Peace That is Present

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NIV)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

Jesus knew the difficulty and heartache that we would endure. He came so that we would never have to walk through challenges alone, and made the way for His peace to be present with us, always. When we receive Him, His Spirit dwells in us and grants us peace, even when peace does not make sense. It does not mean trouble will be absent, rather it means that we have the blessed assurance that we will never walk through difficulty alone. God with us, means that He is present to strengthen, comfort, encourage, and uphold us in and through all things. Every trial, heartache, and challenge, He has faced and understands what we need to keep moving forward. Jesus comes alongside us and provides so that we know His goodness and peace, even in the most difficult of circumstances. May we ever thank the Lord for His presence that provides us His perfect peace.

No matter what comes,

the Lord’s ever near;

His presence brings peace,

as grace is made clear.

His love upholds us,

in everything;

His help grants us hope,

our Eternal King.

Peace that is present,

when chaos seems reign;

hope through the heartache,

all in His great Name.

Trust in His goodness,

as He brings release;

the help that we need,

and His perfect peace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to be with us and to grant us Your Spirit. Thank You that Your nearness provides peace, even when peace does not make sense. Forgive us for the times that we allow the chaos around us to crowd out our peace. Teach us to lean into You, for You are peace in all things and at all times. Thank You that You are the peace that is present no matter what comes. Show us how to be ambassadors of Your peace. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and peace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your present peace and trust You to be ever near. Amen.

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

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

God is… (Day 22 – Omnipresent)

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. – (Colossians 1:17, NIV)

The Son was there before anything was made. And all things continue because of Him. – (Colossians 1:17, ERV)

He has always been! It is His hand that holds everything together. – (Colossians 1:17, VOICE)

Omnipresence means all-present. It reminds us that God is able to be everywhere at the same time, and that His divine presence goes before us, is with us, and surrounds us, no matter where we are or where we go. I was acutely aware of this attribute of God yesterday, as I had a routine medical procedure done, and simultaneously, my best friend was in surgery, halfway across the country. God was with us both. For me, He surrounded me with kind people who set my mind at ease, and made the procedure a positive experience. For my bestie, He upheld her and gave the surgical team wisdom, as they were able to do a much less invasive surgery than originally thought, and the prognosis for her is excellent. He knows what we need before we ask, and is with us in and through all things. May we ever seek the Lord in all things, and trust in His presence to provide all that we need. He is good, and He will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter what comes our way.

Wherever we go,

the Lord is there too;

He’s omnipresent,

His nearness shines through.

Whatever we face,

it’s never alone;

for He is with us,

and makes His love known.

On the mountaintop,

and the deepest sea;

where I go, He’s there,

He’s present with me.

Never will He leave,

nor forsake His own;

ever He’s with us,

’til He leads us home.

All thanks be to God,

forever He’s near;

loving through all things,

and fending off fear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are omnipresent, for knowing that You are everywhere, always, brings comfort and peace. Thank You that You show us again and again that You are able to be with us all. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we face unknowns. Remind us anew that You are with us to be our comfort, peace, and provision. Teach us how to trust You more. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your presence known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your omnipresence, for we need You in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of Your deeds. – Psalm 73:28

Reign in Love

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, ERV)

Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you. – (1 Peter 5:7, TPT)

For many, this upcoming week creates much anxiety, worry and stress. No matter the outcome of the election, there will be people who are upset. What we must remember, no matter who is chosen, God is still on the throne. He cares for each of us, regardless of our party affiliation. Each of us is created and chosen by Him, with a plan and a purpose. No elected official nor governing body can get in the way of God’s care for each of us, individually and corporately. God is the God of miracles, and He can move mountains and change hearts so that His plans prevail and His love is made known. May we each give our cares, concerns and stress to Him, and allow His love to tenderly care for us. Let His love be made known in and through us.

O Lord, unto You,

We humbly come;

Bringing our worries,

Trusting Your outcome.

In all that we face,

We’re never alone;

The Lord always cares,

And makes His love known.

So, ever seek Him,

Hope in love and grace;

For God’s on the throne,

Let none take His place.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring our every worry, care, concern or stress to You, and You show us Your loving kindness and grace. Thank You that no matter who is elected, You are the One who rules heaven and earth. Forgive us for allowing anxiety or fear to dictate how we interact with others. Show us how to love above all else. Teach us how to give You our cares and concerns, and to receive Your tender mercies that are new every morning. Lead us to love all those around us as You do; for You always loved first. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we lift our every concern to You, and trust You to reign and rule in Your love. Amen.

