Be My Strength

Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. – (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)

To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord an His great power. – (Ephesians 6:10, ERV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. – (Ephesians 6:10, VOICE)

Today is a good day to be reminded that my strength comes from God. I am tired and have a busy day ahead. As we near ever closer to spring break, holding my student’s attention during class becomes more difficult and requires more energy than usual. This morning, I am being observed, and though I have a wonderful and kind principal, I still get nervous about the process. Days like this are God’s reminder to trust in Him, as He is always faithful to meet me as I seek Him. This morning, I am trusting in Him to be my strength, provide clarity of thought as I plan, and energy to engage my kiddos in a way that helps them grasp the content. God is faithful, and this morning I trust Him anew to be my strength.

The Lord is my strength,

On Him I depend;

No matter what comes,

His strength He extends.

Whatever the need,

God already knows;

With love, He’s for us,

As kindness He shows.

Let’s rise up in faith,

His strength and supply;

All that is needed,

In love God provides.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being our strength. Thank You that You know our need and are faithful to provide as we abide in You. Forgive us for our lack of fortitude when we are weary. Teach us to trust in You to be our strength, for You are faithful always. Lead us in Your love to care for people as You do. Show us Your heart, especially for those who are struggling. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the strength You supply to help us navigate each new day. Amen.

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

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – Psalm 18:32

How Love is Made Known

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, HCSB)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, VOICE)

God provides us the ultimate example of what love is and is not. We are commanded to love God and love people, and He both shows and tells us what it is to love. Patience and kindness should lead us in how we love. Jealousy, pride, unkindness, selfishness and a short temper do not help us show love. In our broken humanity, we all struggle with loving as God does in all things. All it takes is being stuck in Seattle traffic during rush hour to be reminded that we are ALL a work in progress. We have the opportunity to extend love everywhere we go and through everything we do. Imagine what the world would look like if we all sought the Lord to lead us in His love in all that we said and did? Each time that we extend patience and kindness, we are igniting a spark that can spread. For me, when I have been granted patience or kindness when I know I did not deserve it, it caused me to take pause and work to do the same in similar situations. May we ever seek the Lord in His goodness and grace to lead us in His incredible love in all things.

Lord, help us to love,

In all that we do;

Let each word and deed,

Reflect Your heart true.

Grant us Your patience,

And Your kindness too;

Lead us to love well,

As You call us to.

Help us be gracious,

Wherever we go;

May Your heart shine through,

So love is made known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love. Thank You that You show us what love is and is not, so that we know what You are calling us to do. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked patience or kindness, the times that we have been jealous or rude or proud. Teach us to trust and follow You so that we might extend Your heart to the world through our love. Show us how to be patient and kind in each circumstance we encounter. Help us to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in all that we say and do in every circumstance. Amen.

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

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” – John 13:34

Provided Rest

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, HCSB)

“Come to Me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ERV)

“Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ICB)

Sometimes, life can be exhausting. Weariness can come out of nowhere, and we simply need to slow down and rest. God is faithful to provide opportunities, if only we look to Him. After the great blessing of being able to go on vacation, we were exhausted from our return trip home. Our day had begun in its typical early fashion, followed by a day filled with preparing to head home, wandering around to pass the time prior to departure, and then the long journey home. Our first flight took off in the late afternoon, followed by a nearly two-hour layover, and then onto our red-eye flight home. No measurable sleep was had on the flight, and we arrived home to discover two puppies who were desperate for our attention. Though there was an attempt to nap after feeding and spending time with the pups, there was no sleep to be had for me. The day continued with the typical back home busy, and there was no thought nor opportunity for sleep until bedtime. Fast-forward to this morning, and I had slept nearly nine hours through the night! When I woke, I felt rested and refreshed, and ready for all that the day holds. God is good, and He is faithful to provide rest as we seek and listen to Him.

When tired, weary,

Or simply worn out;

God provides us rest,

Love’s what He’s about.

With goodness and grace,

The Lord makes a way;

Strength and endurance,

He supplies each day.

Blessings abundant,

Even when plans change;

His love apparent,

As it shall remain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and provide rest when we are weary. Thank You that even when rest comes in unconventional ways, You have a plan to bless, rest and refresh us. Forgive us for our frustrations when things don’t go as we might have anticipated. Teach us to trust that You have all in Your hands, and You love us more than we could hope or imagine. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your love that supplies the strength and rest we need to navigate our days well. Amen.

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

The Lord God is our Protector and glorious King. He blesses us with kindness and honor. The Lord freely gives every good thing to those who do what is right. – Psalm 84:11

Wise Words Heal

There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – (Proverbs 12:18, HCSB)

Speak without thinking and your words can cut like a knife. Be wise, and your words can heal. – (Proverbs 12:18, ERV)

Thoughtless words cut deeply like a thrusting sword, but the speech of the wise is a healing balm. – (Proverbs 12:18, VOICE)

Our words have the power to hurt or heal. It is up to us to slow down and seek the Lord to lead us. Wisdom is granted to the seeking, and God provides all that we need to speak in love. I imagine we all have been the recipients of both harsh and healing words. Both leave a lasting impression, yet only words of wisdom spoken in love have the power to propel us to go and do likewise for those around us. Harsh words beget harsh words, yet kind and healing words encourage us to extend the same to others. May we ever seek the Lord to remove rash words from our lips and to fill us with His wisdom and loving kindness so that we would bring healing to those around us with what we say.

