Trust in the Battle

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – (Exodus 14:14, NIV)

“You will not have to do anything but stay calm. The Lord will do the fighting for you.” – (Exodus 14:14, ERV)

“God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut! “- (Exodus 14:14, MSG)

 

Some days, as an educator, I have to make difficult decisions that include referrals for kids who make poor choices. Yesterday, I had a student behave in a way that I had not witnessed prior, yet it was something that could not be neglected. After reporting the issue to one in charge of discipline, I was strongly encouraged to call the young man’s parent to inform them about what had taken place. In the moment, it didn’t settle well, but I went ahead and did as I was asked. To my surprise, the parent of the student was fiercely defensive of her son, and went so far as to accuse me of “picking on her son.” I tried to let her know that it was an obligation on my part to write a referral, but there would be an opportunity for discussion so that the young man could explain what had transpired. Surprisingly, her anger would not subside, and ultimately, she hung up. For a time, I was rattled. My character had been called into question for reporting what I had witnessed. It took some time and a bit of debriefing with my husband, before I could truly settle in and trust that I had done what was right. This morning, this is exactly the reminder that I needed. When battles rise before me, I can only do my part and then have to trust what remains, in His hands. He will show me what to say and when to be silent. God is faithful, no matter what we see or hear, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. May we place our battles in His hands, and be silent until He grants us words to speak. For He is good, and His love endures forever.

 

There is no battle, trust in the battle

Too great or too small;

In His mighty hands,

He’ll help us with all.

Sometimes our fighting,

Is found in “be still”;

To wait in silence,

Let God work His will.

No matter what comes,

The Lord’s word is true;

He’ll love as we wait,

Choose trust what He’ll do.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of Your faithfulness when we are uncertain of the battles before us. Thank You that we are to place all in Your hands, and allow You to lead us and guide us, trusting that You have our very best in mind. Forgive us for feeling that we must always fight, when sometimes, we are meant to wait, be still, and witness what You are going to do. Show us how to love those around us in the midst of the battle, granting strength and hope and peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our difficulties in Your helping hands, and choose trust You to be Lord of all. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick 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

Restoring Joy

I will shout for joy as I sing Your praises; my soul will celebrate because You have rescued me. – (Psalm 71:23, VOICE)

 

Yesterday was the best day that I have had with students in a long while. For whatever reason, the air was lighter, kids were set to task, and I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my students all day long. Because my heart was full, and joy was restored, my countenance was not shaken when I needed to call to have a student removed from my last class of the day. The other students in the class were doing a terrific job, and I was not going to allow one child’s poor choices steal the joy that had come to rest in the room. God was faithful to hold my heart throughout the day, and the atmosphere in my classroom was exactly what was needed to help carry me to today. This morning, rather than dreading one more day to drudge through (as I was that weary on Wednesday), I am eagerly anticipating today, and have hope for a repeat of positive student engagement, as well as necessary work being accomplished. An added bonus and reason to celebrate is that we are being rescued from all the rain, as sunshine and clear skies are at last in the forecast as well. May we all celebrate the goodness of God, as He has rescued each of us, granting our heart reason for joy.

 

Let each heart sing praise,Gifts Given to Glorify

As joy enters in;

For we’ve been rescued,

Set free from our sin.

Though we’ll have struggles,

On Christ we can call;

He’s our help and hope,

Makes way through it all.

Let shouts of joy,

Rise up, fill the air;

Our Forever Hope,

Is present; aware.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You rescue us. Thank You that You are our strength when we have none, and that You restore joy in spaces where it has been depleted. Thank You that in You, there is always joy. Forgive us for fixing our eyes on our circumstances or allowing what is in front of us to weigh us down. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will place our burdens in Your hands, and allow You to carry the weight. Show us how to love well, those who need it most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You and celebrate who You are and all that You have done. Amen.

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

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