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

Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – Psalm 9:10

Yet to Come

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, NIV)

You don’t know where the wind blows. And you don’t know how a baby grows in its mother’s womb. In the same way, you don’t know what God will do – and He makes everything happen. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, ERV)

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, NLT)

 

God amazes me every single day. Last night, my sister, brother-in-love and I were on the phone, debriefing about the team meeting that had taken place earlier in the day, regarding the plan for mom’s care at her current acute care facility. Right now, they are predicting her transition date to be the 28th of May. To all of us, mom included, that seems awfully soon. The thought of leaving a space where she is thriving and growing, receiving the care and assistance needed to regain what was lost to the stroke, seems like a cruel insurance decision, based on the bottom line. In our own understanding, we cannot fathom how this would possibly work. Though she has made phenomenal gains, she still has a long road ahead to reach a point where independence is possible. God knows our need. He formed her body, and He knows how to heal her. He knows what exercises and therapies will reroute and reestablish the connections to bring forth the movements required to regain what her heart desires. I have watched in wonder as she has advanced level after level in a single session with memory and speech function. Mom’s ability to communicate the things that she desires to say, are coming far more rapidly, and she too, is noticing and celebrating the gains. Yes, modern science can track where the wind blows and watch how a baby grows, but ultimately, they still cannot control, nor determine the if and when at all. This is where trust and hope and faith must find footing. Yes, we will fight for mom, as we want her to have the very best care to regain everything she desires. That being said, we also will trust the One who can do exceedingly more than we could ever hope or imagine, as our ways are not necessarily His ways. We thought the best acute care facility for mom would be near one of us, out of town, but as it turns out, right here in Wenatchee is exactly where God intended her to be. God knows, and believe it or not, He loves our mom even more than we do. May we ever trust in Him who is exceedingly able to do more than we ever could hope or imagine, by His mighty hand.

 

Though we do not know,

Where our feet may land;

We can always trust,

That God has a plan.

For God’s plans are good,

To bless and to grow;

To prosper, not harm,

His mercies shall show.

So often the road,

Seems narrow and wrong;

Yet turns out to be,

Just where we belong.

And as we journey,

Through this life to home;

He’s also promised,

We’re never alone.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us, and that Your plans are to prosper us and not harm us. Your plans are good, and Your ways are right. Forgive us for our doubts and fears when the road ahead does not make sense, based on what our eyes can see and our minds can comprehend. Teach us to view things through Your perspective rather than our own. Show us the miracles that are waiting in the wings, as we trust in Your goodness and grace. Grant us patience and strength as we wait. Lead us to love and encourage mom as You would, and may our heart for You be evident to all we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, in what is and what is yet to come. Amen.

 

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

 

“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 a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Knowing His Nearness

I always remember that the Lord is with me. He is here, close by my side, so nothing can defeat me. – (Psalm 16:8, ERV)

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. – (Psalm 16:8, NLT)

 

No matter where we go or what we are facing, we are never alone. When we have invited Christ to be Lord of our lives, He remains present to be our help and our strength. I love that He cares about even the little details. Yesterday, I walked into a situation that I was nervous about; not because it was bad, nor dangerous – just that it was new and unknown, and I was uneasy. He was with me, and postured people appropriately to put my heart at ease. As I left my experience, I found my heart full of gratitude for the grace that I had been given, and the care I had been shown. The Lord is as close as our next breath, and will never leave us nor forsake us. He is faithful, and I am grateful. May we ever place our trust in Him.

 

The Lord, He is good,

He always remains;

My help and my hope,

With strength, He sustains.

I won’t be shaken,

With God by my side;

As He is for me,

In Him, I’ll abide.

Always remember,

In love the Lord reigns;

With our God for us,

No fear can remain.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us, close beside us so that nothing can shake us. Thank You that You are our Defender and our strength. Forgive us for our fear and lack of faith. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would not forget how much greater You are than anything that may lie before us. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they might see Your faithfulness through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your nearness, always. 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

Day and Night He Loves to Life

But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life. – (Psalm 42:8, NLT)

By day the Lord commands His faithful love; by night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life. – (Psalm 42:8, CEB)

Yet in the light of day, the Eternal shows me His love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company – His soothing song, a prayerful melody to the True God of my life. – (Psalm 42:8, VOICE)

 

God’s love for us is not limited. He does not operate on a time clock, nor does He only make Himself available during certain hours of the day. The love of the Lord is being poured out upon us, day and night. When we prayerfully seek Him, He meets us in the moment – to comfort us and remind us of His presence and the hope that we have in Him. The more we seek Him, the more readily His songs rise up within our hearts, and go out to Him in prayer. His faithful love soothes even the weariest of souls, and we are never truly alone when we have the Lord in our lives. May we turn to Christ in prayer, and rest in Him as He pours His unfailing love upon us and soothes us with His sweet songs of life.

 

The love of the Lord,

shall never fail us;

for both day and night,

the Lord hears requests.

As we pray to Him,

He soothes us with song;

grants life unto us,

hope for our life long.

When all things seem dark,

the Lord’s love is light;

that chases away,

all that is not right.

For He is our God,

Who hears each heart cry;

He loves us to life,

and peace He supplies.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You pour out Your unfailing love upon us each new day. Thank You that Your love is not limited to certain times of the day, but day and night – always – You are available and listening, present and willing to meet us in our place of need. Thank You that our prayers are met with Your comfort, and that Your songs soothe the weariest of souls. Thank You that You give us life everlasting in You. Forgive us for placing limits upon You, as if You were a mere man, rather than the Most Holy God, who sees, hears and knows what we need before we even ask. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would come to You in all things and at all times, confident that You will meet us in our moments, as You are always faithful. Show us how to love others in a way that brings comfort and encouragement, just as You comfort and encourage us. May many find hope and life everlasting in You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and sing Your songs, as You grant us life. Amen.

