Where to Take Troubles

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer. – (Psalm 120:1, NLT)

I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me. – (Psalm 120:1, NIV)

 

When troubles come, and panic mode hits an all time high, we can either work ourselves in a frenzy, bury our head in the sand or bow our knees. God hears and answers the faithful prayers of those who seek Him. He hears every cry, and knows every need. There is no trouble nor trial that escapes His notice, and He is ready and willing to walk beside us, and move on our behalf. This weekend was one of those weekends for me. I had an obstacle that I could not overcome, and it seemed every turn that I took to try to accomplish what was needed, fell short. Finally, in my frustration, I hit my knees and bowed my head – calling out to God for help, as there was no possible way for me to do what I needed to do on my own. Yesterday, I thought a solution was before me, so peace was present. When I realized there had been a mishap and what I thought was the answer, was not, again, the frustration and fear began to creep in. Half-hearted prayers escaped my lips, and I continued through the morning as if swimming through mud. Then, when I had reached my breaking point, a dear friend stepped in and walked beside me, and together we navigated the unknown. God knew what I needed, and provided, at just the right time. He heard my cries and answered my prayer. He is good and He is faithful, no matter how things appear. May we rise up in trust, and call on Christ in our distress, for He hears and He answers when we come before Him.

 

When troubles come near,

cry out to the Lord;

for He hears each cry,

all grace He affords.

He answers the cries,

of those who choose seek;

the Lord in distress,

for strength when we’re weak.

He walks beside us,

when the storms rage on;

He is our safety,

for our whole life long.

May we learn to trust,

the Lord in all things;

for He calms the storm,

and true peace He brings.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring our troubles before You, and You hear our cries and answer our prayers. Thank You that You walk beside us in the throes of life’s storms, and You never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for attempting to figure things out on our own, rather than seek Your help in all things. Teach us to trust You more, as You are the answer to all that we are asking. Show us how to love others in a way that brings peace to distress and help to spaces of trouble, so that they might gain a glimpse of You through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we call out to You in our distress, and trust You to answer our heart’s cry. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Equipped for Desert Seasons

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert. – (Luke 4:1)

Jesus was not tempted and put through trials in the desert until after He had been equipped with the filling of the Holy Spirit. God is loving and kind, and prepares protection for His children. Just as He placed His Spirit in Jesus at the Jordan so that He’d be able to obey all that was asked of Him despite the distractions and temptations, God does the same for us. He doesn’t allow us into “desert seasons” without first equipping us to stand strong, regardless of how things appear. God fills us and leads us, so that we may be ready to withstand whatever comes our way. May we seek His strength in our desert spaces, and trust that He has equipped and empowered us for such a time as this.

In every heart,

http://www.f-lohmueller.de

that calls on His Name;

the Spirit comes dwell,

for all of our days.

He’ll lead and He’ll guide,

and strength He will give;

so we can stand strong,

in His power, live.

No matter what comes,

a trial or storm;

when we trust in Him,

our heart shall transform.

Where defeat once stood,

our faith shall give rise;

for by God’s great grace,

hope opens our eyes.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t allow us to walk through desert seasons without first equipping us to withstand whatever lies ahead. Thank You that You are faithful to never leave us nor forsake us, and that we can always trust in You. Forgive us for our lack of faith and perseverance, and teach us to trust You more. Help us to rise up and recognize that far greater are You who is in us, than anything that comes against us. Lead us to love others through their desert places, and help us point to You – the only water that refreshes our souls. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your Spirit in us when we are in the desert or being tempted in ways that seem too difficult to withstand. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

Making the Impossible Possible

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible.” – (Mark 10:27)

 

Though Jesus was speaking to His disciples in regard to a rich man entering the kingdom of God, this applies to all that He asks us to do. For whatever He calls us, He also equips and empowers us, despite the seeming impossibility that lies before us. On our own, we are ill-equipped for the road He asks us to travel. Even when we are called to operate in an area of our strength, there always seems to be an element of impossibility or difficulty so that we must rely on the Lord and His wisdom and strength, to effectively complete what He has asked us to do. May we go forth trusting in Him to make the seemingly impossible, possible, where He has called us to go.

 

So often we’re called,

to rise to a task;

much larger than us,

yet the Lord has asked.

Where there seems no way,

in Christ we can do;

far more than we think,

for His word is true.

When He calls us forth,

He’ll too, make a way;

for us to rise up,

by faith, we obey.

Impossible things,

no longer are so;

rather, steps of faith,

to help us to grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though much is impossible on our own, with You, all things are possible. Thank You that what You call us to do, You also equip and empower us to accomplish. Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, but You remain present, wherever we are. Forgive us for our fear and hesitation when the road before us seems impossible, and teach us to trust You more so that we might see the obstacles through Your eyes. Lead us to love others with Your love that knows no limits, and help many to discover a personal relationship with You as a result. Be glorified O God, as we rise up and trust You to make the impossible, possible. Amen.

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

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10