Good Forever

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – (Psalm 118:1, NIV)

Praise the Lord because He is good! His faithful love will last forever! – (Psalm 118:1, ERV)

Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind. – (Psalm 118:1, VOICE)

 

This is where I must fix my heart and mind, as I have seen and known the goodness of God, particularly over the past six days, as I have been blessed with precious time with my husband and children. His goodness and love are not limited to the times that I am home, for I am fully aware of God’s faithfulness and kindness while in Wenatchee with my mom as well. He makes His presence known, and His goodness is tangibly shown, as His power is made evident in each step of this journey our family is taking with my mom as she recovers from her stroke. Today, as I return to mom and all that life in Wenatchee entails, I will give thanks to God for His goodness and love, as He continues to show His kindness and grace to us all as we navigate this uncharted journey.

Yesterday was a busy day for Mom and Megan, as she had both occupational and speech therapy appointments. The day passed quickly, and included a Dutch Bros run and enjoying the view, as electrical storms passed through. Our prayers continue as details are an ongoing process to be researched and organized for next steps, and for God’s perfect peace to be present in the hearts of us all as the transition takes place. May we give thanks to God because He is always good, and He never ceases to be loving and kind.

 

When the road ahead,

Is vastly unseen;

Turn in trust to God,

So, He’ll intervene.

He comes with His peace,

When chaos seems reign;

His love and His grace,

Uplift and sustain.

Now and forever,

God’s love knows no end;

All thanks unto Him,

As His peace transcends.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can always trust in You. Thank You that Your love and grace never end. Thank You that Your perfect peace transcends whatever storm we are in. Forgive us for our fearfulness and doubts. Teach us to trust You beyond what our eyes can see and what our hearts can understand. Show us how to love those around us in a way that promotes Your perfect peace and extends Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks and trust in You forever because You are good. Amen.

 

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

 

Surely Your 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

A Heritage of Faithfulness

The Lord is my strength. He saves me, and I sing songs of praise to Him. He is my God, and I praise Him. He is the God of my ancestors, and I honor Him. – (Exodus 15:2, ERV)

 

Just after the Israelites had passed through the parted Red Sea to safety, and watched the seas cover the Egyptian army that pursued them, these words were theirs, as they recognized, celebrated and honored God for His faithfulness to lead them out of the space of slavery where they had been bound for far too long. God does the same for us today. He comes close and provides what we need as it is needed, and will be our strength to lead us to safety from the places that we have been stuck. For me, I am blessed to have a rich heritage of faithful followers of Christ. I specifically remember both my paternal great-grandmother and her gentle, kindness to all, and my maternal grandmother, who at ninety-six, is still light, life and love to all whom she meets. She is the one whom I most admire, and if I live my life half as well as she has and still is living hers, the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will surely be heard when my days are done. For all of these things and more, I sing and give God all of my praise. No matter what comes, He is the reason to give thanks. My hope lies not in the here and now, but in that which is yet to come. I know that I only see in part, the fullness of what lies before me. God has purpose and plans for all who love and follow Him. May we rise up and remember who is our source of strength, giving Him all honor and praise as we pursue His ways.

 

The Lord is my strength,

my reason to sing;

my Savior and hope,

all help, He does bring.

For He is my God,

I give Him my praise;

for His faithfulness,

throughout all my days.

A rich heritage,

of following Christ;

granted unto me,

His grace has sufficed.

May I do the same,

for my next of kin;

show them God’s great love,

so faith enters in.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength. Thank You that You save us and give us reason to sing praise unto You. Thank You that You are our God. Thank You for those who have gone before us and set an example of faithfully following You, for it is through their faithfulness that we have found our way unto You. Forgive us for not giving You the praise and honor that You deserve, and help us to honor and praise You with every word we speak and everything we do. Let our very lives give glory unto You. Show us how to love others as You have loved us, so that future generations will have a solid example through us, of what it is to live a life devoted to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your strength to do Your will, and give You all praise as we go. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31