Pursuing Our Provider

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – (Psalm 105:4, NIV)

Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to Him for help. – (Psalm 105:4, ERV)

Search for the Lord and His strength; continually seek Him. – (Psalm 105:4, NLT)

Look to, depend on, and search for the Lord and His strength, are perfect reminders of our need to pursue our Provider in this season of busy that can leave us feeling depleted. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him. His love never fails. These are important reminders, as this week, the last before Spring Break, seems to be the longest of the year. May we ever look to the Lord for strength, depend on Him to be present, and search for Him, as He will be found by the seeking.

When weary and worn,

I look to the Lord;

For in Him I find,

His strength, He’ll outpour.

God’s goodness and grace,

Meet me in this space;

He renews resolve,

Throughout all my days.

Resolve to press on,

Keep going as called;

Presence and His peace,

By grace, He installs.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we look to You, depend on You and search for You, You meet us in our need and supply what we are lacking. Thank You for Your strength when ours has run out. Forgive us for allowing weariness to drag us down. Teach us to trust You more, as You provide Your rest at the perfect time. Show us how to love and strengthen those around us, so they may be ever aware of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue You and Your provision to carry us when we feel depleted. Amen.

 

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

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

Identify, Speak and Trust

Yesterday, my pastor continued in a series titled, “Miracles“. The passage from which he brought forth his message, was Mark 4:35-41. This story is quite familiar to many, as it is the story of when Jesus calms the storm. That being said, there were elements within the unpacking, that I had not quite seen in that particular light before.

First, when the disciples were crossing as Jesus had charged them to do, a furious squall came upon them while He slept. The disciples were terrified, yet Jesus was able to sleep. Jesus was able to rest because He was doing what His Father had called Him to do, therefore He was at peace. As for the squall, there is so often a push back from hell when we move in the direction to which God has called us. (For on the other side, was the demoniac waiting to be set free, whose testimony would change the lives of many.)

When the disciples woke Jesus and asked Him if He even cared if they drowned, He rose and commanded the wind and waves to “Quiet! Be still!” Speaking to a storm is no ordinary response. Typically, there is no need to rebuke an object. However, when what was occurring was spiritual in nature, the rebuke was for that which was at the root, to stop. (And not likely in a still small voice)

Just as Jesus commanded for that which rose up against them to “BE STILL!”, we too have the very same power within us, when we find ourselves in a storm. We are best able to weather the storms if we: 1) Identify the storm, 2) Speak to the storm (claim God’s truth), and 3) Trust the outcome to God. – (Pastor Jon McIntosh)

When fear rises up,

and floods us with lies;

the intent of hell,

is our quick demise.

Yet within our hearts,

the power to speak;

to silence the storms,

and strengthen the weak.

For God did not give,

a spirit of fear;

instead He’s present,

He is ever near.

Every outcome,

He already knows;

so we need not fear,

each time the wind blows.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when the storms of life come all around us, You are already in the boat beside us. Thank You that though things may seem dire, You have set a course before us and will not leave us. Thank You that when resistance comes against us moving in the direction to which we are called, You have already placed Your power within us to stand firm and speak to the storm. Forgive us for allowing fear to reign, when fear is only based on what our eyes perceive, rather that Your truth. Teach us to trust You and the outcome You have for us, rather than what we imagine. Lead us to love others in such a way, that we can offer calm in their storms and hope in their places of panic. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to Your promises and continue moving in the direction in which we are called. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

He Fulfills in Faithfulness

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of Your hands. – (Psalm 138:8, NIV)

Lord, I know You will do what You have promised. Lord, Your faithful love will last forever. You are the One who made us, so don’t leave us! – (Psalm 138:8, ERV)

David understood the purposes and promises of God in a person’s life. Additionally, he knew what it was to wait and grow in understanding of God’s faithfulness and love in the time between the promise spoken and the fulfillment. Even David, who had seen the faithfulness of God, continued to call and Him and ask God to remain with him in all that he was called to do. It is no different for us today. God has created us each with purpose, and speaks promises over our lives. He is faithful to be present, and He prepares our hearts and minds as we continue to move forward toward the fulfillment. We too, can cry out, asking the Lord to make Himself known, and to continue to work in us and through us as we walk in His way. May we trust in His unfailing love and the permanence of His promises, as we continue to walk forward in the purpose to which we are called.

The Lord will fulfill,

His purpose for me;

His love will endure,

for eternity.

He won’t abandon,

the work of His hands;

He’ll do what He’s said,

to fulfill His plans.

May we call on Him,

and let trust remain;

in Him who’s faithful,

to make our path plain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You will fulfill Your purpose for me and that Your love endures forever. Thank You that You never abandon the work of Your hands. Forgive us for feeling like we have been abandoned when things don’t seem to go the way we think that they ought to, and help us to trust You more, so that we would place all things in Your hands, regardless of how they appear. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may come to know Your mercy and grace. May many choose to walk in Your way. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You, even when we cannot see what You are doing. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31