Water for the Weary Soul

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right path for His Name’s sake. – (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV)

The Lord is my Shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on the right paths to show that He is good. – (Psalm 23:1-3, ERV)

God, my Shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. – (Psalm 23:1-3, MSG)

This is the time of year that everyone in education finds themselves in a space of utter weariness. The stretch from Christmas Break to Spring Break is long, and the dark days of winter have taken their toll. Yesterday, though a busy day of getting things done, we were able to escape to the water to fish for a few hours in the glorious sunshine. It is rare to see a seventy-degree day in the Pacific Northwest in March, yet yesterday, we actually exceeded seventy by a smidge, and people everywhere were out and about and in good cheer. For us, time on the water also included an incredible view of Mt. Rainier, as we enjoyed our surroundings in awe. Time near or on the water provides time to catch my breath and reset. There is something about the way it reflects light that is both soothing and comforting. Water hydrates and cleanses, adding to the appreciated beauty. Even in the weariness of this long season, God has provided and continues to provide all that I need. He knows my heart and what holds it best. May we ever seek our Savior, for He provides, protects, loves and strengthens us as He grants us spaces of rest and reprieve when we need it most.

The Lord, my Shepherd,

for He is the One;

protects, provides,

helps me get things done.

When I am weary,

His grace soothes my soul;

when I feel broken,

His love makes me whole.

Beauty around us,

the work of His hands;

the light within us,

the good He has planned.

All thanks be to God,

from Whom goodness flows;

our peace that’s present,

the Light in shadows.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Shepherd, the One who protects, provides, supplies and supports us as we follow after You. Thank You that You lead and guide us into peaceful spaces of rest when we are weary. Forgive us for the times that we just keep pressing forward without pausing to rest when it is needed most. Teach us to rest in You each day, so that we are strengthened and renewed for whatever the new day holds. Show us how to love those around us in ways that give strength, peace, hope and rest. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your provision, for You supply the support we need in our weariness, and shine Your light where shadows seek to fall. Amen.

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

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

God is… (Day 19 – Light in the Darkness)

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, NIV)

God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made His light shine in our hearts to let us know that His own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, ERV)

The God who spoke light into existence, saying, “Let light shine from the darkness,” is the very One who sets our hearts ablaze to shed light on the knowledge of God’s glory revealed in the face of Jesus the Anointed One. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, VOICE)

I imagine at one time or another, we all have experienced being in total darkness. Or at least so it seemed… If it was outdoors, it took only a few moments and then our eyes begin to adjust and we were able to detect even the faintest bit of light. If we gaze upward, the night sky blinks light back to us. Each star is a reminder that God is with us. God is the light of the world and His love illuminates the ways we are meant to go. He shines His light on the dark places within our heart, and transforms us to more clearly reflect His light. He is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path. God shows us what is good and shines light on darkness we could not previously see. May we ever seek the Lord to be our light in the darkness, for He is good and will shine His light on the paths we are meant to take.

Light in the darkness,

my God, yes You are;

ever You’re near me,

no place is too far.

The sun, how it shines,

to light up the day;

the moon and the stars,

chase darkness away.

The Light of the world,

came down unto us;

to show us the way,

our Savior, Jesus.

His light and His life,

made what is good plain;

each time we love well,

we reflect the same.

O Lord, You are light,

on our darkest days;

ever You show us,

that You’ll make a way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Light in the darkness; for You show us what is good and You lead us in the direction we are meant to go. Thank You that You are present, even when we think we are in total darkness. Forgive us for the times that we stay stuck in the dark, rather than simply seeking Your light. Thank You that You remind us anew each day with a fresh sunrise in the morning, and the moon and stars at night, that You are always light and life and love. Show us how to be beacons of Your light to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to refine us so that we may more clearly reflect Your light to all. Amen.

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

God made two great lights – the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. – Genesis 1:16

To Be In The Light

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

We are called to be a light unto the world. On our own, we manage to find ourselves in darkness, yet when Christ is in us and we do what He has called us to do, His light shines in and through us wherever we go. Where light shines, there is no darkness to cause us to stumble. Dark and light cannot coexist. Darkness flees when light is let in. One of the best ways we can shine brightly is to love those around us well. As we love people with the love that Christ gives to us, His light illuminates dark spaces and makes His heart known. If we do not love, we hide the light within and block the light that was meant to shine for others. May we ever seek the Lord to flood our hearts with His loving light so that we too, may go forth and be light and love to those around us.

