Answered with Unfailing Love

Answer my prayers, O Lord, for Your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for Your mercy is so plentiful. – (Psalm 69:16, NLT)

Answer me, Lord, from the goodness of Your faithful love. Out of Your great kindness turn to me and help me! – (Psalm 69:16, ERV)

Answer me, Lord, for Your faithful love is good! Turn to me in Your great compassion! – (Psalm 69:16, CEB)

 

God is so kind and knows how to love us so well; individually. One of the greatest challenges in this season for both mom and myself, has been the sense of feeling stuck indoors. Add to that the inactivity, (compared to our normal race-pace) and we each have had plenty of reason to pray. Over the last several weeks, God has been showing us more and more, ways to get out of the house for a change of scenery. Our need to wander has been satiated with afternoon exploration adventures in the car, where I have driven wherever mom has directed. In the process, I have discovered beautiful back roads that I never knew existed, and the restlessness from being stuck indoors has been greatly reduced. Yesterday, after taking care of some hall-walking and stretching, mom determined that she was ready for another adventure, but uncertain as to where she’d like to go. I mentioned that I had only been to Mission Ridge once, in the winter, so I was curious to see the space in the summertime. Mom said it was only a thirty-minute drive each way, so completely doable. We had a destination in mind, so off we went. The sun was shining and the ride along the way was wonderful. Beautiful back roads led the way, as we meandered past orchards and farmland, woods and hills, all leading to the winding way up the short pass. At the top, the view of the valley below was fantastic. Mom was content to remain in the car while I climbed up to the top of the nearby hill for a quick photo, and then returned to make our way back down. We of course stopped at Dutch Bros on our way home, and enjoyed a chat with my sister (the beauty of bluetooth technology) on the way. The remainder of the evening was relaxing and uneventful, as we enjoyed dinner, a movie and soon called it a night. Today should prove to be busy, as mom has her first hair appointment since before this all began, followed by a lunch get-together with her besties. She slept fairly well, with only one wake-up in the night, rising for the day, beginning with breakfast at 5:00 am.

 

When we choose to call,

On the loving Lord;

He’s faithful to hear,

His grace He affords.

Kindness unending,

Mercy that won’t fail;

Hope that will hold us,

As His love prevails.

In all things, choose trust,

For God’s always good;

Faithful forever,

Our hope understood.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our prayers and You are faithful to answer. Thank You that You are good and that Your mercy knows no end. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when the time between the asking and the answer seems long. Teach us to trust You more, as Your timing is perfect, and You know our needs better than we know ourselves. Show us how to love and encourage those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for answers and praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness forever. Amen.

 

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

 

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Sing Praise

I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. – (Psalm 69:30, NIV)

I will praise God’s Name in song. I will honor Him by giving Him thanks. – (Psalm 69:30, ERV)

Then I will praise God with my singing! My thanks will be His praise. – (Psalm 69:30, TLB)

 

During my quick turn-around at home, I was able to spend time with my boys and attend early service at my church prior to driving back to Wenatchee yesterday. During worship, there were moments that the words would be stuck behind the lump in my throat, yet my heart was still singing His praise. Fast-forward to my drive, and I had plenty of time to reflect on my own. Anyone in my close circle who has road-tripped with me, knows that I actually enjoy blasting a variety of music and singing at the top of my lungs. At first, the heaviness in my heart needed a little… hmm… let’s just say Skillet fit the bill best. (They also happen to be my favorite jam for running) Anyway, the heaviness began to give way to hope, and I switched gears and began to listen to worship music. There was something powerful about singing praise. A calm came over me, and all I could think about was how different this drive to Wenatchee was than my drive had been one week prior. One week ago, Mark was driving me into the unknown. We had received devastating news after investigating the prompting within us, and did not have any idea of the condition mom would be in when we arrived. This time, I had so much to be thankful for: we are so grateful to still have mom (we know that so often people in similar circumstances do not have such a fortunate fate), she is able to understand everything, she can communicate clearly, she has feeling in her right side (which is hopeful, even with the current paralysis of the right arm and leg), we have an incredible army supporting us all – in Wenatchee, Federal Way, Albany, across the country, and around the world (we are overwhelmed in the very best way by the outpouring of love and support!), and we, above all else, have a God in heaven who loves and heals, holds and moves, and has us all in the palm of His hands.

Last evening, after I had returned and spent several hours at the hospital with Meg and Mom, my sister and I went to the acute care facility on a scouting mission. We managed to talk our way in, and were very pleased with both the people that we met and the facility and how it is set up. Our biggest prayer now is that the move actually occurs today, as scheduled, and that there are no insurance or medical obstacles to prevent the move. Mom is more than ready to get out of the hospital and begin being far more active than the hospital setting allows. She is still not ready to have visitors outside of family or those we consider “framily” (friends so close that they have become an extension of the family). For those who love her dearly and are eager to visit, please be patient and know that waiting is best for her healing. In the meantime, you are welcome to download Marco Polo and send her a video message, send a card, a text message, etc. She still is not interested in her phone, but we will take it each day to show videos or read messages that are encouraging.

