Be Glad, Lovely Sky

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. – (Isaiah 49:13, NIV)

Heavens and earth, be happy! Mountains, shout with joy! The Lord comforts His people. He is good to His poor people. – (Isaiah 49:13, ERV)

Oh joy! Be glad – sky! Take joy – earth! Burst into song – mountains! For the Eternal, moved to compassion, has comforted and consoled His people. – (Isaiah 49:13, VOICE)

 

Though we may not feel it in the midst of our struggles, God is moving with compassion and supplying His comfort. Perhaps that is the “why” to rejoice, for when we do, it further comforts us, despite our circumstances. Additionally, even if we do not choose to rejoice and be glad, “…the very rocks would start to shout!” (Luke 19:40, VOICE) The truth of who God is will be made known, with or without us. We are in a unique position to demonstrate joy, despite our circumstances; rejoice in the truth that we know, and hold fast to the hope of all that is yet to come. It does not mean that we will be “Miss Susie Sunshine” all the time, but what it does mean is that there is an underlying joy and hope, deep-rooted within us, that shines forth somehow, even on the most difficult of days. May we set our sights on He who is good to His people and has compassion and comfort for those in need. Let us take joy in the truth that we know and be glad in ways that spread goodness to those around us.

 

Be glad, lovely sky,

Take joy, all the earth;

For God sees us each,

With infinite worth.

In His holy love,

Comfort He does bring;

Full of compassion,

Our reason to sing.

So, sing out with praise,

All the earth rejoice;

Lift praise to the Lord,

One heart and one voice.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all of heaven and earth has reason to rejoice and be glad, as You bring comfort and compassion to the afflicted and those in need. Thank You that You hear every prayer and see every need. Forgive us for our lack of praise in spaces of struggle. Show us how to rejoice and hold hope in tangible ways that spread joy to those around us. Help us to love all those whom we have contact with in ways that encourage and strengthen them with joy and hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You with grateful hearts, full of hope, as You are our Comforter, full of compassion in every season of our lives. Amen.

 

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

 

“I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” – Luke 19:40

What’s In a Name?

What’s in a name? Each of us bears a name that has been bestowed upon us by those who have raised us. For many, the name selected either has familial significance, or was chosen based on the actual meaning of the name. There are others, however, whose parents simply selected a name that they were fond of, and went with it.

 

For me, my parents wanted to celebrate our Irish ancestry and selected my first name from a map of Ireland. Interestingly, Shannon means Godly wisdom. Though I am not wise in my own strength, He has given me wisdom and insight at pivotal points in my life, as it has been needed. My middle name, Elizabeth, is after my grandmother, whom I admire most in my family. As we share this middle name, it too, has significant meaning. Elizabeth means, “my God is an oath.” He is a promise that is held in my life, and He provides wisdom as it is needed. Both are beautiful blessings. However, before I was ever born, He knew me and called me His own. The name that matters far more than any other, is the one in which He refers to us as “MINE.” We are His – kept, valued, loved, and planned with a purpose.

 

Listen to me, you islands; hear this you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb He has spoken my name. – (Isaiah 49:1)

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11)

 

What is in a name,

bestowed unto us?

For before our birth,

were plans of Jesus.

He called us by name,

with purpose in mind;

hand-crafted in love,

carefully designed.

Each one created,

uniquely we’re made;

with significance,

meant to be displayed.

Gifts that He’s given,

intended to share;

so others may know,

His kindness and care.

Rise up in courage,

share all He has done;

for as we go forth,

the battle is won.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have chosen and called us by name, even before we were born. Thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for our lives, and that Your plans are good. Thank You that no matter what our earthly name means, the most significant name that we carry is the one that deems us Your children. Forgive us for questioning our value or purpose, or the value or purpose of others. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may recognize Your workmanship in ourselves and others, and celebrate the strengths that You have placed in all of us for Your glory. Lead us to love others well, so that we might walk out our purpose as You intended. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to know and embrace the name by which You call us all – MINE. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – I Chronicles 16:31