The Throne of Grace

This is a post from a few years ago, yet is so timely right now…

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)

With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. – (Hebrews 4:16, ERV)

So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most. – (Hebrews 4:16, VOICE)

 

This is a timely reminder this morning, as I find myself on the brink of burnout. It is easy to remember to approach God on His throne of grace to petition on behalf of those around me, but I don’t think that I go before God often enough for the mercy and grace that I truly need. Don’t get me wrong, I pray for strength to get through the day and patience to persevere; but really boldly stepping into His throne room to rest and refresh and meet my own deepest needs – seldom, to rarely, at best. Perhaps it is a matter of looking for ways to keep a Sabbath. Rest is not my forte, and to do so would require serious intentionality. To find grace and mercy and help when we need it most, looks different for each person. For me, I feel closest to our Creator when I am outside in the beauty that He has made. When my body is moving, my mind and heart are able to find rest. For others, rest is a matter of being still. What does appear to be clear is that I need to make time to be intentionally in a space where my heart and mind are fixed on God, just being present (without studying, writing, or any sort of specific doing), so that His mercy, grace and help may be made tangibly known. May we each be intentional to step boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may find mercy and grace and help when we need it most.

 

Go to the throne room,

Seek God and His grace;

Rest in His presence,

Receive His embrace.

For as we choose rest,

Let our minds be still;

God’s goodness and help,

Floods as mercy fills.

Choose set aside time,

By grace, enter in;

Be refreshed in love,

It’s where peace begins.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Thank You that You made the way through Your Son, so that we can come before Your throne and be in Your presence, and You grant us mercy and grace and the help we are needing. Thank You that You are greater than every challenge we face, and that You provide Your help and presence, with mercy and grace. Forgive us for not being intentional to seek time just being present with You. Teach us how to rest in You. Show us what it means to find rest and refreshment in Your throne room. Lead us to love those around us in a way that encourages, strengthens and refreshes where weariness is setting in. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and are forever grateful that we can come into Your presence and receive mercy and grace and help. Amen.

 

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

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – Psalm 62:5

Water in Our Weariness

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. – (Psalm 63:1, NIV) 

God, You are my God. I am searching so hard to find You. Body and soul, I thirst for You in this dry and weary land without water. – (Psalm 63:1, ERV) 

O True God, You are my God, the One whom I trust. I seek You with every fiber of my being. In this dry and weary land with no water in sight, my soul is dry and longs for You. My body aches for You, for Your presence. – (Psalm 63:1, VOICE) 

Much like the way my puppy goes off and does his own thing, ever seeking new ways to entertain himself, what he seems to come back to in the still silent moments of the morning, is his snuggle spot with his torso and head on my lap. Even though he no longer fully fits in this space, he knows there is love and comfort ever waiting for him here. I know I am much the same way with God, and thankfully, I can never outgrow the safe, sweet space in His hands. His love fills where we are empty, and His peace permeates the places that are unsettled. Even on my most exhausting days, God is there, waiting to pick me up, encourage me, and give me the grace and strength that I need to press on. May we ever seek that sweet space with the Lord, where we are refreshed as we rest in Him. 

Lord in the morning, 

I choose seek Your face; 

Faithful and present, 

You show me Your grace. 

As my heart’s longing, 

You make Your love clear; 

Encouraged and held, 

I find You are near. 

When the day is done, 

And I’m weary, worn; 

Your strong arms hold me, 

And hope is reborn. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we may feel depleted and thirsty, You are faithful to meet us and refresh us as we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we try to keep powering through in our own strength, rather than leaning into You. Teach us to turn to You, as You are every ready and willing to have us come snuggle in the safety of Your presence. Show us how to love those around us in ways that bless and refresh and strengthen weariness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to quench our thirst and bring refreshment when we are weary and worn. Amen. 

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

Yes, my soul finds rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – Psalm 62:5

Daily Provision

Give us today our daily bread. – (Matthew 6:11, NIV)

Give us each day that day’s bread – no more, no less. – (Matthew 6:11, VOICE)

We acknowledge You as our Provider of all we need each day. – (Matthew 6:11, TPT)

 

I so appreciate The Passion Translation’s phrasing of this verse, as it is a reminder of who God is and how He is our Provider of ALL that we need each day. God’s provision goes far beyond physical food. The Lord knows our hearts, minds and souls, as well as our physical needs. He provides people, resources, support and supplies for that which we truly need. God turns trials into triumphs as we trust in Him. May we ever remember to ask the Lord for that which we need, and watch in faith for answers. Grant us daily, O God, what is needed to navigate each day with strength, stamina and grace, so that we may more clearly reflect Your heart and walk in Your ways.

