Ponder the Wonderful Things

I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds. – (Psalm 77:12, NIV)

I’ll ponder all the things You’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at Your acts. – (Psalm 77:12, MSG)

I ponder all You’ve done, Lord, musing on all Your miracles. – (Psalm 77:12, TPT)

 

Though I have spent much time pondering the things that God has done, especially over the last three and a half months, today is a perfect day to really recognize the mighty miracles of God, as mom and I spend our last full day together. Tomorrow, I return home to Federal Way, and mom will begin her journey in Albany, Oregon. It will be a strange separation for both of us, yet a well-timed return to my family and an opportunity for mom to spend time with my sister and her family as well.

First, the greatest gift and mightiest miracle is that mom is still here with us. The circumstances surrounding her stroke were a bit horrifying, as she was alone for three days before she was found. God, in His faithfulness, held and sustained her, protecting her life and quickening our hearts to call emergency services to do a wellness check. Already, mom has regained much of what was initially lost following the stroke. When we first arrived, her voice was so soft, it was barely audible, and words were very difficult for her to find. She had no control of the right side of her body, and was restricted in swallowing and positioning, as well as in a space of needing a bit of oxygen at night, due to the damage done. Since that time, her dietary restrictions were quickly lifted, as any swallowing concerns dissipated rapidly, and likewise did the need for oxygen. I have had the incredible blessing of watching her healing unfold. Mom has gone from no movement on her right side, to now being able to walk up and down her hallway with a platform walker, and navigate her front porch steps and into the grass with a hemi-walker. Her healing has come not all at once, but in small victories, one day at a time. Though seemingly painfully slow, to look back, it is a wonder to ponder all that He has accomplished. The thing that I remind her of most often when she becomes discouraged with the pace, is that it takes a baby a year to learn to walk, and here she is, a bit more than three months post-stroke, walking with a walker and tackling stairs! Way ahead of the curve. 😊 Additionally, God has blessed my relationship with my mom. Though we have always been close, He has orchestrated an opportunity for a tenderness that has not been present since I was small. My mom is an inspiration, and one of my reasons to live this life well.

Tomorrow will be a travel day for all of us, with me leaving in the early morning to head home, unload the car, then drive with my husband another hundred-plus miles to Anacortes to pick up my boys from their long cruise. Meanwhile, mom, Megan and Scott will be traveling the seven-plus hours to Albany, after loading and doing all of the final preparations for closing mom’s home for the season. Please join us in praying for traveling mercies, especially for mom, as she is a bit nervous to ride in a car for so many hours.

May we all take pause and ponder all of the wonderful things that God has done, for He is for us, and He ultimately uses all things for good.

 

The Lord, He is good,

In all of His ways;

He blesses, protects,

Throughout all our days.

God moves the mountains,

That stand in our way;

Or shows us the route,

The path, He’ll display.

Mighty miracles,

We cannot repay;

Instead we give thanks,

And ponder His grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless ways that You love us, bless us and protect us. Thank You for all that we have to remember and ponder because You are so loving and kind. Forgive us for the times that we get caught up in the chaos of what lies before us, and do not take pause to ponder Your faithfulness that has always been with us prior. Teach us to remember so that we trust You more. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends grace and faithfulness, and inspires faith in Your goodness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ponder the many miracles that You have done, and all that is yet to come. Amen.

 

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

 

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. – Psalm 143:5

Meditate on His Mighty Deeds

I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds. – (Psalm 77:12, NIV)

I’ll ponder all the things You’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at Your acts. – (Psalm 77:12, MSG)

 

Right now, I find myself in a strange sort of holding pattern. God has brought me through a long, stormy season, into a space that feels settled and secure. That being said, there is a sense of unrest in the wait for what is next. Settled is never really settled, but rather a season of preparation for what is yet to come. It does not mean another storm is brewing, but there is an anticipation of change on the horizon. Some of the change to come is known, yet there is much that is not. This is a space where I have a choice to either fret about the future, or look back at the faithfulness of God thus far, and trust Him in all that is yet to come. David, despite the struggle he was dealing with as he wrote Psalm 77, chose to remember the things that the Lord had done already, and look at the love with which God had operated thus far. It is no different for us today. The very same God who was faithful to fulfill His promises to David, is true to His word for us. We can ponder that which He has done, and meditate on His mighty deeds. The Lord is faithful, and we can trust Him to lead us where we are meant to go, and to be present each step that we take. May we remember all that He has accomplished in us, through us and around us, so that we will trust Him for all that lies ahead.

 

I will consider,

All that You have done;

For You’ve been faithful,

God, Most Holy One.

When I am anxious,

Or I feel afraid;

I must remember,

To trust You, always.

In every storm,

You have remained near;

My strength and shelter,

Voice of hope made clear.

Help me remember,

O Lord, that You’re near;

In times of waiting,

Help my heart to hear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful forever, and that we can trust in You. Thank You that when we are afraid or uncertain, we can look back on all that You have done in our lives, and know that You are who You say You are. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of faith. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would look forward in faith, with the memories of Your former faithfulness fueling our fortitude in knowing that You will be faithful for what lies ahead. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we might build up and encourage, just as we are encouraged by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ponder all that You have accomplished, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Amen.

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

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1