O Lord, be the Light,

that shines from within;

let not our hearts hide,

nor make Your light dim.

Help us to embrace,

the light that You bring;

so we too may shine,

love in ev’rything.

Please show us Your ways,

to love each other;

family and friends,

sisters and brothers.

May our love be light,

that takes dark away;

so all that remains,

are Your loving ways.

Lord, fill us anew,

as we start each day;

lead us in Your love,

so we shine Your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another, and as we do, we shine Your light before those around us. Thank You that You equip and fill us to love and shine like You. Forgive us for the times that we get in the way and block the light that we are meant to shine. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, so that in all things and at all times, Your love and light are what shine from within. Lead us to love those around us well, so that all might come to know the light of Your love that chases away darkness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the overwhelming love and light that You place within us so that we too, might love and illuminate the darkness that surrounds. Amen.

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

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

Jesus Is The Creator

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. – (Hebrews 1:1-2, HCSB)

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. – (Hebrews 1:1-2, NKJV)

In the past God spoke to our people through the prophets. He spoke to them many times and in many different ways. And now in these last days, God has spoken to us again through His Son. He made the whole world through His Son. And He has chosen His Son to have all things. – (Hebrews 1:1-2, ERV)

God, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, communicates with His creation. Before Jesus, God spoke to His people through prophets, angels, and more. When Jesus came to us, He lived among us and taught the truth using His own voice. Incredibly, even after His death, resurrection, and ascension, He still communicates with us by His Spirit. Because He is heir of all things, Jesus cares for and covers all of creation. He was there in the beginning, walked among us, and is seated on His throne in heaven. Part of His care comes through the gift of community. We are His image bearers and were created to shine His light to all those around us. Our charge is to love one another as He loves us. If we view every person we meet as His created, we begin to see His image in those around us, which inspires us to love more deeply and completely. May we ever seek the Lord, Creator of all, to show us His fingerprints on those around us and to lead us to be bearers of His perfect love as we shine His light through how we live.

Jesus, Creator,

The great heir of all;

Lead us and guide us,

Our Maker of all.

Show us Your glory,

Through all You have made;

Lead us in Your love,

Throughout all our days.

Help us to see You,

In everyone;

Show us how to love,

Like You, Holy One.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You spoke to our ancestors long ago, You spoke to those before us through Jesus, and You still speak to us today, by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Jesus, that You are both heir and Creator. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought to see You in others. Grant us Your eyes to see those around us, so that we too, might see the glory of Your goodness in all. Lead us to love and shine Your light before all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to live as Your image bearers, and look to You to show us the beauty in all whom You have made. Amen.

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

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

Bloom Under Pressure

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. – (James 1:2-3, NIV)

My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you reason to be very happy. You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. – (James 1:2-3, ERV)

Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. – (James 1:2-3, VOICE)

I most appreciate the Voice translation of this particular passage, as it is far easier to relate to finding joy in the midst of our trials, rather than considering them joy. The older I get, the more I both witness and experience this truth. Between the progression of aging in both us and our parents, the frequency of trials and health challenges in our lives and those of dear family and friends around us seem to be on the rise. What I continue to witness is faith rising up, and joy found in the midst of unpleasant circumstances as patience and endurance are provided. God is faithful to meet us every step we take, be it through the deepest valleys or on the highest peaks. One of the greatest things that I am continuing to learn is that God provides people that lighten our loads – be it physically, emotionally, or financially in the center of our storms. Throughout the early days and weeks following my mom’s stroke, people sent notes, called, encouraged and lifted up, which strengthened us and brought joy in the midst of the fearful unknown. On Thursday, I was supposed to have a consultation with a surgeon about a procedure to remove cancerous cells from my upper lip. The appointment turned into a bigger biopsy than I had previously had, and resulted in a couple of stitches, with further surgery still looming ahead. Incredibly, I feel total peace about the ultimate outcome of all this. My trepidation lies in the process. Even with the unanticipated procedure, God provided a kind staff that blended humor and compassion perfectly for me. Despite the unpleasantness of the process, their demeanor set my heart at ease and I left the appointment with much gratitude for those charged with my care. Additionally, I had a conversation with a colleague and friend whose father had undergone something similar to what is in store for me, and she was able to share great encouragement as he had minimal scarring and complete success. God is good and He uses our circumstances to grow and encourage us as He strengthens us with His overwhelming love. May you be encouraged by His goodness and kindness, even in the midst of challenges, today and always.

