair share of medical things over the last few years, and every step of the journey, God has been faithful to provide strength and peace to press on. The hope and prayer for today’s outcome is that mom’s medical team will have a plan to protect and keep her well, despite the challenges she has endured. God is good, and He is faithful to His promises. May we ever seek Him and trust in Him, for He supplies His strength and peace to those who ask and depend on Him.

The Lord is faithful,

A favorite capture of Mom, my sis and me. ❤

to all who choose seek;

peace in the chaos,

and strength when we’re weak.

His goodness abounds,

despite what is not;

His love is greater,

each time He is sought.

O Lord, we seek You,

and trust in Your grace;

our strength and our peace,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You supply the strength and peace we need to navigate each new day. Thank You that You go before us, walk beside us, and hold us in the hollow of Your mighty hands. Forgive us for our fearfulness when the unknown lies ahead. Teach us to trust You more, for Your love never fails. Lead us to love, encourage, and support those around us in ways that share Your strength and peace in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love, for Your love provides the peace and strength we need in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

A Godly Wardrobe

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

God has chose you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. – (Colossians 3:12, ERV)

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. – (Colossians 3:12, MSG)

Because I am such a visual learner, the idea of clothing ourselves with attributes that God designed for us to wear is a beautiful analogy. As a Pacific Northwest native, clothing matters, as the weather here can cover all four seasons in one day. To remain comfortable with outdoor adventures, we must layer properly so that we are warm enough when the air is cool or the rain is falling down, yet be able to remove layers so that we can maintain comfort when the sun appears with a base layer that is designed for keeping cool. If we clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humbleness, gentleness, patience, compassion, quiet strength, and discipline, we will be prepared for all sorts of “weather” that life brings our way. Each of the layers that God designed should fit well, be comfortable, and be utilized as everyday attire. There is no place nor occasion that such a wardrobe is not the right things to wear. Much like clothing fashion, when others wear His attributes well, they are desired and sought after. Imagine being a trend-setter with the wardrobe that Christ has designed for each of us to wear. Our kindness is contagious, and compassion causes others to do the same. Patience comes through practice, just like a favorite pair of jeans that are worn over and over so that they become a staple in our attire. Quiet strength is like supportive shoes for outdoor activities, as they keep the wearer supported and protect the feet from the elements, just a God supplies the strength we need to do the things we are called to do. God is so good, and my desire is to be clothed in His wardrobe anew every morning so that I may go forth in all that He has designed for me. May we ever seek Him to lead, guide, and design our layers so that we may reflect His goodness and grace to the world.

Lord, let us be clothed,

in what You’ve designed;

layers of goodness,

with Your love in mind.

Compassion, kindness,

grace and gentleness;

true humility,

that’s wrapped in patience.

Clothe us, Lord Jesus,

in loving attire;

so we are prepared,

as You we admire.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for all of these things;

the layers of love,

that Your goodness brings.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hand-crafted the wardrobe that we are meant to wear each day. Thank You that You supply us with the layers we need to navigate our days in the goodness of Your love that is meant to be shared. Forgive us for the days that we are ill-equipped or have not properly prepared to model the layers You intended us to wear. Show us how to “dress” each day in Your attributes so that we may share with all whom we encounter. Lead us in Your lavish love so that all might know the power present in Your design. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God as we seek You to clothe us in Your goodness, kindness, patience, humility, grace, and love. Amen.

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

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the times to come. – Proverbs 31:25

He Is The One

But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. – (Psalm 3:3, NIV)

But You, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; You give me hope. – (Psalm 3:3, ERV)

But You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield. You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens. – (Psalm 3:3, VOICE)

God is our Protector and the One who leads us in what is good. He sets our sights on Him as we seek Him, He grants us hope and blessings to behold. Yesterday, as I was running an errand, I was driving a familiar route and approaching a stop light. As I neared the stop light, a big truck and trailer zipped across my lane in front of me to turn into a business nearby. I slammed on my brakes and came to a stop just short of hitting the truck that did not have time to make the turn. At first, I was really irritated with the truck for being so foolish and careless. After my heartrate returned to normal, I began thanking God for His protection. The scenario could have gone far differently, and I am so grateful that it was a near miss rather than a direct hit. Not only would it have made my errand impossible (timing wise), but my vehicle would have been damaged and that is time and money that no one wants to have to spend. Instead, God made me aware and helped me react in the timespan necessary to avoid a collision. This may seem simple and insignificant, yet I cannot help but think of how many times He likely protects us from even the close calls. Many times I have come upon a fender bender or worse, shortly after they have taken place. Each time, I am thankful that I had not arrived moments sooner, for if I had, it could have been me. When I am aware of His nearness, I am reminded of the hope I have in Him. He is my peace and provider, and He loves me at all times. His goodness does not mean that everything will always go our way, but it does determine that His presence is promised and that we will not navigate our days alone. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is the One who protects, provides, loves, blesses, keeps, and grants us hope forever.