May we praise Him with songs of thanksgiving, for He is worthy of all of our thanks and praise.

 

When I’m lost for words,

View from Mom’s back deck. ❤

Or sound won’t give way;

My hearts still shall sing,

Lord, ever I’ll praise.

No matter what comes,

You always are good;

When my world’s shattered,

Beside me, You’ve stood.

You never leave me,

Ever You stay near;

You point me to hope,

And silence my fear.

Each morning I rise,

And greet the new day;

I give all to You,

O Lord, lead the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness to us, even in this. Thank You that You love us in tangible ways, as You have surrounded us with an army of warriors, ready to serve. Thank You for making Your presence and Your blessings so abundantly clear, even in the midst of the hardest circumstances. Forgive us for our spaces of fear and doubt. Teach us to trust You more, as You are far greater than anything that stands in the way of Your will being done. Remind our hearts to sing when our voices cannot find the words. Continue to place Your song in our hearts, as Your song is truth and life and light. Show us how to love those around us in a way that shares Your tune. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as our lives sing Your song of praise each day that we draw breath. Amen.

 

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

 

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:9

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledge the Goodness

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

Answer me, Lord, from the goodness of Your faithful love. Out of Your great kindness turn to me and help. – (Psalm 69:16, ERV) 

O Eternal One, hear me. Answer me. For Your enduring love is good comfort; in Your great mercy, turn toward me. – (Psalm 69:16, VOICE) 

 

This particular verse follows several verses of David airing his grievances for all that is going on around him. After voicing his frustrations and fears, he arrives at this verse, where he speaks out the goodness of God’s love, and the faithfulness found in His mercy. For me, this is a great reminder to acknowledge the goodness of God when we pray. Of course, we are meant to present our prayers and petitions before Him, but we ought to also recognize His authority over all that lies before us, and praise Him for who He is. I know that I thank Him, but I am reminded to be specific in speaking out the attributes of God, who is my help and my hope. No matter what comes against us, His love never fails. May we look to the Lord with hearts full of praise, and give Him credit for His faithful, loving ways. 

 

O Lord, You are near,

You hear what we pray; 

Your goodness and grace, 

New every day. 

As we come to You, 

May we praise anew; 

You for who You are, 

And all that You do. 

Help us in trouble, 

Be our strength and grace; 

With all that we are, 

Let our lives bring praise. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the goodness of Your faithful love that helps us in our need and grants us hope and peace in the midst of all that we face. Forgive us for presenting our need without giving You praise. Teach us to see the majesty in who You are and how You love. Show us how to love others in the same way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we present both our requests and our praise unto You, for all of our days.

 

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

 

I will proclaim the Name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! – Deuteronomy 32:3

Kindness, Help and Love

Answer my prayers, O Lord, for Your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for Your mercy is so plentiful. – (Psalm 69:16, NLT) 

Answer me, Lord, from the goodness of Your faithful love. Out of Your great kindness turn to me and help me! – (Psalm 69:16, ERV) 

Oh, Lord God, answer my prayers! I need to see Your tender kindness, Your grace, Your compassion, and Your constant love. – (Psalm 69:16, TPT) 

 

The love of the Lord never ceases to amaze me. Sometimes, He provides answers that we don’t even realize our hearts are asking. His help, kindness and love are often made evident through those whom He places in our lives. Yesterday afternoon, I was sore and tired by the time I arrived home from work. Incredibly, my fiancé had arrived to my home before me and greeted me with tender kindness and compassion. God’s unfailing love and care for me was made tangible through the ways in which my Viking tended to me. He walked beside me, stepped behind me if the path was a bit sketchy (to catch me if I were to take a tumble), opened every door, made certain I was seated comfortably in each place we went, and showered me with kindness and compassion. Additionally, I received messages from a friend who is like family and a teammate whom I greatly respect and admire. God sees and He knows what our hearts need the most and in His tender kindness and constant love, He provides. May we ever seek Him for the answers we need, and with open arms, receive the goodness of His faithful love that He provides. 

 

The God of all grace, 

My Viking ❤ -Photo:Open Door Photography

Through unfailing love; 

Shows His care for us, 

As mercies rise up. 

He provides His help, 

While compassion’s seen; 

As we receive grace, 

We learn what love means. 

He’s faithful to hear, 

Each time that we pray; 

His unfailing love, 

Will make clear a way. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. Thank You that You take care of us and that Your mercy knows no end. Thank You for Your great kindness and help when we need it most. Forgive us for not seeking You in our struggles and frustrations. Help us to trust You more, as You hear us and answer, no matter the size of our need. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends Your tender kindness, grace, compassion and constant love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You praise for Your unfailing love and the wonderful ways that You make Your kindness and compassion tangible through those around us. Amen. 

