To Purvey Perfect Peace

Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. – (Proverbs 3:17, NIV)

Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. – (Proverbs 3:17, ERV)

The ways of wisdom are sweet, always drawing you into the place of wholeness. – (Proverbs 3:17, TPT)

 

I’m not sure if I ever thought about it before, but it is intriguing that wisdom is referred to as “her or she” in several of the various translations of the Bible. After thinking about it for a few moments, what came to mind for me is my grandmother. She was the matriarch of our family, and the one whom all agreed was full of wisdom. Interestingly enough, she always seemed to be at peace, her faith secure, and her future, certain. If wisdom had a face, it would bear the image of my grandmother. Her example was an ever-present reminder of how to appreciate and enjoy a life of joy and peace. We are to never stop learning and growing, ever investing in God and walking in His ways. May we ever seek the Lord and His wisdom, allowing His leading to draw us into His place of peace.

 

Wisdom will lead you,

To a place of peace;

God in His goodness,

Grants joyous release.

Freed from the burdens,

That seek steal His joy;

Blessed in the knowing,

The grace God employs.

So, ever seek God,

His wisdom and grace;

For in His presence,

His peace comes to stay.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that wisdom from You brings peace and joy, comfort and hope. Forgive us for attempting to find peace anywhere other than in Your presence. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our Source and Supply. Show us how to love those around us in a way that makes Your peace tangible, in the same way You utilized my grandmother to show all who came near her. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for wisdom and recognize the perfect peace that comes from You alone. Amen.

 

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

 

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Strength that Endures with Joy

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. – (Colossians 1:11, NLT)

We pray that God will strengthen you with His own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy. – (Colossians 1:11, ERV)

We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy. – (Colossians 1:11, MSG)

 

As I gear up for the final week before Christmas break, I find much comfort in this verse from Colossians. I am reminded again of from Whom my strength comes, and that there is joy as we press on with patience along our journey. My job already requires more patience than I could ever muster on my own, yet God, in His great power, will provide more as it is needed. He will give us strength that goes beyond grit, and His eyes to see the good that comes from seeking His help as we go. May we seek the Lord for His strength and endurance, so that we walk through this season in joy.

 

The God of all strength, 

Will give what we need;

His love and His grace,

In joy, they will lead.

So seek the good Lord,

Patience to endure;

He’s ever faithful,

Our hope is secure.

As we go in grace,

And strength He employs;

We’re able to rise,

And go forth with joy.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your strength and grace that supply the endurance and patience that we need to navigate whatever comes our way. Thank You that as we seek You, You hear us and answer in Your love. Forgive us for not relying on You for what we need, and trying to gut out the trials rather than seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would come to You for all that we need, recognizing that You alone are our true Source. Show us how to love others well, so that we may extend patience, grace and kindness in a way that fills hearts with Your joy. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth in Your strength and embrace the joy that You supply along our journey. Amen.

 

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

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filed with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7