The Lord’s ever near,

to those who choose seek;

anchor in the storm,

and strength when we’re weak.

A shield about us,

in love, He protects;

He grants us favor,

help, hope and sweet rest.

Throughout all our days,

His goodness is known;

for He is the One,

supplying grace shown.

All thanks be to God,

each day we draw breath;

for He is the One,

who chose die our death.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You protect us, show us Your glory, and grant us all hope. Thank You that You are ever-present with us. Forgive us for the times that we forget how faithful You truly are. Teach us to trust You more and to be quick to acknowledge Your hand in our daily lives. Show us how to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and give You praise for how You love and grant us Your goodness and hope forever. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

Cleansing Within

And He said to them, “Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don’t you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? For it doesn’t go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated.” (As a result, He made all foods clean.” Then He said, “What comes out of a person – that defiles him.” – (Mark 7:18-20, HCSB)

He said, “Do you still have trouble understanding? Surely you know that nothing that enters the mouth from the outside can make people unacceptable to God. Food does not go into a person’s mind. It goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body.” (When Jesus said this, He meant there is no food that is wrong for people to eat.) And Jesus said, “The things that make people wrong are the things that come from the inside.” – (Mark 7:18-20, ERV)

Jesus: Do you mean you don’t understand this one either? Whatever goes into people from the outside can’t defile them because it doesn’t go into their hearts. Outside things go through their guts and back out, thus making all foods pure. No, it’s what comes from within that corrupts. – (Mark 7:18-20, VOICE)

What we eat does not determine our righteousness before God. It is what comes out of our mouth and heart that demonstrates our thoughts and beliefs. To speak and act in alignment with God, we must seek and know God, to do His will. It is an ongoing process, as we constantly encounter new situations and circumstances and need God to guide us in His ways. Additionally, we need Him to help us filter our frustrations in such a way that we respond, rather than react. Personally, my default is sarcasm. It is a coping method, but it is not necessarily a way to honor the Lord. I need Him to show me how to adjust my thinking and responding when frustrations come. He is faithful to meet us each time we seek Him, and He helps us recognize a right response more quickly as we are in continual pursuit of His best. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in every word, thought and deed, so that the things that come out of us glorify Him.

The things called “unclean”,

are not found in food;

it’s words and actions,

that are unkind, rude.

That which is unclean,

comes from peoples hearts;

and then manifests,

through what we impart.

O Lord, please lead us,

to choose what is clean;

our words and actions,

so Your love is seen.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show and instruct us in how we ought to live. Thank You that living out love is what demonstrates Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we react out of our frustrations instead of responding in love. Teach us to look to You in all that we say and do so that those around us experience Your loving kindness. Show us how to love well, so that Your cleanliness flows from us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in all that we say and think and do. Amen.

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

Create in me a clean heart, O God; restore within me a sense of being brand new. – Psalm 51:10

Be Still

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. – (Mark 4:39, HCSB)

Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm. – (Mark 4:39, ERV)

He got up, shouted words into the wind, and commanded the waves. Jesus: “That’s enough! Be still!” And immediately the wind died down to nothing, the waves stopped. – (Mark 4:39, VOICE)

This is a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do when we call on Him in the middle of our storms. His power can silence the storm around us, or the storm in us, in an instant. Jesus did not prevent the storm, for storms come and go. He did, however, respond to the disciples when the called on Him. In the same way, we can call on Jesus in the midst of our own storms. Sometimes, it is that around us that needs to be calmed, yet others, it is the heart within us that truly needs His peace. As much as we might desire for the chaos to cease in an instant, there are times that knowing His calm within us is enough to navigate that which surrounds us. No matter our environment, situation or circumstance, He is near and able to help in ways we might not have imagined. For the disciples, He spoke and the wind and water obeyed. In my life, I have seen and known His help, His provision, His peace, and His presence in ways that calmed my heart and brought me to safe harbor. Not every storm stopped, but His peace was present and His strength supplied to press on in the direction to which I was called. His command, “Be still!” was spoken into my heart and at times, to my surroundings. In all things, He is good and He is able to bring us through every storm. May we ever seek the Lord and His powerful presence to bring peace to the places of unrest, and true rest to our weariness.

Jesus says, “Be still!”

to our hearts and minds;

all circumstances,

His help’s always kind.

He supplies the strength,

that our heart will need;

to navigate all,

in word, thought and deed.

Wherever we are,

whatever we do;

may we call on Him,

for He’ll see us through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You can calm the storms around us and within us. Thank You that when You say, “Be still,” the storm is silenced, be it within our around us. Forgive us for the times that we flail about in the waves and wind instead of calling on You to be our peace. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good and Your power provides what we need to navigate every storm. Lead us in Your love so that all those around us may understand the goodness of Your grace and the power of Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in stillness and storm, and praise You for the reminder to be still. Amen.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you” – this is the Lord’s declaration – “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13