In heartache and joy,

Challenges and peace;

The Lord is near us,

And strength He’ll increase.

Through each new trial,

Faith He will increase;

As we choose to trust,

His power’s released.

In the dark spaces,

Keep seeking His light;

Endurance will bloom,

To joy and delight.

Delight in moments,

Where His love is clear;

Trust in the process,

God is always near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You use our trials and challenges to grow us in strength and endurance. Thank You that You provide joy, even in the most difficult circumstances. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations in the midst of the unexpected trials that we face. Teach us how to lean into You for strength and endurance as we navigate whatever comes our way. Show us how to encourage and support those around us well, so that they may see tangible evidence of Your goodness and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to be our strength in the struggles, and praise You for Your provision of joy despite our circumstances. 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 He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

Light Through Love

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It is the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

When we choose to love as God loves us, light and life pour out of us. Where there is light, there is a clear path. In the same way that God shines His light upon us and shows us how to love, we become reflections of His light to others so that they too, see what is good. To love our sisters and brothers is a choice, and one that only transpires well when we rely on God to lead us. May we seek the Lord to lead us to love those around us as He loves, and depend on Him to shine His light through us to the world.

When we choose to love,

God’s light truly shines;

The darkness must flee,

For goodness defines.

It defines what’s good,

What’s lovely and pure;

How light is let in,

And hope is assured.

Lead us in Your love,

For one another;

Flood Your light within,

To shine on others.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose to love our sisters and brothers as You intended, Your light leads the way to what is good. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love and allowed darkness in. Teach us to depend on You to lead us in the light of Your love. Show us how to be Your light and love to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love one another as You love, and rely on You to shine Your light on and through us. Amen.

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

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105

Light in the Dark

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, NIV)

God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made His light shine in our hearts to let us know that His own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, ERV)

The God who spoke light into existence, saying, “{Let light shine from the darkness,” is the very One who sets our hearts ablaze to shed light on the knowledge of God’s glory revealed in the face of Jesus, the Anointed One. – (2 Corinthians 4:6, VOICE)

The same God who brought light into being, illuminates the hearts of all who seek Him. As our hearts become flooded with His light, we can more clearly see who He is and how He loves. That same light that glows within, begins to shine outward to all those around us. May we ever seek the face of the Lord to lead us, so that His light shines wherever we go.

With only a word,

Light began to shine;

In darkness no more,

Through Him who’s divine.

God the Creator,

Sheds light on our souls;

Illuminates dark,

Restores to make whole.

As we let light in,

He frees us to shine;

Be beacons of love,

Reflecting Divine.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in the dark, You brought light into being. Thank You that as we seek You, You flood the dark corners of our hearts with Your loving light and transform us so that we too, can shine as reflections of Your goodness and love. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden in darkness or have withheld the light that was meant to shine. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might live in the light of Your love and shine brightly before all. Show us how to be beacons of Your light in the dark spaces around us. Lead us to love everyone as You first loved us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek to live in the light of Your love and extend the same to all those we encounter each new day. Amen.

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

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. – Genesis 1:3

How Faithful Your Love

Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. – (Psalm 90:14, NIV)

Fill us with Your love every morning. Let us be happy and enjoy our lives. – (Psalm 90:14, ERV)

Let the sunrise of Your love end our dark night. Break through our clouded dawn again! Only You can satisfy our hearts, filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days. – (Psalm 90:14, TPT)

When we seek the Lord in the morning, He is faithful to meet us and show us His great love that never fails. Each morning, the sunrise is my reminder of both His power and His nearness. As I begin my day with God, I find joy that sets a song in my heart and grants me gladness that remains with me throughout the day. Even on the days that clouds are thick and dark, His light appears and brings the day into being. May we ever seek our Savior to show us His love anew, and find joy and gladness in His faithfulness.

Lord, in the morning,

As I seek Your face;

You grant me mercy,

Goodness, love and grace.

As the sun rises,

You show us anew;

How faithful Your love,

Each promise is true.