 

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

 

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Answers in Love

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

Answer me, Lord, from the goodness of Your faithful love. Out of Your great kindness turn to me and help me! – (Psalm 69:16, ERV)

Now answer me, God, because You love me; Let me see You great mercy full-face. – (Psalm 69:16, MSG)

 

God’s mercy and grace are always at the ready, because of His great love for us. Yesterday was one of those days where I was acutely aware of His goodness and faithful love for me. The morning was a bit of a rough start with a sick kiddo at home, students were very much out of sort, and news of disease destroying bodies of dear ones, could have set the day for complete disaster. Thankfully, in His kindness, God was with me. Calm covered me, when chaos could have reigned. Peace was present, where turmoil tried to rise. Despite the struggles of the day, His love is what led the way. That is not to say that I did not have to pause to breathe in grace, for surely without it the day would have gone far differently. However, in the goodness of His faithful love, mercy and grace were given to me, so that I could do the same. May we ever seek the Lord and His loving kindness, as He is faithful to meet us with His mercy.

 

When chaos tries reign, 

The Lord, He is near;

Full of His mercy,

His love is made clear.

He answers each call,

In kindness, He turns;

With help, He’s ready,

As goodness is learned.

So great is His love,

That shows us His grace;

Hears each cry for help,

As we seek His face.

So call on the Lord,

He is ever near;

His love overwhelms,

As mercy’s made clear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You answer us in Your great mercy and love when we seek You. Thank You that in Your faithfulness and kindness, You help us. Forgive us for not seeking You in our struggles, or not giving You proper praise for the help You provide. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our help and our hope, and faithful forever. Show us how to extend the very same kindness, love and mercy that we’ve been given to those around us, that we’ve been given by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to receive mercy because of Your goodness and faithful love, so that we may offer the same to others. 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

See and Be Glad

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. – (Psalm 69:32, NLT)

The poor in spirit see and are glad – Oh, you God-seekers, take heart! – (Psalm 69:32, MSG)

Those who humbly serve will see and rejoice! All you seekers-after-God will revive your souls! – (Psalm 69:32, VOICE)

 

When we slow down and stop focusing on ourselves, we are able to observe the glory of God at work. As we seek Him, the Lord encourages us with His love and light, filling us with what we need to love and serve according to His plan. Our reasons to rejoice are not always noticed with a quick glance, but rather when our hearts align with He who is greater than all that comes against us. It is in the recognition of God’s greatness, even in the trials, that we are able to take heart and know that His goodness is reason to rejoice. May we look to the Lord in awe and wonder, seeking Him, trusting that He will be our help and encouragement that brings us gladness through His grace.

 

The humble shall see,

The work of God’s hand;

How the Lord will move,

When in faith, we stand.

When we are downcast,

The Lord lifts us up;

Encourages hearts,

And fills empty cups.

All who choose seek Him,

Will see and rejoice;

The move of God’s hand,

As He hears our voice.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we humble ourselves before You and seek You, we are able to see You at work in us and around us. Thank You that You move on our behalf, and encourage our hearts. Forgive us for not humbly seeking You in all things. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would look to You for all that we need, as You are always at work and giving us reason to rejoice. Show us how to love those around us so that they might be encouraged and built up, no matter what surrounds them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we see the work of Your hand all around us, and choose to rejoice. Amen.

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

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

The Power of Praise

Though much of Psalm 69 is spent crying out to God about the troubles that David is facing, and how he longs for God to intervene, there is a verse that is pivotal, as David turns and points out the power of praise and how God receives it. I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. – (Psalm 69:30) He goes on to speak of how God is more pleased with praise than with sacrifice, and that our hearts are changed in the process.

 

Praise and thanksgiving are powerful tools to turn our hearts and minds away from our troubles, and onto He who is our solution. It never ceases to amaze me at how different my circumstances appear, when I begin looking through the lens of gratitude to God. Though I may not appreciate my circumstance, there are always things to be grateful for in the midst of them. His blessings are present, even when the storms are raging. Shelter, a life boat, our anchor in Him – all things for which we can give Him thanks and praise. Each breath that we breathe and the moments we are given are gifts to be utilized for His glory. May we praise His Name with our life song, and glorify Him as we give Him thanks for who He is and all that He has done and will do in our lives.

 

When storms are raging,

and the waters rise;

may we give God praise,

never compromise.

Let thanksgiving flow,

from our grateful hearts;

as we speak the truth,

for love He imparts.

Though the trials come,

His glory shall last;

Christ’s power within,

our strength to move past.

Glorify the Lord,

praise His Name in song;

He lifts up the weak,

and helps us be strong.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You alone are worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. Thank You that You are more pleased by our songs of praise and thanksgiving that come from a heart of gratitude for You, than You are for mere offerings given out of ritual or obligation. Forgive us for doing anything out of obligation rather than from a place of praise. Help our hearts to be right before You, so that when we think of You, we cannot help but pour out praise and thanksgiving for who You are and all that You have done in and through us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may slow down enough to see You in the midst of the storms. Lead us to love others, just as You so completely love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You in song and glorify You with thanksgiving. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23