 

Help us not worry,

For You have today;

In Your mighty hands,

As we trust and pray.

You’re our Provider,

Of all that we need;

You grant us enough,

To love as You lead.

For You are our strength,

Supply, hope and grace;

In love, You lead us,

To walk in Your ways.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace as You provide for our needs each day. Thank You that You see and know beyond our physical needs, but You care about our hearts as well. Forgive us for the times that we have lost sight of the ways that You have met our needs in the midst of difficulties. Teach us to fix our eyes on You, so that we would see Your loving kindness as You supply all that we need to navigate each new day. Show us how to love those around us best, so that we may be Your vessels to help meet needs in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and thank You for loving us so well. Amen.

 

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

 

Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. – Acts 14:17

Strength and Peace

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)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

 

This is exactly the sort of day where I need to be reminded of such promises from God. I am on the verge of being sick, and I have a very full and demanding day ahead of me. Additionally, I did something to my back over the weekend, and find myself especially grateful for His promise to strengthen and bless with peace. God always makes a way, where there seems to be no way; the challenge comes in remembering that in the moments when what lies before us seems overwhelming. As for me, this is why I rise early and set my heart on Him. The mountains that are standing before me when I first wake, appear more manageable by the time I have spent time intentionally with God. He reminds me of who He is, and who I am in Him. May we ever turn to the Lord for strength and peace, for He meets us as we seek Him.

 

The Lord grants His strength,

To all those who seek;

And fills up with peace,

Hearts troubled and weak.

Faithful to meet us, 

The Lord always hears;

Each prayer we lift up,

In love, He draws near.

He knows our trials,

The mountains we face;

Meets us with His strength,

Love, hope and great grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us strength and peace when it is lacking. Thank You that You are faithful forever to all who seek You. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we fix our gaze on the size of the mountains before us, rather than the greatness of You. Teach us to trust You to be our strength and peace in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend Your peace and strength in practical and tangible ways where it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength and peace, and praise You for Your faithfulness. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:26

The Throne of Grace

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)

With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. – (Hebrews 4:16, ERV)

So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most. – (Hebrews 4:16, VOICE)

 

This is a timely reminder this morning, as I find myself on the brink of burnout. It is easy to remember to approach God on His throne of grace to petition on behalf of those around me, but I don’t think that I go before God often enough for the mercy and grace that I truly need. Don’t get me wrong, I pray for strength to get through the day and patience to persevere; but really boldly stepping into His throne room to rest and refresh and meet my own deepest needs – seldom, to rarely, at best. Perhaps it is a matter of looking for ways to keep a Sabbath. Rest is not my forte, and to do so would require serious intentionality. To find grace and mercy and help when we need it most, looks different for each person. For me, I feel closest to our Creator when I am outside in the beauty that He has made. When my body is moving, my mind and heart are able to find rest. For others, rest is a matter of being still. What does appear to be clear is that I need to make time to be intentionally in a space where my heart and mind are fixed on God, just being present (without studying, writing, or any sort of specific doing), so that His mercy, grace and help may be made tangibly known. May we each be intentional to step boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may find mercy and grace and help when we need it most.

 

Go to the throne room,

Seek God and His grace;

Rest in His presence,

Receive His embrace.

For as we choose rest,

Let our minds be still;

God’s goodness and help,

Floods as mercy fills.

Choose set aside time,

By grace, enter in;

Be refreshed in love,

It’s where peace begins.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Thank You that You made the way through Your Son, so that we can come before Your throne and be in Your presence, and You grant us mercy and grace and the help we are needing. Thank You that You are greater than every challenge we face, and that You provide Your help and presence, with mercy and grace. Forgive us for not being intentional to seek time just being present with You. Teach us how to rest in You. Show us what it means to find rest and refreshment in Your throne room. Lead us to love those around us in a way that encourages, strengthens and refreshes where weariness is setting in. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and are forever grateful that we can come into Your presence and receive mercy and grace and help. Amen.

