Resolve to Press On

I love You, Lord, my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, HCSB)

I love You, Lord! You are my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, ERV)

I love You, God – You make me strong. – (Psalm 18:1, MSG)

This past long weekend is exactly what I needed to rest and recharge. I am not typically good at rest and relaxation, but rainy weather, a cozy fireplace in our travel trailer, and hours of cribbage and binge watching a funny new series on Netflix with my favorite, provided a much-needed relaxing weekend. Thankfully, the weather did improve, and we walked and rode the scooters and explored. Upon returning home yesterday morning, a long dog walk with our very happy puppies and laundry were gladly accomplished. The evening included the new Top Gun movie and dinner with our besties, and the young man who served us was a former student who has grown up well. All of these blessings have been life-giving, and I feel strengthened and equipped to navigate the final thirteen days of school that remain. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, and give Him praise for how He loves us so well.

Give thanks to the Lord,

For goodness and grace;

For He is our strength,

Throughout all our days.

Rest when we’re weary,

Resolve to press on;

Hope for the future,

His love carries on.

May we give Him praise,

For strength, life and love;

Provided each day,

By the Lord above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Provider of all that we need. Thank You that You are love, and that You strengthen and renew us as we seek You. Forgive us for trying to power through when we are called to rest, or for neglecting to seek You to be our strength. Teach us to praise You and rely on You to lead us in all things, and to show us when to press on and when to rest. Lead us to love those around us in ways that are encouraging, loving and life-giving. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and thank You for encouraging and strengthening us as only You can. Amen.

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

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. – Matthew 6:33

Help in the Heaviness

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we are able to give them the same comfort God has given us. – (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT) 

He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. – (2 Corinthians 1:4, ERV) 

He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles. – (2 Corinthians 1:4, VOICE) 

 

There are times that the weight of loss or struggle or hardships around us, find a way of seeping into our soul, causing sorrow to set heavy on our heart. Yesterday, as we heard the devastating news that a former student from our school, a boy who was in my own boys’ grade and classes, died Tuesday night, from gunshot wounds. Though I did not ever have him as a student, I did teach his younger sister and currently teach his younger brother. As I hesitantly pulled out an old yearbook to place a face with the name, the weight of the grief rested heavily through the recognition of the familiar smiling face of the young man. My own experience with loss has taught me that time eases the pain, however, that is likely little comfort for those closest to him who are only beginning to process the permanence of this tragic loss. I pray that God would surround each hurting heart with the comfort needed most, and that every need would be provided as they navigate this devastating reality. May we all be extra kind and compassionate in this season, as heavy hearts are hidden among us. 

 

God of all comfort,

We call on Your Name; 

To hold heavy hearts, 

Love well through the pain. 

Lord, will You show us, 

What we’re meant to do; 

To extend Your grace, 

Help see others through. 

Show us how to love, 

Others through their pain; 

Let us be Your light, 

That through all remains. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, even when the circumstances that surround us are not. Thank You that You see every heartache, and You hear every prayer. Thank You that You comfort us the way our hearts need it most. Forgive us for avoiding painful places that we see in others, rather than being present to offer comfort, just as You have comforted us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would know how to be present in heaviness, and how to comfort those who are hurting. Show us how to love those dealing with loss in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, the ultimate Comforter. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your comfort to share with others, and thank You for the comfort that You continue to provide for us all. Amen.

 

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

 

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4