May songs ever rise,

Let us worship You;

For all that You are,

And all that You do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless and satisfy us with Your love each morning, and fill our hearts with joy that is lasting. Forgive us for not pausing to recognize Your loving faithfulness and goodness each time we recognize Your presence. Teach us to posture ourselves before You to receive the abundance of Your loving kindness and help our hearts to sing praise to You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and kindness abundantly clear. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your goodness anew each morning and give our praise unto You all throughout the day. Amen.

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

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. – Psalm 36:5

Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ERV)

Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, VOICE)

This morning, at 2:45, as I heard my dog making retching sounds, joy was not exactly what came to mind; sadly, neither was prayer nor thankfulness. As I jumped out of bed and threw on some extra layers to take him outside, I groggily checked to be sure he was okay. He took care of business outside, and returned to his crate to rest. Again, rest did not come. Whining began and would not relent. Finally, after a good fifteen minutes of trying, I gave in and brought my giant pup upstairs. Again, he went outside and then returned ravenous. After he ate, he settled in a bit as I attempted to doze on the couch. When the time was nearing my scheduled wake up, I took Thor back downstairs and returned upstairs to begin my day. My celebration was that I have a roof over my head and that there is coffee in our house to brew. I am thankful that it is Friday, and that I do not need to rise as early tomorrow. God is kind, and shortly after I returned to resume my regular morning routine, my love came upstairs too. In the calm stillness of the morning, I am so grateful to God for another human that can rise early, and find joy and contentment in the silence. Early mornings are something to be celebrated, even when they come far sooner than anticipated. Before long, I will witness the early morning light, as the sun makes its appearance on the horizon. God is faithful to meet us, even in the wee hours of the early morning. He hears our heart’s cry, despite the momentary frustrations when our schedules are disrupted. Today, my heart will rejoice, for I have countless reasons to give God thanks, as I have His light, and life, and hope. May we ever celebrate the goodness of God, giving Him thanks as we are intentional to spend time seeking Him.

May our hearts give praise,

In Christ we rejoice;

Let’s prayerfully seek,

Give thanks with our voice.

No matter what comes,

We’ve reason for joy;

The Lord’s always good,

To thank is a choice.

Today I will choose,

To celebrate Christ;

For goodness and grace,

And loving advice.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless reasons You grant us to have joy in You. Thank You that You hear our prayers and You supply what we need to navigate each new day. Thank You that You remain present, no matter what comes our way or how our day begins. Forgive us for our frustrations and delay in seeking You when things are thrown off course. Teach us to lean into You and listen to Your heart. Show us how to love those around us in all things, and grant us patience when it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in You and pray to You, ever giving You thanks for who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing the praises of Your Name, O Most High. – Psalm 9:2

The Blessing of Confessing

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – (1 John 1:9, NIV)

But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done. – (1 John 1:9, ERV)

But if we freely admit our sins when His light uncovers them, He will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and He will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – (1 John 1:9, TPT)

Confessing our sins is meant to be freeing and cleansing. Too often, we get caught up in presenting our laundry list of requests before God, and perhaps praising Him for who He is, but neglect the part of pausing to reflect on places where our thoughts, words or deeds were not pleasing to the Lord. This is not meant to be a space of shame, but rather of recognition of our wrongs and an active, intentional awareness of how we can do and be better, not in our own strength, but with the forgiveness and freedom that our Heavenly Father brings as we ask.  Incredibly, as we ask, He answers. God is faithful to forgive each time we ask, but it is our responsibility to request that He show us where we have fallen short. We all do, as we are all a work in progress. I am so thankful that though there is a long way to go, I am closer than I was before. May we ever come before Christ and confess our sins, for it is in this space that we are set free from the shame and guilt, and turned back to the One who leads us in the ways that He intended.     

O Lord, unto You,

We bring You our shame;

Ugly shortcomings,

Our spaces of blame.

In love, You shine light,

That removes the dark;

Turning hearts around,

Repentant trademark.

As we choose confess,

In love, we’re set free;

Propelled to better,

Intentionally.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You will show us our sin so that we may confess and be cleansed. Thank You that You receive us, cleanse us, and point us on the path that follows after You. Please forgive us for every word, thought and deed that has not represented Your heart well. Teach us to keep short accounts with You so that we may do and be better. Show us how to love with mercy and grace, granting glimpses of Your heart to all who come our way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we confess our sin before You and follow Your leading to love as we were created to do. Amen.

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

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:23-24