With Praise

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, …for the Mighty One has done great things for me – Holy is His Name.” – (Luke 1:46-47, 49, NIV)

Then Mary said, “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior… Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His Name is very holy.” – (Luke 1:46-47,49, ERV)

Mary: My soul lifts up the Lord! My spirit celebrates God, my Liberator! For the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is God’s Name! – (Luke 1:46-47,49, VOICE)

A teenage girl, more than 2,000 years ago, sang these words in celebration of being chosen to bear the Savior of the world. Not only did she recognize who God is, but she also celebrated all that He has done. This is the space that I need to soak in for a while. The challenge of the last few weeks has been exhausting, yet God has been with me. He is near, and He grants me tangible reminders of who He is and how He loves. As we finish out our final school day of 2022, I want to stand in a sweet space of gratitude, for God has been good through it all. May we ever praise the Lord because He is our Savior, and give Him thanks for all that He has done and continues to do.

Lord, help me to stand,

In a grateful space;

May thankfulness reign,

As I think of Your grace.

God, You’re always good,

Even through hard times;

Ever You show us,

Your mercy and grace.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

To give You all praise;

No matter what comes,

You’re faithful always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good. Thank You for who You are and how You love and bless us all. Forgive us for the times that we have forgotten the countless blessings You have poured out upon us, or how generously You love. Teach us to ever praise You for who You are and how You love, and to count our blessings on a daily basis, for You alone deserve our praise. Lead us to love those around us like You do. Help us to show goodness, kindness, and love in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the power of who You are and the goodness found in Your incredible love. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Joy and Rest

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. – (Psalm 16:9, HCSB)

So my heart and soul will be very happy. Even my body will live in safety. – (Psalm 16:9, ERV)

This is a good life – my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? – (Psalm 16:9, VOICE)

This feels like the reason for summer break for students and staff alike. Time away provides rest and reflection, and it seems that through this season of rest, hearts are made glad and joy is restored. I am so grateful that God provides what we need when we need it most. Not only has the school year come to a close, but my love has taken vacation time and we are enjoying the opportunity to take care of projects, spend time together, and relish the time we are able to spend with our besties, as they prepare to move out of state in six months. God is good, and my heart is glad. May we ever give thanks to the Lord who fills us with joy, keeps us safe, and provides much needed rest.

Lord, You are so good,

In You, there is rest;

Peace for the weary,

Your joy is the best.

It fills up our hearts,

Surrounds us with peace;

Reminds us again,

Your love will not cease.

You restore in us,

The things that seemed lost;

In safety renew,

Grace never exhausts.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You are where we find joy, security and rest. Thank You that You provide what we need when we need it most. Thank You for seasons that grant us extra rest and refreshment. Forgive us for losing sight of where true joy is found when we are weary. Teach us to trust in You and recognize the joy that we have in You, no matter our circumstances. Show us how to love those around us in ways that provide rest for the weary and extend the joy we have in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and grace that give us joy, rest and security. Amen.

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

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. – Psalm 94:19