Commanded Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

God commanded Joshua to be strong and brave in the face of adversity. The same God who spoke to Joshua to remind him who he is with God, is present to remind us of the very same. Because of Jesus, we not only have God’s words and His presence, but we have His Spirit living in us. We are promised that greater is He who is in us than that which is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Once we realize that God is with us every step that we take, we have no reason to be afraid. May we face each new day with strength and courage, for the God of all goes before us, remains with us, and is beside us, every step that we take.

We are commanded,

To be brave and strong;

Not in our power,

But through God alone.

For He is our strength,

And ever He’s near;

Our Great Provider,

In Him there’s no fear.

Power to press on,

No matter what comes;

Hope, grace, and His help,

Father, Spirit, Son.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call and command us to not be afraid, but You provide Your presence and strength throughout all our days. Forgive us for our fears and doubts that creep in when we cannot see how you are moving on our behalf. Teach us to trust in You through all things, for You already know the outcome. Show us how to love those around us best. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust and rely on You to supply all that we need in the face of adversity. Amen.

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

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

He’ll Lead Through All

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. – (Psalm 46:1, HCSB)

God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. – (Psalm 46:1, ERV)

God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. So why run and hide? – (Psalm 46:1, VOICE)

I imagine many of us can attest to the truth of this verse after the last few years. At times, it has felt as if the whole world has been flipped upside down. Thankfully, God does not change. He is our help and hope, strength and source, and the One whose love knows no end. It is up to us to turn to Him to be these things, but He is ever-present and available. May we ever run to the Lord to be our refuge, strength and help in times of trouble, and the One to whom we ought to bring our thanks and praise.

God is our shelter,

To where we should run;

In Him there’s no fear,

How battles are won.

He too is our strength,

How we persevere;

Help to keep moving,

Ever He is near.

No matter what comes,

The Lord is greater;

He’ll lead us through all,

Holy Creator.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our shelter and strength, our safe space when things don’t make sense. Thank You that we can always call on You and trust that You hear. Forgive us for the times that we have struggled to trust. Teach us to look back and remember Your faithfulness that has always been, and grow our faith further as we press on. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate Your goodness, grace, safety and help. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our refuge, strength and help in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

No Fear in Love

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – (1 John 4:18, NIV)

Love will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love. – (1 John 4:18, VOICE)

There is not room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love. – (1 John 4:18, MSG)

If love is as God intended, there is no room for fear in love. Love created by God is patient, kind, protective, trustworthy, hopeful, and ongoing. As His love grows in us and through us, we discover there is no room for envy, boasting, pride, selfishness, short tempers, grudges or evil of any kind. Each of the attributes of His love combat and cover over the shortcomings that reside in us all. The ongoing pursuit of God’s love for us and through us, removes fear and draws us closer to understanding a fully formed love. May we ever seek the Lord and His lavish love, so that we may go forth and love others in the same way that we are loved by God.

Fear’s an ugly space,

Our hearts should not dwell;

Jesus, our Savior,

Has overcome hell.

It wasn’t by force,

Nor weapons of war;

But rather His love,

That rose, said, “no more”.

His love is perfect,

It drives out all fear;

His goodness shows us,

How God’s love is near.

Lord, please show us how,

To love without fear;

To give as You give,

So true love’s made clear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible love. Thank You that Your perfect love drives out fear. Thank You that You call us to love in the same way. Forgive us for the times that we have not demonstrated love as You intended. Please teach us to love in a way that drives out fear and makes Your goodness and grace abundantly clear. Show us how to love all those around us the way that You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us what love truly is so that we can go forth and love like You. Amen.

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

May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. – Psalm 119:76

Measured By Our Maker

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – (1 John 4:18, NIV)

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is His punishment that makes a person fear. So His love is not made perfect in the one who has fear. – (1 John 4:18, ERV)

There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love. – (1 John 4:18, MSG)

 

I’m not sure why my heart held onto this particular verse this morning as I read through today’s passages, but for whatever reason, it did. Perhaps it is to remind my own heart that above all, I am loved perfectly by God. I am not particularly fearful, yet when I feel overloaded by life, there are things that make me feel anxious, which is really a form of fear. In my case, it is one of “not enough”.  As an educator, mom, wife, daughter, sister, coach, friend, and more, it is easy to place pressure on myself to “measure up” to a certain standard, as there are goals I desire to accomplish, hopes I hold, and dreams that I am pursuing. That being said, I have to remember that we are all on a journey and life is a process. God, in His perfect love, walks beside us, strengthens us, encourages us, and equips us for each next step. The only standard we need worry about “measuring up” to, is His. Just like a loving parent, the Lord asks for obedience, and our best; not perfection. There is no fear in a child who knows that they have done their best to do as their parent has asked of them; it is no different with God. We are loved perfectly because we are His. We are enough because He created us in His image. We need not fear, because His love is for us, and He is far greater than anything that could ever come against us. May we ever rest in God’s perfect love as we press on in all that He has called us to be and do, for in all things, His strength and grace will see us through.

