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

Advise to Grow Wise

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – (Proverbs 19:20-21, NLT)

Listen to advice and accept discipline; then you, too, will become wise. People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen. – (Proverbs 19:20-21, ERV)

Heed counsel, act on instruction, and you will become wise later in life. The impulses of the human heart may run wild, but the Eternal’s plan will prevail. – (Proverbs 19:20-21, VOICE)

 

The heart of this is that we are created for community. From the start, the intent was for us to be in relationship with God and with those around us. As we seek the Lord and His will, and listen to the wise counsel of the trustworthy whom God has placed among us, we will become wise in His ways and walk according to His plan. On our own, we might make many plans, yet when checked through the lens of the Lord, only that which aligns with His, will remain. May we ever seek the Lord and the counsel of those whom He has placed in our lives, so we will walk in His way, rather than running with whatever whim our hearts desire.

 

Choose to seek advice, 

Accept all you can;

It’s how wisdom grows,

Learn to understand.

Though many our plans,

The Lord’s will prevail;

As we pursue Him,

His heart will not fail.

He’ll show us the way,

Grant wisdom and grace;

For all of our days,

As we seek His face.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we listen to advice and accept discipline and counsel, we grow in wisdom. Thank You that though we may make many plans, Your plans and purposes prevail. Forgive us for going our own way and pursuing our own plans, rather than seeking You. Teach us to seek advice and act on instruction in all things, so that we may grow in Your wisdom as we walk out our days. Show us how to love those around us with wisdom and grace, so that all might long to seek Your face. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to advice and instruction from You and those whom You have given to us as wise counsel, and grow our hearts in Your wisdom as we walk in Your ways. Amen.

 

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

 

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14