Extend the Good

You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. – (Psalm 139:5, NLT)

You are all around me – in front of me and behind me. I feel Your hand on my shoulder. – (Psalm 139:5, ERV)

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your hand of love upon my life, You impart a blessing to me. – (Psalm 139:5, TPT)

 

The kindness of God never ceases to amaze me. So often, He uses the people He has placed in my life to show me His love in remarkable ways. Yesterday, as the start of the school day was drawing near, I walked into the library and crossed paths with a colleague and friend. She happened to be wearing my shirt for the Seattle Majestics (the semi-pro, full-tackle, women’s football team I made about a month ago), and I smiled and complimented her on her shirt. Her response was very sweet and supportive, and I walked away blessed and encouraged. Not twenty yards out the library door, I encountered another dear co-working friend, wearing the same shirt and a sweet smile. I did a double-take in disbelief, and again was built up with blessing. One of my dearest friends made a cameo in my class, also donning said shirt, as she informed my students of my latest endeavor. Though I was likely several shades of red, it was entertaining to see my kids respond to the idea of their teacher playing football. At the end of the day, we had a staff meeting and there were a total of four fabulous ladies sporting the shirts in support of this new adventure. For me, it was a reminder that I am valued and known, even if I am quiet and often fly under the radar. He sees and He knows, and His hand of blessing is upon me. May we ever remember Who goes before us and stands behind, as the Lord loves to impart blessings upon us.

 

The Lord goes before, 

And He stands behind;

He extends blessings,

With our hearts in mind.

He knows and He sees,

The need of each heart;

The hand of His love,

His blessing imparts.

Protects from the past,

And prepares the way;

Strength for tomorrow,

And love all our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You go before us and stand behind. Thank You that You walk beside us and bless us as we go. Thank You that You place us in communities. Thank You for the incredible gift of the people whom You have placed in mine. Forgive us for not recognizing Your hand of blessing in the good that goes on around us each day. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would fix our eyes on the blessings that You bestow upon us, rather than the struggles that we face. Thank You that You are with us through it all. Show us how to support, encourage, walk beside and love those around us in the day-to-day, as that is the community to which we are called. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your presence and Your blessings, and extend the good that we have been given to those around us. Amen.

 

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

 

Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41

Be of Strength and Courage

Be strong and courageous. (Deuteronomy 31:6a) The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – (Deuteronomy 31:8)

 

No matter what lies before us, God goes in front of us. He provides our front line of defense, our rear guard, and surrounds us on each side. The Lord assures us that He will remain present with us, regardless of the circumstances that we are being called to walk through. If God is for us, whom shall we fear? There is nothing that He calls us to that He won’t also willingly equip and see us through. May we rise up with strength and courage, trusting that the Lord has gone before us, and will never leave us nor forsake us.

 

For we are each called,

to rise up, be strong;

take courage in Christ,

our strength and our song.

He goes before us,

to prepare the way;

and remains present,

in nearness, He stays.

Be not discouraged,

Take heart in His word;

He’ll not forsake us,

His promises heard.

So take the first step,

go where the Lord asks;

as we are willing,

we’re equipped to task.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful and kind, and that You call us to be people of strength and courage. Thank You that You do not ask us to be strong and courageous in our own strength, but rather in Yours. Thank You that You go before us, behind us, and surround us, keeping us in the safety of Your care every step of the way. Forgive us for our fearfulness, and help us to trust You more. May we move forward in courage, as You call us to new steps of obedience. Lead us to love others well, just as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we take obedient steps forward in Your strength and courage, trusting You as we move forward in faith. 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