An Impossible Pairing

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. – (Romans 12:12, ERV)

Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. – (Romans 12:12, VOICE)

 

Joy and patience seem like an impossible pairing, but if I have learned anything from our present circumstances of walking out this road to recovery with mom, following her stroke, it is that there is joy in hope, despite the struggle through what has been lost. Every day there are new celebrations of pathways that are rerouting, and awe at how the brain is healing. Restoration of movement to a side struck by a stroke is slow, yet there is joy each new day, as we see evidence of God’s faithful presence and His hand as mom’s strength is being rebuilt.

Yesterday was a day full of joyful hope. Even the weather seemed to mirror a sort of tangible weight that somehow was lifted. You see, the last several days here have been dark, gloomy, and on the cooler side, which is not typical for this time of year in Wenatchee. That being said, it was a blessing, as there was something wrong with the irrigation main for mom’s neighborhood, and the lawn would not have fared well if the weather had been warmer. As I woke and took my usual spot at the kitchen table in the early hours yesterday morning, I could tell the atmosphere outside was changing. The sky was lighter, and the seeming heaviness in the air had lifted. The thermometer just outside the window already read in the low 60s, so I knew we were on a much warmer trend for the day. When Meg and I left for the hospital to be with mom, I thought we were saying our goodbyes to my husband, as he had indicated that he was heading straight home from the house. My brother-in-love and nephews were planning to stop by to say goodbye to mom before heading out of town, so we knew we would see them on their way out. To my surprise, all four fellas (my hubby included) walked into the acute care center and mom was beaming. What a boost for all of us before her last full day in that place! Mom teared up a bit as the guys said their goodbyes, and I think there may have been a few misty-eyed fellas too, but they were happy tears of love and mutual appreciation, with eager anticipation for their return visit. Our day was a wonderful combination of therapies, rest, wandering outdoors, and loads of laughter. Mom, Meg and I laughed more yesterday than we have laughed in a very long time. There was a lightness in our hearts, as I think each one of us sensed that though we do not know what the road ahead will look like, we will be okay as we navigate the unknown together. It has always been the three of us, and it is not about to change now. God has us in His hands. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He has a plan and a purpose; even in this. May we ever present our prayers before He who is abundantly able to answer, and allow His joy to abound, even in difficult circumstances.

 

Be joyful in hope,

For God never fails;

His purpose and plan,

Shall always prevail.

Patience in struggles,

For we’re in His hands;

He’ll lead and guide us,

Help us safely land.

Keep lifting in prayer,

Each dream, hope and care;

Of His direction,

He’ll make us aware.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the reason that we have joy and hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, and that You direct our every step, and hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Forgive us for our fears of the unknown, as our humanity fears what we cannot see. Teach us to trust You more in the spaces that seem unsteady, for You are our anchor in every storm. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers joy, peace, hope and grace, no matter what surrounds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and listen to Your leading for every next step we are meant to take. Amen.

 

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

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

His Hand is Our Help

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – (Isaiah 41:13)

 

Have you ever been in a scary space of waiting? That place of uncertainty where desperation is beginning to creep in, and as you cry out to Christ, you cannot help but feel afraid? Currently, I am in a holding pattern that could be quite costly if Christ does not move in a mighty way, and quickly. I know He is far greater than my circumstances, but in my humanity, I cannot help but fight the fear. His presence is very real. I have known Christ in a tangible way since I was quite small. His faithfulness has been shown to me over and over again, throughout my entire life, yet I still find that fear creeps in. This morning, I needed this concrete reminder of Who exactly is in charge. The Lord, my God, will take hold of my hand, and He tells me to not be afraid, and that He will help me. This, this is reassurance. No matter what I see, or what I feel, He is in control. My job is to trust. Sometimes, the hardest part is actually extending my hand to reach for His, for fear that His hand will not be ready to take mine. That being said, He is always there waiting. Never will He leave us, nor forsake us. On Him alone, can we depend. may we reach out our right hand, past the point of fear, and allow the Lord to lead us and help us through our every circumstance.

 

In uncertainty,

when I am afraid;

I’ll reach out to You,

where all fears must fade.