 

No need be afraid,

When doubt dares come near;

For God’s perfect love,

Casts away all fear.

There’s no punishment,

In faithful pursuit;

Instead there is grace,

That none can dispute.

In all things, always,

Seek God and His love;

He’s love perfected,

Strength to rise above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is no fear in love. Thank You that Your love drives fear away, and grants us the strength and resolve to press on and rise up into all that You are calling us to become. Forgive us for our fear, worry and anxiousness about measuring up to the world’s standards, rather than giving our best unto You. Teach us to give all to You in everything we do, so that our trust is in You alone. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends grace, strength, resolve and encouragement where they are needed most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your perfect love and fix our eyes on how You view us, rather than any other standard set in our sight line. Amen.

 

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

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12

Perfect Love Made Visible

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. – (1 John 4:11-12, NIV)

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and His love becomes complete in us – perfect love! – (1 John 4:11-12, MSG)

Delightfully loved ones, if He loved us with such tremendous love, then “loving one another” should be our way of life! No one has ever gazed upon the fullness of God’s splendor. But if we love one another, God makes His permanent home in us, and we make our permanent home in Him, and His love is brought to its full expression in us. – (1 John 4:11-12, TPT)

 

Though no one has seen God, His perfect love is made visible through those who love God and love one another. Not one of us is perfect, but we can be vessels of perfect love. Perfect love is complete, everlasting, and does not have qualifications to give or receive. The more we come to know and love God, the more completely we are equipped to love others, according to His good and perfect will. May we ever seek the Lord and His perfect love, so that we will grow in His likeness to love as He loves us.

 

Because we are loved,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

So too, shall we give;

To all whom we meet,

His love ever lives.

Though none are perfect,

God’s love truly is;

As we love like Him,

Love given is His.

In all that we do,

And all that we say;

May we choose to love,

And walk in His way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are perfect love. Thank You that as we seek You and come to know You more, we are equipped to love completely, according to Your perfect plan. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You, or not chosen love to lead. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would operate out of the lavish love that You give to us, extending the same to others. Show us how to love well, each person we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue You with our whole heart, so that we too, may love like You. Amen.

 

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

 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18

Strength and Help Supplied

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

Don’t worry – I am with you. Don’t be afraid – I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with My right hand that brings victory. – (Isaiah 41:10, ERV)

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keeping a firm grip on you. – (Isaiah 41:10, MSG)

 

The saga of moving and cleaning the old house was met with grace and strength. All five of us, (my Viking, my bonus-son-to-be, my boys and me) worked tirelessly yesterday to finish all that needed to be done. By mid-afternoon, everything was a wrap. After everyone had time to shower, pack and load up, we were on our way. God kept our tired crew safe as we traveled east over the pass to my mom’s house to begin preparations for Saturday. The weather was cooler than it has been, which was a huge blessing for preventing our older motorhome from overheating too often. Each of us was comfortable and content as we drove to our destination. As I sip my coffee and enjoy the quiet of the morning while the fellas all still sleep, I find that I have no worries and no fear. I know God is with us, and that He will uphold and help us with all that is yet to come. May we ever place our trust in the Lord, who holds us steady and will never let us go.

 

No matter what comes, 

I’ve no need to fear;

I am in His hands,

And I know He’s near.

All strength and His help,

Are granted to us;

As we trust in Him,

Our Savior, Jesus.

So be not afraid,

And trust in the Lord;

He’s faithful always,

All grace He affords.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that strengthens and helps us as You hold us by Your righteous right hand. Thank You that we need not fear, for You are with us; always. Forgive us for our times of doubt and teach us to trust You more. Show us how to love those around us with Your strength and help, as You supply all that we need to walk in Your ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we fear not and trust You to be our strength and help in all things and at all times. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

No Fear of Bad News

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. – (Psalm 112:7, NIV)

They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord. – (Psalm 112:7, ERV)

They won’t be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord. – (Psalm 112:7, CEB)

 

Yesterday, as I had a check back  appointment about my whole leg situation, I had a very emotional response to the words spoken. The prognosis given was a far longer recovery time than I had originally been told, and he did not pull any punches as he spoke of the gravity of the condition residing in my calf. Though tears did not fall at the time, they were threatening, and I am not a crier. Not sure what to do with my own spinning thoughts, I scooted out of the office as quickly as possible. As I drove home, I saw such a perfect representation of the verse above. On the road before me, there were dark, heavy storm clouds, yet at the base of them, there was light in the form of a rainbow. What it told me in the moment, was that even in the darkness, He promises to be present. Additionally, the song that was playing on the radio was incredibly timely too. Fear is a Liar, by Zach Williams flooded my heart as I took in the truth of what was unfolding before me. Still overwhelmed by everything, the dam burst as I finally processed what had taken place at my appointment, with my fiancé. After a few minutes of actually giving voice to my frustrations and fears, I was comforted and reminded anew that I was held in His hands. God is good even when our circumstances are not. He brings beauty from ashes and hope from despair. May we be confident in Him no matter what comes, as He is greater than anything that we will ever face.

