Hope That Will Not Fail

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NLT)

I must calm down and turn to God; He is my only hope. – (Psalm 62:5, ERV)

I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the One I love, waiting as long as it takes for Him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and He will not fail me. – (Psalm 62:5, TPT)

 

Coming before God in the quiet stillness of each morning, with the intention to hear His heart, is part of my daily practice. However, to truly wait quietly before Him in absolute stillness for as long as it takes, is not something I am accustomed to nor good at doing. In some things, I am extraordinarily patient, and can wait for a very long time. Yet, when my mobility and activity level are compromised, I still struggle to wait for healing to come quickly enough for my liking. He is good and faithful and has never failed me. I know I can trust in Him to walk beside me in the waiting, and to be my hope and my help. As I look back upon His faithfulness to hold me in His hands thus far, I cannot help but look forward with hope, knowing that He will continue to be present as He mends my body and utilizes this struggle for good somehow. May we ever wait quietly before God in silent stillness, as long as it takes, knowing that He is faithful and will not fail us.

 

Let all that I am, 

Calm down and choose turn;

My eyes to the Lord,

As it’s how hope’s learned.

In quiet stillness,

As I hope in Him;

He is my rescue,

Grants peace from within.

No matter the storm,

Nor trial we face;

God will be faithful,

In goodness and grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we slow down and wait in silent stillness before You, we recognize Your rescue and hope rises within us. Forgive us for our lack of patience and faith, as we want instant results. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your purposes for that which we walk through, as You utilize all things for good in Your time. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers hope and peace and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in the waiting and hold hope in You forever. Amen.

 

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

 

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1

Hand-Crafted for Good

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

 

As I am preparing to go to high school camp as the girls’ cabin leader next week, this verse is a great reminder for my heart. I want to do and be all that God desires, yet in Him, I already am. My job is to show up and be available. He prepared the way, long before I even knew that I would be going. Some of the details that have come to light this week have been mind-blowing. The way that God has orchestrated the pairing of the person whom I will co-lead with is unbelievable. She and I have walked parallel roads, and share stories that are so similar, it is almost eerie. Just knowing that, I cannot even begin to fathom the other details that He has prepared for the benefit of the campers and fellow leaders. It is going to be a phenomenal week. When we are mindful of who we are in Him, and allow Him to be God and we choose to show up and walk where He leads – the possibilities are endless. May we choose to embrace the grace of being His handiwork, and move forward in faith where He calls.

 

Hand-crafted, we’re His,

Created in Christ;

Made to do good works,

Our Father’s delight.

Prepared in advance,

The Lord makes a way;

For us to follow,

So we can obey.

It is from this space,

Of obedience;

That lives can be changed,

And hope can advance.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are Your workmanship, created in You to do good works that You prepared in advance for us to do. Thank You that You equip us and walk beside us in the process. Forgive us for thinking that we have to do anything in our own strength or of our own accord. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to do the things You have prepared in advance for us to do. Lead us to love others in the same way that You love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we do that which You have prepared for us to do. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19