 

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

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – Psalm 62:5

Joy and Peace Through Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, NIV)

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in Him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, ERV)

I pray that God, the Source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, VOICE)

 

Hope is where it all begins. When we have hope, we have all that is required to live an abundant life. Hope is that knowing deep within us, that there is more than what we are experiencing in the here and now. The hope that comes from God is eternal, and grants peace and joy, even in the parts of our journey where such things do not make sense. In fact, hope in Him, fills us to overflowing, so much so, that the peace and joy present within us, begin to spill over into the lives of those around us. My mom is an incredible example of this. Despite having suffered a massive stroke that left the right side of her body uncooperative, she has hope for healing, and the peace and joy that she holds in her heart, overflow to those around her as she navigates this journey to her recovery. Yes, she is human and has tough moments, but truly, she has joy and peace and is filled with hope for a full recovery as she perseveres in this battle. Her willingness to do the work has already aided in her regaining much of what was lost. She is walking with a walker, and her speech is back to normal. Though waiting and working on the right arm, she is trusting in the hope that she already knows. May we all be filled with His hope, so that peace and joy are abundant and hope overflows by His Spirit within us.

The greatest update about mom for yesterday was that her medical insurance card finally arrived. With that, appointments can be scheduled and in-home therapies can begin soon. I imagine much of the day was quite routine, with walking and stretching, some games and perhaps a movie or two. At day’s end, I received a Marco Polo video from mom and my sister as I was about to go to sleep. It was a sweet close to my day, and a blessed encouragement, assuring me that all is well.

 

May the God of hope,

Come fill you today;

With peace and His joy,

And flood you with grace.

For God’s tenderness,

Meets our hearts and minds;

Brings calm in chaos,

His presence, divine.

So, trust in the Lord,

Lean full into Him;

His hold is steady,

As we let love in.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your hope fills us with joy and peace to overflowing. Thank You that as we hope in You, our faith grows, and we see You move mountains that stand before us. Forgive us for our fears and doubts. Teach us to trust You more, no matter what we see standing in our way. Show us how to love, support and encourage those around us in a way that offers peace, joy and hope where it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You. Amen.

 

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

 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. – Hebrews 6:19

As He Loves

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. – (John 15:12, NIV)

This is what I command you: Love each other as I have loved you. – (John 15:12, ERV)

So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. – (John 15:12, TPT)

 

I am beyond blessed to have so many people in my life who model this very sort of love toward me on a regular basis. This weekend, I have been reminded especially well, of just how much God loves me, as He has made His love tangible through the people whom He has intentionally placed in my life. Though this past year has not unfolded exactly as one might have hoped nor expected in the first year of marriage and as I roll into the start of my forty-eighth year of life, I can clearly see God’s hand in it, and have been held, strengthened, encouraged and carried, every step of the way. Many spouses would not be so fortunate to have the blessing of their husband of nine months, and their seventeen-year-old twins, to go and care for their mother after a stroke. Mine, however, said, “Go!” Each weekend, my husband has faithfully driven the three hours to come see me, and have made sure to speak with me and encourage me daily on the phone, (the boys join him as often as their schedules allow). This weekend was kicked off with my running bestie on Friday evening through Saturday morning, followed by my husband and boys on Saturday at midday, and as the fellas prepare to leave this afternoon, my best friend will arrive to stay a quick overnight as well. Not only am I blessed and encouraged by their visit and presence, but mom is too. It is only fitting, as she is the reason that I am here. As this week continues, Megan will return and I will head home to go on an escape for our first anniversary trip. God is good, and I have learned to love more deeply in the last three months than I ever knew possible prior.

As for mom and her progress yesterday, she accomplished another new milestone with her grandsons cheering her on! Mom walked the entire length of her hallway, twice! That is one-hundred and twenty feet, unassisted. I love watching the recognition of new progress on mom’s face each time she conquers new milestones. There is a visible flood of hope that fills not only her face, but her entire being. It is almost as if she could jump out of her chair and dance down the hallway with excitement. So much joy. Another accomplishment was tackled as we went out to dinner as a family. Being out in public is not her favorite, and I imagine the idea of sitting in a restaurant makes her feel especially vulnerable. Thankfully, the place we selected was fairly quiet, and we were at a table in a room where there were nearly no other patrons. We enjoyed our meal together and did not have any issues navigating the space. After dinner, we returned home and played several rounds of our family favorite game, Dirty Marbles. It is a sort of combination of Chinese Checkers and Sorry, and gets quite competitive. Each of us ended the day full, happy, and knowing how truly loved we are. I could not think of a better way to close out my 47th year. 😊

May we ever recognize how God loves us so well, and go forth and love as we are loved.

 

We are commanded,

To love as we’re loved;

Give as we’re given,

From the Lord above.

For all that God gives,

Within, multiplies;

So we might go forth,

And love with delight.

