Prayer Over Worry

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 your life. – (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

 

As usual, what is part of my scheduled daily reading, is exactly what I needed to remember this morning. Part of the joy and blessing in our new puppy, is the constant companion who joyfully wants to join me in all things. The thing I have been most excited about, has been to have a dog who can run with us. For the last week, Thor (my sweet puppy), has been joining us on jog/walk/carries on weekday mornings. Two dear dog-owning friends privately messaged me to be careful about how far I take a puppy. I thought I was using caution, as I watched his cues, and picked him up to carry him any time he seemed weary or bored of walking. Sadly, unless I know specifics, I just do what seems best until I learn otherwise. One of the friends happened to send me a link about puppies and how much exercise they need, based on age, and all of the justification as to why. That sent me to research further, only to discover that I now need to pump the brakes on our morning sessions until Thor is quite a bit older. This caused two-fold anxiety in me. One, I felt horrible that I had likely overdone the exercise for my poor puppy for four or five days, and second, I was worried about how I would be able to stand staying seated for all of the hours of work that I need to do each day, without getting out and moving first. My prayer was pretty much, “O God, now what?” I paused, took a deep breath, and decided to call my running buddy. She was extremely gracious, and we determined to get back to afternoon running, as it is when I could recruit my boys to puppy sit. I know this is a small and seemingly insignificant concern, but God cares about our every concern, great and small. May we ever present our cares and concerns to Christ, for He hears, He loves, and He brings everything together for good somehow.

 

We need not worry,

Instead, let us pray;

For Christ hears each cry,

All night and all day.

What concerns our hearts,

He’ll carry with peace;

As we turn to Him,

Our fear is released.

So, lift head and heart,

To Him, give all care;

He’s ever-present,

And everywhere.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring all of our concerns, cares and anxieties to You, and You care and bring us Your peace. Thank You that You are always ready and available to hear our prayers. Forgive us for fear and doubt that allow anxiousness a foothold. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful and kind and care about our concerns, no matter how small. Show us how to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your peace an obvious presence. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You in all things. Amen.

 

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

 

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? – Luke 12:25

 

 

The Peace in Letting Go

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. – (Psalm 37:8, NIV)

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm. – (Psalm 37:8, NLT)

Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry – it only leads to harm. – (Psalm 37:8, TLB)

 

Anger, wrath and rage ultimately bring the most harm to the holder. They have a way of rotting us from the inside out, and lead us to decisions that go against the good that we know we ought to do. Fret and worry are much the same. Each of these responses to external things, create an internal reaction that ruins the resolve within us. This verse does not say, “Never be angry.” Rather, it is a call to not sit and dwell in that space, allowing rage to rise. There is a time for righteous anger, yet how we respond to it matters most. Our charge is not to retaliate nor vindicate, (for this is why there are laws and authorities in place) alternatively, we are to set it in God’s hands. Of course, this is more easily said than done, yet with intention, it is worthwhile. Peace takes root where the anger or worry attempted reign. May we recognize our own responses as they occur and give all anger and worry to Him who brings peace in the most tumultuous spaces.

 

Stop being angry, 

Leave wrath in the dust;

Let go of worry,

Turn to God in trust.

For vengeance is His,

So too, are good plans;

As we trust in Him,

His grace lends a hand.

A hand that gives love,

When we’re lacking peace;

Comfort in worry,

What we need’s released.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to let go of anger, wrath, rage and worry. Thank You that though there is a time for righteous anger, we are not meant to sit and hold it in our hearts and hands. Thank You that as we release these things to You, You replace them with Your comfort and peace. Forgive us for holding anger or worry. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would place all things in Your hands. Show us how to love those around us who are holding anger or worry in such a way, that they may discover the freedom of letting go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give our anger and worry to You, and allow Your comfort and peace to take their place in our hearts. Amen.

