Held in Heaviness

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, NIV)

He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power and joy. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, ERV)

Splendor and majesty flow out of Him, strength and joy fill His place. – (1 Chronicles 16:27, MSG)

Yesterday evening, after returning from a great weekend away, we discovered there had been a double homicide in our city, only a few miles away. As I scrolled on social media, I soon discovered who had been killed. Two young women murdered, with whom many friends and former students were connected. After a bit more looking, to my horror, I found that one had been a barista at the coffee shop near where I used to live years ago, and my kids and I knew and loved her, her sister, and her mom, as they all worked there together. The other woman was featured in photos with several people who attended the school where I have taught for 26 years. My heart is heavy for the families and friends of these women who were senselessly killed. What is the connection between the verse and the tragedy? I cannot think of death without thinking of the hope and glory that is held in heaven. In God’s presence, there is glory and honor, power, and joy. There is no more suffering, crying, or pain. The only thing that makes loss bearable is the hope that is held in the Everlasting. My hope this morning is that all who are impacted by the losses may be comforted in the hope that is yet to come. May we ever seek the Savior, who Himself, understood the weight of tragic loss and holds the hope of eternal glory in the hollow of His hands.

In times of great loss,

Awful tragedy;

The Lord’s ever near,

To grant us His peace.

Splendor and power,

Goodness that is seen;

A powerful peace,

For the in between.

Between loss and life,

In the hope we know;

May we look to Him,

So His love is shown.

Father, please help us,

In this broken place;

Flood us with Your love,

As we seek Your face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and for preparing a place for us to dwell with You forever. Lord, be our peace amid senseless loss and tragedy. Forgive us as we struggle to make sense of things that should not be. Teach us to lean into You in all things, as You are our Source of comfort and care, strength, and peace, in all things and always. Show us how to love those around us through such anguish. May many come to know and trust in You as You make Your love evident, even in the worst of situations and circumstances. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us and be our strength in seasons of loss. Amen.

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

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Always Be Kind

Do to others as you would have them do to you. – (Luke 6:31, NIV)

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! – (Luke 6:31, MSG)

Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them. – (Luke 6:31, VOICE)

Not only is this biblical, but it is an excellent rule to live by. When we treat others the way we want to be treated, what we give is very often what we get back. The thing is, even when kindness, grace and love are not returned, we can walk away in good conscience knowing we did the right thing. No matter what, we are given goodness, love and grace far beyond what God has extended to us. His love floods us to overflowing, and we are meant to give out of the abundance He has granted. Traveling is a perfect opportunity to put this into practice, as often people are stressed, hurried, or weary and out of patience. My prayer is that in all things, I may extend to others what I would want to be given. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love and show us how to extend kindness to all.

No matter what comes,

Choose always be kind;

For we never know,

What’s on someone’s mind.

Silent are struggles,

Invisible things;

Heartache and challenge,

That which real life brings.

We may never know,

The difference we make;

But extending good,

Is living God’s way.

Let us rise with love,

As we start each day;

For God’s given us,

More than enough grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us more goodness, kindness, and love than we could ever give away. Thank You that You call us to do unto others what we would want done for us. Forgive us for the times that we have treated others in ways that we would not want to be treated. Help us to extend kindness, goodness and love to all, no matter what we are given. Show us how to love every person we encounter as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your overwhelming kindness to us and thank You that You equip and empower us to be kind to everyone we meet. Amen.