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

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21

Gratitude is Not Conditional

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

Give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) – (1 Thessalonians 5:18, VOICE)

 

Gratitude is the attitude that should be ever present among believers. Though our circumstances may be less than stellar sometimes, we have the assurance that our ultimate outcome will be far greater than we can even begin to imagine. This hope that we hold is reason enough to be thankful at all times, regardless of what we are going through. Additionally, even when we walk through our darkest times, we are never alone. Christ comes near and remains present, granting us further reason to be thankful in all things. May we give thanks with a grateful heart, not necessarily for what we are going through, but for He who walks beside us, and gives us help and hope and strength to get to the other side.

 

No matter what comes,

give thanks to the Lord;

not for circumstance,

but hope He affords.

For all in this life,

is but a season;

hope is eternal,

our thanking reason.

Let every heart,

rise up and give praise;

not for what we see,

but for the Lord’s ways.

In each circumstance,

know that the Lord’s near;

each cry of our heart,

is heard by His ear.

Thanks be to the Lord,

for now and always;

in each circumstance,

let us choose to praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, no matter what comes our way. Thank You that You goodness and faithfulness are not dependent on our circumstances. Thank You that when we belong to You, our hope is steadfast and secure forever. Forgive us for forgetting our reasons to give thanks in ALL things and at ALL times, despite the difficulties we endure. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would remember our reasons to give You thanks and praise, even when the things around us are less than ideal. Show us how to love others in a way that offers hope and help in the midst of challenging seasons, so that they may see the light of Your hope in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we give thanks to You no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, for You are ALWAYS worthy of our thanks and praise. Amen.

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

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

Courage to Overcome

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in Me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” – (John 16:33, ERV)

 

Jesus let His followers know that a life of faithfulness to Him would not be free from trouble, but even in the throws of the most difficult circumstances, they would never be alone. Christ came and defeated death and darkness, so that we may have light and life in Him. No matter what we face in the present, our future holds the hope of eternal glory in His perfect presence. We can take courage no matter what we face, for Christ already came and conquered on our behalf. In Him, we are more than able to endure and overcome what lies before us, and reach that which awaits. His peace is available now, in spite of our circumstances, and His strength is provided as it is needed. May we seek Him and trust Him to be our peace and our strength, so that we may be brave in the face of trouble, knowing that He has already overcome all that we are facing.

 

Jesus has spoken,

these words unto us;

that we shall find peace,

despite our chaos.

No matter what comes,

Jesus is our place;

where courage is found,

as He pours out grace.

All that we shall face,

He’s already done;

the victory His,

at the cross, He won.

So fear not the world,

and what it may throw;

for when we’re in Christ,

the outcome we know.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have peace in You, no matter what troubles come our way. Thank You that we can be brave in the face of our trials and struggles, knowing that You have already overcome the world. Thank You that though we may walk through heartache and hard, our present situation is not our final destination. Forgive us for losing an eternal perspective as we go about our days, and help us to see things through Your lens. Teach us to trust You more, even in the hardest spaces. Lead us to love others in a way that provides perspective, strength and courage when they are stuck in the struggle too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we receive Your peace that surpasses all understanding, no matter our circumstances, and fear not in the face of our trials as we remember that You have already overcome all that we are facing. 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

Strengthen Our Hands

They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” – (Nehemiah 6:9)

 

What do we do when opposition comes our way as we are doing the work that God has called us to do? Do we cry out for strength, or do we seek escape? Nehemiah encountered intense opposition when he went to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Everywhere he turned, there was someone seeking to stop the work that he had been sent to carry out. Nehemiah was steadfast and secure in his faith, and prayed for strength to persevere, even in the face of adversity. We too, are called to do likewise. Just because we are called to do something, it does not mean the road to completion will be a smooth and straight path. Often, there are obstacles to overcome, and foes to face, as we persevere in faith, despite opposition. Regardless of how things appear, we are to be faithful to what He has called us to do. Christ alone, is the One who supplies the strength that is needed to successfully complete our tasks. May we continually seek Him and His strength, as we faithfully walk forward in obedience to all that He asks.

 

Though rocky the road,

that Christ takes us on;

we’re never alone,

and He’ll make us strong.

We need to seek Him,

with all that we are;

trust His strength, not ours,

and we will go far.

His way is the best,

no matter how rough;

all can be conquered,

in Christ, we’re enough.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though on our own we grow weary and weak, in You, we can do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank You that You are our Source and Supply. Thank You that when we pray to You, You hear our cries, and You are near. Forgive us for seeing obstacles before us and running the opposite direction or standing stuck, rather than seeking You for strength to persevere. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will see obstacles as opportunities for growth and further dependence upon You. May we stand in awe of the obstacles You have brought us through, and may we share our stories with those who need to hear. Let us love others as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come to know You as their Savior and their strength, as we seek to serve You well. Be glorified, Lord God, as we prayerfully go forth, depending on Your strength as we go. Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3