May we ever speak,

With wisdom and grace;

Let each word help heal,

Throughout all our days.

If words are unkind,

Intended for harm;

May they fall silent,

Lord, help us discern.

Show us in wisdom,

Lead us with Your grace;

Teach us to love well,

Throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that it is Your intention that we use our words well to bring help and healing to those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have been harsh or rash without love. Teach us to listen for Your leading so that Your words of wisdom extend healing to all. Show us how to respond and interact with everyone we meet, for we desire that every word extended is spoken in love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to speak loving words with Your wisdom and keep harsh words far from us. Amen.

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

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

Joy and Rest

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. – (Psalm 16:9, HCSB)

So my heart and soul will be very happy. Even my body will live in safety. – (Psalm 16:9, ERV)

This is a good life – my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? – (Psalm 16:9, VOICE)

This feels like the reason for summer break for students and staff alike. Time away provides rest and reflection, and it seems that through this season of rest, hearts are made glad and joy is restored. I am so grateful that God provides what we need when we need it most. Not only has the school year come to a close, but my love has taken vacation time and we are enjoying the opportunity to take care of projects, spend time together, and relish the time we are able to spend with our besties, as they prepare to move out of state in six months. God is good, and my heart is glad. May we ever give thanks to the Lord who fills us with joy, keeps us safe, and provides much needed rest.

Lord, You are so good,

In You, there is rest;

Peace for the weary,

Your joy is the best.

It fills up our hearts,

Surrounds us with peace;

Reminds us again,

Your love will not cease.

You restore in us,

The things that seemed lost;

In safety renew,

Grace never exhausts.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You are where we find joy, security and rest. Thank You that You provide what we need when we need it most. Thank You for seasons that grant us extra rest and refreshment. Forgive us for losing sight of where true joy is found when we are weary. Teach us to trust in You and recognize the joy that we have in You, no matter our circumstances. Show us how to love those around us in ways that provide rest for the weary and extend the joy we have in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and grace that give us joy, rest and security. Amen.

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

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. – Psalm 94:19

Good and Faithful Love

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. – (Psalm 118:1, HCSB)

Thank God because He’s good, because His love never quits. – (Psalm 118:1, MSG)

Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind. – (Psalm 118:1, VOICE)

This morning, this verse is so fitting. As I sit and gaze out at the sea, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities that God provides, and the beauty of His creation. Even on difficult days, He is good. His love never leaves us and His mercies are new every morning. May we embrace the loving kindness that He provides and give Him thanks for His unending goodness. 

All thanks be to God,

For He is so good;

His love never quits,

His grace is assured.

Forever He’s kind,

His mercy is new;

Every morning,

He shows His love’s true.

Each rise of the sun,

Brings light to the day;

New strength is supplied,

To walk in His way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful forever and that Your loving kindness knows no end. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to give You thanks for who You are and how You love. Teach us to recognize the glory of Your goodness and the magnitude of Your grace. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your loving kindness evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

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

Rest Replenished in Hope

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

God, the One and only – I’ll wait as long as He says. Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not? – (Psalm 62:5, MSG)

My soul quietly waits for the True God alone because I hope in only Him. – (Psalm 62:5, VOICE)

As an educator during a pandemic, this has been the truth I have come to know even more than ever before. It is in Christ that I find rest and hope, even on the days that our circumstances felt hopeless. Yesterday was our final day of live and Zoom instruction, and today is an asynchronous day that provides time to tie up loose ends, and work to complete final grading. Tomorrow, we report for one final day to aid in the collection of materials being returned, and to close up our classrooms for the summer. Friday will be the final day of gymnastics, utilized for returning all of our equipment to storage until next year’s season begins. I am beyond grateful for the summer season that provides rest. Though there is a variety of training and such scheduled throughout the time off, there is still time to truly take pause, recognize the goodness of God, and really rest. The beautiful thing about the rest that God provides, is that He does not need vacation nor weekends to make it so. We simply must quiet our soul before Him, for He is our hope and our Provider of rest. God is faithful, and He does what He says He will do. May we quiet our souls before Him and wait on the rest that comes from Him, the One in whom we hold our hope.

My soul does find rest,

In the Lord alone;

As my heart seeks Him,

His love is made known.

The space where hope’s held,

When we seek the Lord;

Is flooded with love,

As goodness is shown.

Trust in His goodness,

Hold hope in His grace;

He’s true to His word,

When we seek His face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving kindness and faithfulness that provide us hope and rest as we seek You. Thank You for moments and seasons of rest. Forgive us for lumbering on in exhaustion, rather than slowing down to see Your true provision of rest. Teach us to turn to You in trust, and wait quietly before You, resting in Your presence. Show us how to come alongside those around us in ways that offer relief and evidence of Your overwhelming love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait on You and praise You for Your blessed provision of real rest. Amen.