 

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

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34

An Eternal Perspective

But as the Scriptures say, “No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – (1 Corinthians 2:9, ERV)

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it – What God has arranged for those who love Him. – (1 Corinthians 2:9, MSG)

 

As humans, we are creatures who crave comfort. Often, our desire to be comfortable leads us to labor and toil, fret and fear, to the point that we neglect to recognize the blessings we already have, and the hope held in what is yet to come. We are called to live and love well with each of our days as they come, as God has our ultimate destination prepared for us. Yes, we need to be wise with what we are given, but we need not worry about the final outcome, if we have placed our lives in His hands. May we lean into the Lord and trust in His leading, knowing that what lies ahead is far greater than anything that we could ever hope or imagine.

 

No eye’s ever seen,

All God has prepared;

Glimpses of greatness,

Found in love that’s shared.

No ear has yet heard,

Heaven’s full glory;

Yet we know the hope,

Salvation story.

Our minds can’t conceive,

All God has prepared;

For those who love Him,

Our hearts can’t compare.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the love and grace and hope that You give us now, and the promised future that we cannot even begin to imagine. Forgive us for forgetting how temporary our time here is compared to all of eternity with You. Teach us to have an eternal perspective, so that we would keep our priorities where they belong. Show us how to live and love in a way that gives others help and hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we live each day with an eternal perspective. Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Meditate on His Mighty Deeds

I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds. – (Psalm 77:12, NIV)

I’ll ponder all the things You’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at Your acts. – (Psalm 77:12, MSG)

 

Right now, I find myself in a strange sort of holding pattern. God has brought me through a long, stormy season, into a space that feels settled and secure. That being said, there is a sense of unrest in the wait for what is next. Settled is never really settled, but rather a season of preparation for what is yet to come. It does not mean another storm is brewing, but there is an anticipation of change on the horizon. Some of the change to come is known, yet there is much that is not. This is a space where I have a choice to either fret about the future, or look back at the faithfulness of God thus far, and trust Him in all that is yet to come. David, despite the struggle he was dealing with as he wrote Psalm 77, chose to remember the things that the Lord had done already, and look at the love with which God had operated thus far. It is no different for us today. The very same God who was faithful to fulfill His promises to David, is true to His word for us. We can ponder that which He has done, and meditate on His mighty deeds. The Lord is faithful, and we can trust Him to lead us where we are meant to go, and to be present each step that we take. May we remember all that He has accomplished in us, through us and around us, so that we will trust Him for all that lies ahead.

 

I will consider,

All that You have done;

For You’ve been faithful,

God, Most Holy One.

When I am anxious,

Or I feel afraid;

I must remember,

To trust You, always.

In every storm,

You have remained near;

My strength and shelter,

Voice of hope made clear.

Help me remember,

O Lord, that You’re near;

In times of waiting,

Help my heart to hear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful forever, and that we can trust in You. Thank You that when we are afraid or uncertain, we can look back on all that You have done in our lives, and know that You are who You say You are. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of faith. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would look forward in faith, with the memories of Your former faithfulness fueling our fortitude in knowing that You will be faithful for what lies ahead. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we might build up and encourage, just as we are encouraged by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ponder all that You have accomplished, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. 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

Prepare and Trust

Do your best, prepare for the worst – then trust God to bring victory. – (Proverbs 21:31, MSG)

Go ahead and prepare for conflict, but victory comes from God. – (Proverbs 21:31, TLB)

 

When we know a trial or struggle stands before us, we are called to rise up and do what we can do. However, ultimately, we must trust God to provide the strength and success in whatever we are facing, as He is the Rock on which we can stand. May we rise up and ready our hearts for whatever lies before us, trusting that God is our victor, and He has the very best for us as we forge forward in faith.

 

The battles will come,

Of this, rest assured;

But do not lose heart,

Success is secured.

For we need not fret,

In the heat of mess;

If we trust the Lord,

And give it our best.