 

When news comes my way, 

That is hard to take;

I’ll choose trust in God,

Light on darkest days.

For we need not fear,

No matter what comes;

Because God’s greater,

And He is not done.

Our heaps of ashes,

One day soon shall be;

Redeemed by His grace,

Turned into beauty.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we do not need to fear bad news, as You have us in the hollow of Your hands. Forgive us for being fearful when news is not what we hope it will be and teach us to be steadfast in trusting You. Show us how to love those around us with confidence and grace, so that we may extend love in fearful and needed space. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are steadfast in trusting You and do not fear when bad news comes our way. Amen.

 

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

…He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair… – Isaiah 61:3

To Leave Fear Far Behind

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, VOICE)

 

This has been a verse that has been a constant in my life for many years. I am not a particularly fearful person, yet discouragement and trepidation can creep in when life takes a turn that seems to lead in the opposite direction of where we thought that we would go, or circumstances mount up to mountains rather than the hills we have trained to climb. God promises to be present wherever we go, and He commands us to be strong and courageous. He does not command what He will not supply, and in His presence, there is no fear. Discouragement disappears and resolve rises as we look to the Lord to be our help. May we ever move forward with strength and courage in Christ, leaving fear and discouragement far behind as He leads us on.

 

Let’s look to the Lord, 

When fear tries creep in;

When we’re discouraged,

In trust, turn, seek Him.

The Lord is our hope,

Our help in our need;

His presence promised,

He’ll faithfully lead.

Do not be timid,

And turn from all fear;

For God is our strength,

As He’s always near.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not be afraid or discouraged, even when life seems to dictate such a response. Thank You that You are greater and stronger than anything that we have to face. Thank You that Your presence is promised forever. Forgive us for allowing fear and discouragement to take root when what we see seems to dictate such a response. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be strong and courageous in You for whatever lies before us, knowing that You are with us and You hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers strength and courage, as they see Your presence and help provided in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek strength and courage from You, no matter what we face. Amen.

 

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

 

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

Fear Fades in Perfect Love

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. – (1 John 4:18, NLT) 

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love. – (1 John 4:18, CEB) 

Love will never involve fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love. – (1 John 4:18, VOICE) 

 

To love God and know His love in return, requires a mind shift as we recognize the difference between fearing God, in the sense of awe and wonder at His power and authority, and fear of punishment, which delivers discipline without love. God loves us so much that He corrects, redirects and leads us to the paths we are meant to take. When we are walking in the light of His love, fear becomes unfamiliar as He shows us what it is to be loved in spite of ourselves. When we fall short, He still loves fiercely. As we misstep or make foolish decisions, He loves us so much that He leads us back the direction that we are meant to go. It is not a fearful thing, but rather our loving Heavenly Father, leading us in His perfect love. May we ever trust in Him who is love, as in Him and through Him we have nothing to fear. 

 

The love of the Lord, 

Is perfect indeed; 

It expels all fear, 

Grants strength where there’s need. 

When we find we’re stuck, 

Fear what we deserve; 

We need to recall, 

His sacrifice served. 

For as we know Christ, 

His cover of love; 

Our fears fade away, 

And hope’s found above. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is no fear in Your perfect love. Thank You that though we deserve punishment, You already paid the price for all of our sins. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You, and You lead us and guide us in the direction that we are meant to go. Forgive us for being fearful when we falter, rather than seeking You for forgiveness and help. Teach us to trust You more, so that we embrace the grace that You freely give, and walk boldly in the light of Your perfect love. Show us how to love those around us with a love like Yours. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to know and understand Your perfect love so that we can go and love others in the same way. Amen. 

 

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

 

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

Greater Than All

The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. – (1 John 4:4b, NIV)

For the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. – (1 John 4:4b, MSG)

The One who lives within you is greater than the one in the world. – (1 John 4:4b, VOICE)

 

When we know God, and trust Him to be Lord of our lives, we need not fear. The very same power that parted seas, overcame armies, healed the sick, brought the dead back to life, and resurrected Jesus from the grave on the third day, dwells in the hearts of all who believe. If God is for us, who can stand against us? Though trials and struggles will come, in Christ, we know the ultimate victory is His. Even when there seems to be no hope, in Him, we have hope that holds our hearts forever. He moves mountains where they seem impossible to be moved, takes down giants that seem unstoppable, and loves even the seemingly least loveable on earth. May we ever trust the One who dwells within us, for He is far greater than all that is in the world.

 

No matter what comes,

We can always call;

Trust God within us,

He’s greater than all.

For there is no fear,

In His perfect love;

He’s strong when we’re weak,

Our grace from above.

No, there is nothing,

Too heavy for Him;

He’s ready to help,

If we let Him in.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Spirit within us is far greater than anything that would come against us. Thank You that You are for us, and that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thank You that we can call on You and depend on You in all things and at all times. Forgive us for our fearfulness when the world seems overwhelming. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would remember who we are in You, and allow Your strength to rise. Show us how to walk out Your call according to Your plan so that we would love well, all those whom You have placed in our path. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and Your strength within us, no matter what we see standing before us. Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3