For each time we choose,

To love like the Lord;

We help others know,

How much they’re adored.

The Lord loves us all,

His most treasured ones;

May we trust in Him,

And love like His Son.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You only ask of us that which You already have shown us in countless ways. Thank You that Your love is tangible. Thank You for the treasured gift of family and friends whom You place in our lives to show us what Your love really means. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved according to Your plan. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would love without limits and allow Your light to burn brightly through us to the world. Show us how to love those around us, especially those who are difficult to love or do not know how to receive the love You have to offer. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love others in the same way that You selflessly and generously love each of us. Amen.

 

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

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

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)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

 

On my longest days, this is a perfect reminder. Knowing that God will be grant me strength and peace, despite the chaos, makes all the difference. My hope is held in trusting the repeated faithfulness of God. His goodness and grace grant the strength that I need and the peace my heart craves, despite the lengthy list of all that is required of me on a given day. Though at times I get caught up in the chaos, and am not sure how I will get through, God is faithful to meet me and supply all that is needed to navigate the course to which I am called. May we ever remember that God makes us strong and is the provider of peace in all things and at all times.

 

Strength comes from the Lord,

Our Grantor of peace;

Supplies what we need,

In love, He’ll release.

Grace to the seeking,

All hope we may hold;

For He is faithful,

His love makes us bold.

Bold in the Lord’s strength,

At rest in His peace;

Able to press on,

Grace and love repeat.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You grant us strength and peace, even when neither seem possible and we are at the end of ourselves. Forgive us for not seeking Your strength when we are weary and Your peace when all calm is lacking. Teach us to trust You more, as You alone are our Provider and our place of peace. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends strength and peace where both are lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to supply the strength and peace we need to navigate each new day. Amen.

 

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

 

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

Responsible with Resources and Lavish with Love

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. – (Romans 13:8, NIV)

You should owe nothing to anyone, except that you will always owe love to each other. The person who loves others has done all that the law commands. – (Romans 13:8, ERV)

Don’t owe anyone anything, with the exception of love to one another – that is a debt which never ends – because the person who loves others has fulfilled the law. – (Romans 13:8, VOICE)

 

We are called to be responsible with our resources, so that we do not bear overwhelming burdens of debt. However, the one exception to this is love. Our charge is to spend it lavishly, extravagantly – without reservation nor concern for a limited supply. Each time we love, the Lord replenishes our capacity, and tends to grow it even greater than it was before. Incredibly, as we choose to walk in love, we are fulfilling the very law that the Lord has laid out before us. If we love God and love people, we are living a life of obedience to Him. May we be wise with our resources and lavish with our love for one another, thus leading lives that fulfill the Lord’s commands.

 

The great gift of love,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

One debt we all owe;

For God chose love us,

So He might be known.

Each time we choose love,

We answer the call;

To love as God loves,

For grace covers all.

Additionally,

As we walk in grace;

The law is fulfilled,

For love is the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your overwhelming love that fills us to overflowing, so that we can go forth in love, according to Your good and perfect will. Thank You that as we love, we are fulfilling the laws that You have set in place for us. Forgive us for our every word, thought and deed that was not led by love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would surrender anything that gets in the way of our ability to walk in love in all things. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they would see and hear Your heart for them in a tangible way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be wise with our resources and lavish with our love. Amen.

 

 

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

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Fullness to Discover

May you experience the love of Christ, though is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. – (Ephesians 3:19, NLT)

Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. – (Ephesians 3:19, ERV)

I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God. – (Ephesians 3:19, CEB)

 

This is a great prayer for us all, for the more we know of Christ’s love, the more that love fills and overflows from within us. Additionally, as we begin to walk in the fullness of God’s love, we discover all that He has for us – a plan, a hope and a future. May we ever seek to know and grow in the love that God freely offers, so that we may walk out our days in His fullness, extending the same to all those around us.

 

O Lord God I pray, 

That we each would know;

The depth of Your love,

So it overflows.

Full of His power,

Flooded with His grace;

Made new each morning,

As we seek His face.

May all fullness be,

Ours in the Lord’s hands;

As we trust in Him,

And walk out His plans.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You and spend time with You, we grow in our understanding of who You are and how deeply You love. Forgive us for neglecting to seek You in our spaces of need. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our Source and Supply in all things. Show us how to love those around us with the same fullness and grace that You grant to us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and depend on You to fill us with Your love to overflowing. Amen.

 

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

 

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – Psalm 105:4