Whatever we lack,

The Lord has and more;

So rise up in faith,

See what is in store.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us in our need, no matter what we are facing. Thank You that You call us to prepare for the worst and trust for the best. Thank You that in all things, You are present with us, seeing us through. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we cannot clearly see evidence of Your hands. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in every moment of each day, knowing that You are with us and for us.  Show us how to love and support those that You place in our path so that they might see You through our words and deeds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we prepare and trust in the goodness of You. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Thanks, Choose Prayer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. – (Philippians 4:6, NLT)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. – (Philippians 4:6, ERV)

When worry or anxiety come our way, we are given specific instruction in scripture as to how we are meant to overcome that which has come against us. Rather than fret about our concerns, we are meant to come before Christ, thanking Him for all that He has done, and then asking Him for what we need. We serve a big God, who is far greater than our struggles or shortcomings. He knows our needs and has more than enough to provide for us, personally, when we choose to present our requests before Him. Often our answers do not look the way that we might imagine, but He is always faithful to answer and be present with us. May we choose to set aside worry and anxiety, and prayerfully present our petitions before the Lord with hearts full of thanks and praise. He is good, and His love endures for all time.

Let us worry not,

about that which comes;

for God is greater,

Overcoming One.

For we are each called,

to come before Him;

present our requests,

with thanks, enter in.

For His faithfulness,

won’t come to an end;

we need not worry,

but rather, depend.

Trust in our Father,

who’s faithful and true;

give thanks for His grace,

that makes our hearts new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not worry nor be anxious about anything, but rather in every situation we can come to You and pray to You with hearts full of thanks, and ask You for all that we need. Thank You that You hear our every prayer, and that You are faithful to meet us each time we come before You. Forgive us for allowing worry and anxiety to overwhelm us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would come to You in the midst of our moments, and give You thanks and praise, presenting our petitions unto You, because You are faithful to hear our every heart cry. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too, may find reason to give thanks, even in the midst of struggles and storms, because You are always good. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to give You thanks and present our requests before You, rather than worry over what we cannot control. Amen.

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

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7, NLT

Do you know why the mighty God of the universe chooses to answer prayer?  It is because His children ask.  God delights in our asking.  He is pleased at our asking.  His heart is warmed by our asking. – Richard J. Foster

Remembering His Faithfulness

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what your hands have done. – (Psalm 143:5)

David faced some seriously discouraging circumstances. More than once, he had to flee for his very life, despite knowing that God had called him to be king. Despite the dismay at the detours, David chose to direct his heart and mind to the displays of faithfulness that the Lord had demonstrated for the many generations that had gone before him. He knew that God was faithful, and that His word was true. Rather than fixing his eyes on the hardships that he could see, David chose to meditate on all that God had done before, trusting that He would be faithful to continue to keep His promises as He had done so faithfully, for the many generations that had gone before him.

We are called to do the very same thing in the face of adversity. It is our choice to either focus on the problem, or on He who is faithful to hear our every prayer, and be present beside us, every step of the way. When we slow down and remember all the ways in which He has been faithful to us already, it is easier to meditate on the truth of His word, and what He has promised He will do. God is good, and His love endures forever. We need not allow our hearts to be overcome with fret or fear, but rather we ought to meditate on His works and the wonder of all that He has done. May we keep our hearts and minds fixed on Christ and the truth of who He is, so that we always remember what He has done, and where we are ultimately headed.

Remember the times,

that God has come through;

provided answers,

shown us what to do.

When there was a need,

our God did provide;

unexpectedly,

a whisper replied.

The Lord’s gentle hand,

as someone came near;

His comfort granted,

to our silent tears.

A ray of sunlight,

after raging rain;

hope we can cling to,

He makes our path plain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are and have always been faithful. Thank You that You remain the same: yesterday, today and forever. Thank You that we can look to the past to remember Your faithfulness throughout the ages, when we are discouraged about today. Thank You that when we look to all that You have done, You restore our hope for both today and forever, as You are unchanging and abounding in love. Forgive us for forgetting to stop and meditate on all of Your works, as when we consider all that You have done, we cannot help but be hopeful. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would slow down and take time to consider all that You have done for us, even in the midst of our greatest trials, as You never leave us nor forsake us. Lead us to love others in such a way, that we might be an extension of Your hands and heart to those who need Your tangible touch. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we remember all that You have done, and go forth in confidence, knowing that Your faithfulness will last forever. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8