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

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. – Titus 3:4-5a

Sweet Solitude

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. – (Mark 1:35, NIV)

The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where He could be alone and pray. – (Mark 1:35, ERV)

Early in the morning, Jesus got up, left the house while it was still dark outside, and went to a deserted place to pray. – (Mark 1:35, VOICE)

Though I wake early every morning, before sunrise, to spend time with the Lord and do my devotions, I seldom find the solitude that I seek. Between two energetic dogs and a variety of household distractions, I must be very intentional to find the solitary time and space that I need to start my day well. Jesus modeled what we ought to do to spend time with the Father in prayer. It makes me wonder if Jesus was naturally an early riser too, or if He struggled to rise early, but did so anyway. Passages like this remind me that Jesus was God in the flesh, yet He had the same sort of challenges that we do. He had to leave the house before daylight to find a solitary space to pray and focus on time with the Father. I know there is no set time that we are meant to seek the Lord, however, for me, early morning works best. Because the nature of my job is busy and ever-changing, it makes all the difference for me to begin my day with Jesus, as my heart is set right and I am reminded anew, of the importance of choosing to love in all that I say and do. When I seek Him, I am equipped to love as He loves. This is an ongoing, lifelong process, as there is a perpetual battle between God in us and the world around us. We are constantly pulled in two different directions and need Jesus to choose the way that is best. May we ever seek the Savior in prayer, for as we do, He shows us how to live and love as He intended, and He equips and empowers us to be His hands and heart to those around us.

To choose seek the Lord,

Intentionally;

Equips, empowers,

To live purposely.

The love and goodness,

That comes from the Lord;

Is freely given,

Yet often ignored.

We must choose to seek,

Spend time in His word;

Prayerfully listen,

And His way is heard.

Help us, Lord Jesus,

To ever seek You;

To lead and guide us,

In all that we do.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You modeled how to spend intentional time with the Father. Thank You that we can get away from distractions to be with You alone, when we make an intentional decision to seek You and set all else aside. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed the distractions around us to interfere with time in Your presence. Teach us to continue to seek You in solitude to learn and grow as we pray, listen, worship, and spend time in Your Word. Teach us each day to listen and follow Your heart in all that we say and do. Lead us to love those around us as You designed us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we set aside time each day to be in Your presence, pray, and listen to Your leading. Transform us, O God, so that we clearly reflect Your love. Amen.

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

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

To Pursue Life

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, NIV)

People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, ERV)

Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself – glorious life! – (Proverbs 21:21, MSG)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

We reap what we sow, so as we seek to do good and be faithful, we find life that is full of God’s goodness. This does not mean that all will be sunshine and roses, but it does mean that we will know and experience God’s unending faithfulness and His perfect peace, no matter what comes our way. May we ever pursue justice and treat others with kindness, for it is through a faithful life that we find goodness and integrity.

Lord, help us pursue,

What is good and right;

Lead us in kindness,

Through each day and night.

Help us treat others,

The way You designed;

With honor, respect,

To always be kind.

Lead us forever,

In Your faithfulness;

So all may experience,

Hope through graciousness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to pursue righteousness and love, for it is through doing so that we discover the goodness of Your grace and faithfulness to us. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked love or kindness. Teach us to listen to Your leading so that we may love in all things and at all times. Show us how to extend what is right and kind to those around us and make Your love tangible to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue a life of righteousness and love. Amen.  

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

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Peace is Plentiful

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, ERV)

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. – (1 Peter 5:7, VOICE)

 No matter what we have been through, or what may lie ahead, we need not worry, for God already knows and will be faithful to be with us. When anxiousness begins to rise and creep in, we need to place it in His capable hands. Because He cares for us, we do not have to carry our burdens alone, nor do we have to face the fires by ourselves. God is with us, and He is able to meet us in each moment, and help us navigate through each new day. As a teacher, Monday mornings can feel a bit anxiety causing, especially on a holiday that provides a plethora of sugar to kids for the coming week. He is good, and already knows. The Lord will give us the wisdom and grace we need to keep moving forward. May we ever seek our Savior and place our worries and burdens at the foot of the cross, for it is there that they have already been seen, known and overcome.

Because the Lord cares,

We need not worry;

All is in His hands,

So strong and sturdy.

Anxiety falls,

When given to Him;

The Lord holds us up,

And grants peace within.