For You take my hand,

and say, “Do not fear;”

and You are my help,

my hope that stays near.

No matter what’s seen,

Your truth shall remain;

You are far greater,

and make my path plain.

Lead me, Lord Jesus,

no matter what comes;

hold fast to my hand,

let Your will be done.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Lord, my God, who takes hold of my right hand and tells me to not be afraid, because You will help me. Thank You that You are greater than any circumstance that comes our way, and that You are more than enough. Forgive us for our fears and lack of faith when trials come our way, and teach us to trust You more. Lead us to reach out our right hand with an unwavering faith, knowing that You are already there, waiting to take hold of us and lead us on the path that You have prepared for us to go. Show us how to love others with Your love, so that many may come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we take Your hand and walk forward without fear, trusting You to be our help. Amen.

For a song that brings great reminders of His reassurance: Your Promises by Elevation Worship.

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

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

The Help of the Holy Spirit

God wants you to know you are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you. – (footnotes for John 16:1-16)

 

John 16:1-16 is Jesus teaching His disciples about the Holy Spirit whom He will send when He is no longer with them. Though they do not initially grasp what Jesus is saying, all of His words come alive in the beginning of Acts.

 

Today, more than anything else, I think I needed to be reminded that I am never alone. He is always with me. He is my Comforter, my Teacher, and my Helper in all things and at all times, regardless of how I feel. When I am less aware of His presence, perhaps because the chaos is too close, I have to choose to trust. He is faithful, and will never leave me nor forsake me. Time and time again, He has proven this to be so. As I am intentional with my time, and rise early to find quiet space in His presence, He is faithful; always. The tossing and turning, times of sleeplessness, often are meant to be times to stop and just listen as well. Father, thank You that You pursue us in the quiet spaces, and remain present, even when we are beyond overwhelmed.

 

When chaos surrounds,

and the walls close in;

call on Christ Jesus,

He’s dwelling within.

Our Comfort, present,

we needn’t look far;

He is here with us,

wherever we are.

He’ll teach us the truth,

when we are confused;

be our Source of strength,

our Help and good news.

So seek quiet space,

allow Him to speak;

He will be our strength,

when we’re feeling weak.

Even in the storms,

true peace can be found;

by resting in Christ;

our true solid ground.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that with You dwelling in us, we are never alone. Thank You that You are our Comforter, our Teacher, and our Help. Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, and that Your presence and Your promises remain forever. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when the chaos overwhelms, and help us to hold fast to You. Thank You that when we are weak, You are strong. Help us to trust You in all things and at all times, regardless of what is going on around us. Lead us to love as You love us, and may many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified as we seek You in our storms. Amen.

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

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

To Remain in His Love

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. – (John 15:9)

 

The love of the Father and of the Son, extend beyond human understanding. We may grasp but a glimmer of their love in how we love our spouses, children, families and friends, but it does not even begin to scratch the surface of the sort of sacrificial and all-encompassing love that God the Father, and Jesus, His only Son, have for us, their created. While we were yet sinners, they loved – loved to the point that a plan was put into place so that a way could be made for each of us to have the option of eternal life. If we choose to invite Christ to be the Lord of our lives, and remain in the love that He freely gives, both our present and future are secure in Him. Though troubles and trials will come, He will remain. His love will never leave us nor forsake us, and His promises are provided forever. What abundant and complete hope we hold when we remain in His love.

 

Faith, hope and love,

the truth that remains;

gifts of His grace,

to wash all our stains.

He asks us to stay,

remain in His love;

embrace the gift,

He grants from above.

May we hold fast,

to all that He gives;

let our hearts praise,

the reason we live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved so much that You sent Your one and only Son to make the way for us to spend eternity with You. Jesus, thank You for loving us with Your very life, while we were yet Your enemies. Thank You that when we give our lives to You, You call us friends, and welcome us into Your family. Thank You that our hope is held for all time in the blessing of Your lavish love for us. Forgive us for not receiving that which You freely give, or for running from that which You ask us to do. Jesus, grant us the courage to remain in Your love, so that we may be bold before all men. May many come to know You as their Lord and Savior, and receive Your love for themselves. Be glorified as we remain in Your love today. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.

Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19