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

In You, Lord my God, I put my trust. – Psalm 25:1

Protection and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – (Psalm 46:1, NIV) 

God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. – (Psalm 46:1, ERV) 

God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. So why run and hide?  – (Psalm 46:1, VOICE) 

As a visual learner, I am often reminded of biblical truths as I observe the world around me. This morning, as I sit on the couch with my laptop in front of me and my sweet puppy sleeping soundly on my lap, I am reminded that just as I am a safe space for Thor, God is so much more for us. Thor is a smart puppy, and often gets overzealous in his desire to play. Interestingly, despite correction and redirection, he quickly comes and wants to jump on my lap and snuggle in. He knows that I love him fiercely, even when his impulses get the best of him. God provides the same sort of safety as we seek Him. He embraces us in His goodness and grace, and guides us in the way that we must learn, change and grow, even after correction or redirection. May we ever seek the Lord as our shelter and strength, for when trial or trouble are near, He is nearer still. 

God is our shelter, 

Our true Source of strength; 

No matter what comes, 

Through depth, height or length. 

When troubles are near, 

The Lord’s nearer still; 

Embracing with grace, 

With His love, He’ll fill. 

Strength when we’re weary, 

Safety through the storms; 

Wisdom, direction, 

With truth, He informs. 

So, trust in the Lord, 

Throughout each new day; 

Pursue what is right, 

He’ll show us the way. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our safety and strength, no matter what comes our way. Thank You that You lead, direct and correct us in Your love. Forgive us for the times that we have thought, spoken or walked the wrong way. Teach us to look to You for wisdom in the ways that we are meant to go, so that all we do will honor You. Show us how to love as You love – lavishly and without reservations. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we look to You to be our strength and safety while we pursue all that You are calling us into. Amen. 

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

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. – Psalm 27:5

Blessed in the Bittersweet

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – (Psalm 73:26, NIV)

Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever! – (Psalm 73:26, ERV)

Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in You, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever You’re all I need! – (Psalm 73:26, TPT)

 

Sundays are bittersweet. The sweet comes through the blessings found in gathering with my church family to worship and hear the word together. However, the challenging portion of Sundays are found in the reminder that my weekend has come to a close, and much of the day is spent preparing for the week ahead. Today is no exception, as I will have to go in to work to take care of things that must be ready for Monday afternoon, and require far more time and energy than my planning period permits. Sometimes, the need to go in on a weekend feels a bit like a failure, as I cannot wrap my head around how people are able to complete all that must be done during the week. I am worn out, and six days spent at work are more than I desire, even if only a few hours extra on a weekend. That being said, God provides what I need, as He grants me the strength and the help as I go. Always He is faithful to meet me in my weakness, and supplies the strength that I need. May we ever trust in the Lord, for His strength and His presence are the provisions we need to rise.

 

No matter the day,

Or how my heart cries;

God remains faithful,

And grants strength to rise.

Rise up from weakness,

Step out of despair;

Enduring presence,

Strengthens as He cares.

Faithful Provider,

Our God of all grace;

Our help and our hope,

For now, and always.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we fall short, You are always enough. Thank You that You are our strength and our portion forever. Thank You that You meet us in our weakness and provide the strength of heart required to press on in the direction that You are calling us to move. Forgive us for our frustrations and lack of faith. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times; for You are strength and hope and love and life. Show us how to love those around us in ways that encourage and strengthen in spaces where hope is hard to find. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to be our strength and provision forever. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Blessings of Strength

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)

 

Today, this is a reminder to myself. We have arrived at the midpoint of the busiest week of the season, as it is the final week of school, prior to Christmas break. In our household, that means grocery and errand running had to be done last evening, there is a gymnastics meet tonight, and tomorrow evening, two of our boys have a holiday music concert, each following a full day of school/work and coaching (or in my husband’s case, commuting). By Friday, we all will be ready for a long winter’s nap. Though each day feels a bit like a marathon, God provides the strength that is needed to navigate each day, and His peace along the way. The challenge is to slow down, take a deep breath, and allow His strength and peace to flood our hearts so that there is no room for chaos and doubt and weariness. May we ever fix our eyes and hearts on the Lord to be our strength, as He provides what we need to navigate each new day, and grants us His perfect peace along the way.

 

The Lord grants us strength,

Where all strength seems gone;

Grants us what we need,

To keep keeping on.

And more than His strength,

He blesses with peace;

Brings calm to chaos,

As love is released.

No matter the time,

Day, week or season;

Hope ever abounds,

God’s grace shows reason.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us strength and bless us with peace. Thank You that even on our days that we feel weary and worn, You come and provide what we need to keep moving forward. Thank You that as we trust in You, You meet us wherever we are, and demonstrate Your faithfulness; always. Forgive us for our lack of faith when chaos comes. Teach us to turn to You in trust, allowing You room to move in and through us. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend strength and peace where it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You, thank You and give You praise for Your goodness throughout all of our days. 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