Help us turn to You,

Throughout all our days;

You are the answer,

You show us the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not worry or be anxious, for You are with us and remain present throughout all of our days. Forgive us for our fears and doubts that sneak in when we shift our gaze away from You. Teach us to ever trust in You and to lay all of our worries and concerns at Your feet. Show us how to let go and allow You to be Lord of all things. Lead us to love those around us as You do, so that Your hope and help are made clearly known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your faithfulness forever and find Your peace is plentiful as we seek You. Amen.

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

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

Eternal Encouragement

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through His grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, ERV)

May Jesus Himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, MSG)

Because we have hope in Christ, we are loved and given grace after grace to be encouraged and strengthened in all that we do and say. God is our comfort and source to rise up and walk in His love that provides encouragement and good hope. May we ever pray to the Lord and trust in Him, for He is the One who comforts our hearts and strengthens us for good in all that we do and say.

The Lord is faithful,

To meet us each day;

With courage and strength,

To love in His way.

Good deeds and good words,

Purposed in our call;

So those whom we meet,

Know that He loves all.

Help us each morning,

To seek as we rise;

Learn to love anew,

Make hope realized.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and You give us eternal hope to which we can hold fast. Thank You that You encourage and strengthen us to do the good and speak the words that You have for us. Forgive us for the times that we have acted or spoken in our own strength instead of in Yours. Teach us to trust and rely on You to lead us well. Show us how to love all whom we meet in ways that convey the goodness of Your grace and the depth of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us and praise You for Your encouragement and strength. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. – Psalm 37:4

Fend Off Sin and Do Good

Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. – (Psalm 34:14, HCSB)

Stop doing anything evil, and do good. Look for peace, and do all you can to help people live peacefully. – (Psalm 34:14, ERV)

Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace – don’t let it get away! – (Psalm 34:14, MSG)

Sometimes doing good is walking away from a fight that is tempting, and choosing to only engage when kindness can be extended. Our charge is to seek peace, not get sucked into petty disputes. The best way to do this is to pursue God and His will. Often, when I begin to get angry or frustrated with someone, God stops me in my tracks and I find myself asking Him to show me His heart for them. What I have discovered each time that I have done so, there is a softening in me toward the other. Usually, I discover that the very behavior that got under my skin, was motivated by their own hurts. Does it make it right? No, but it does provide compassion and the capacity to respond gently with goodness and kindness. This is a lifelong process to pursue, not a one-and-done in a tough space. May we ever seek the Lord to help us stop doing the things we ought not do, and do the good that He calls us into. In the process, may we find His peace and embrace it.

Turn from temptation,

To do what’s not right;

Demean or put down,

Jump into a fight.

Instead, seek the Lord,

Allow Him to lead;

Choose extend the good,

That His word decrees.

Embrace the Lord’s peace,

As it enters in;

For as we listen,

We fend away sin.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, loving and a promoter of peace. Thank You that as we seek You, You give us Your heart for others and help us turn away from the sin that so easily entangles us. Forgive us for allowing our pride to get the better of us so that we walk into a war that need not be waged. Show us Your heart for those around us so that we might see them through Your eyes. Lead us to extend goodness and kindness to those around us as we embrace Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we walk away from the sin that attempts to creep in, and lead us to embrace Your peace as we seek You to do the good that we have been called to do. Amen.

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

If your brother or sister in God’s family does something wrong, go and tell them what they did wrong. Do this when you are alone with them. If they listen to you, then you have helped them to be your brother or sister again. – Matthew 18:15

Our Strength and Place of 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)

After a wonderful whirlwind of a week away, today we will embark on our journey home. Our travels will begin this afternoon, and we will arrive home in the early hours of the morning tomorrow. Strength and peace are both things that we will need as we make our way home. God is good, and He provides His goodness and grace as we seek Him. May we ever trust in the Lord to be our strength and peace, and extend the same to all those whom we encounter throughout our days.

The Lord is our strength,

And our place of peace;

Ever He’s with us,

As grace He’ll release.

He leads us each day,

When we choose to seek;

Grants all that we need,

His love is complete.

Show us Your goodness,

Lead us by Your grace;

Help us to love all,

And walk in Your ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength and our peace. Thank You that in all things and at all times, You are present to help. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances to steal our peace. Teach us to trust in You and rely on You to provide the strength we need and be our peace. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend peace and strength. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to supply us with the strength we need and to be our peace at all times. Amen.

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

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. – Psalm 62:8

Our Strength and Help

But You, Lord, don’t be far away. My strength, come quickly to help me. – (Psalm 22:19, HCSB)

Lord, don’t leave me! You are my strength – hurry and help me! – (Psalm 22:19, ERV)

But You, O Eternal, stay close; O You, my help, hurry to my side. – (Psalm 22:19, VOICE)

If David, a mighty warrior who became a powerful king knew to call on the Lord to be his strength in times of trouble or weariness, how much more can we? God is faithful to be near, and He hears us as we call on His Name to be our help and our hope. The Lord strengthens us in our weariness, and remains present through all things. May we ever seek the Lord to be our help, hope and strength, for He is faithful in all things and at all times.

O Lord, be our strength,

Please ever be near;

Our help and our hope,

Who makes our paths clear.

Come quickly, O God,

We need strength and love;

Lead us forward well,

By Your grace above.

Show us Your kindness,

Direct all our ways;

Teach us what is best,

Throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the help and hope that we can depend on. Thank You that You hear our cries for help and You sustain us with Your presence and love. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when our circumstances seem to be too much. Show us again how You love and help us in all things and at all times. Lead us to love and walk alongside one another well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You to be our strength and help throughout all our days. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and I praise Him with my song. – Psalm 28:7

Help Shoulder the Weight

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – (Galatians 6:2, HCSB)

Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ. – (Galatians 6:2, ERV)

Love empowers us to fulfill the law of the Anointed One as we carry each other’s troubles. – (Galatians 6:2, TPT)

Right now, I know a couple of people who are in the throes of tremendous loss; one just lost her son, and the other’s best friend lost her grandson. The weight of grief is far too great a burden to bear alone. It comes in waves and threatens to pull us under. However, when family and friends and community surround the grieving, they provide a hand to help hold heads above water, and give buoyancy in the sinking spaces. What I have observed in both instances, is an incredible outpouring of love, prayers and practical, tangible help in the places where it is needed most. When we reach out, we are extending a hand that helps lighten the load. Nothing we do can lessen the loss, yet the reaching out, the outpouring of what is needed, reminds the burden bearer that they are not alone. Our hands, hearts and voices can be tangible evidence of God’s love when it is extremely difficult to see. Though we cannot take the pain away, we can do something to share the burden, thus fulfilling God’s law to love. May we ever seek the Lord to grant us wisdom and grace so that we are empowered to walk beside the burdened and help carry the load.

When life’s troubles come,

As they always do;

May we walk beside,

Help see people through.

For we are each called,

To above all, love;

Care for each other,

As God does above.

Each time we reach out,

In practical ways;

We show the Lord’s love,

And extend His grace.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

To help carry loads;

Through helping, giving,

At life’s tough crossroads.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to help carry one another’s burdens. Thank You for the countless times that You have surrounded me with a community that walked beside me and lessened the load when it was too great for me to bear alone. Forgive us for the times that we see a need and neglect to reach out. Teach us to turn to You to guide and equip us to do what we can, whenever and wherever we can, to love as You love. Show us practical ways to come alongside those who are carrying weight that is far too heavy to bear alone. Lead us in Your love so that Your help, hands and heart may be made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we navigate our days with open hands and hearts, ready to reach out as You would. Amen.

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

Each one helps the other, and says to another, “Take courage!” – Isaiah 41:6